Packers: Lombardi Ave staff predict Week 2 game vs. Vikings

The Lombardi Ave staff have made their predictions for the Green Bay Packers’ Week 2 showdown with the Minnesota Vikings.

After last week’s dramatic victory over the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers host another division rival in Week 2.

But there a concerns for the Packers. Will Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams play? Both got hurt in the season opener.

Can Green Bay find a way to beat the NFC North champions? Last week everyone successfully predicted a Packers win (just), but there isn’t quite as much confidence for this game.

Paul Bretl: Offensively, Green Bay will look to get off to a quicker start against this strong Minnesota defense. The Packers will attempt to establish the run game early on and I expect them to play up-tempo, with quick passes to get the ball out of Rodgers’ hands.

On defense, the Packers will play with a lot of dime packages to make sure they stay on top of Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph. The pass rush will be the key to this game defensively, by slowing down the Vikings running game and putting pressure on Cousins.

It will be a tough matchup, but I’m not betting against Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay 20, Minnesota 13

Jesse Fry: I feel this could go one of two ways. If the Vikings’ pass rush is able to disrupt a hobbled Aaron Rodgers with a constant inside rush, it could be a long day for Green Bay’s offense. If that happens, the matchups will favor the Vikings.

The 49ers were able to move the ball against the Vikings defense, but was unable to capitalize on their opportunities. If the Packers can withstand the Vikings pass rush and get a run game going to complement Rodgers, the Packers should be able to hold the rush a few ticks and give Rodgers more time to scan the field.

I’m giving the Packers the home-field advantage. Green Bay 17, Minnesota 14

Keegan Jackish: This divisional matchup will be a bloodbath in favor of Minnesota if Aaron Rodgers is unable to play. Fortunately for the Packers, it seems more likely than not that No. 12 will be able to suit up against Minnesota.

If Rodgers plays, the Packers should be able to score just enough to squeak out a victory. They will also be able to pressure the quarterback better in this game going against a depleted Minnesota offensive line. Green Bay 27, Minnesota 24

Nile McNair: Green Bay will defend home-field and defeat the Vikings. With this prediction, I’m also anticipating that Rodgers will play. Expect Kirk Cousins to struggle in his first taste of the Packers-Vikings rivalry. Green Bay will win with a final score of 20-17. Green Bay 20, Minnesota 17

Nick Olig: If the Packers decide to rest Aaron Rodgers for a home game against a talented Vikings team, it won’t be a bad idea given how vital No. 12’s long-term health is to the organization.

But Rodgers on the sideline resting his knee also won’t help the Packers win a game that would secure first place in the division (albeit in September). It’s no fun picking Minnesota to beat Green Bay, but the horn-blowers have plenty of playmakers on offense to go along with a nasty defense.

Minus the brilliance of Rodgers, plus a respectable start from DeShone Kizer, my guess is Vikings over Packers. Minnesota 24, Green Bay 14

Freddie Boston: At the time of writing we don’t yet know for sure whether Rodgers will play. My guess is that he will, but of course, the two-time MVP will be below 100 percent.

Yes, it’s at Lambeau. And yes, we saw just a week ago what Rodgers can do against a strong defense even while playing hurt. But this Vikings defense is one of the league’s very best, and with a week to prepare for Rodgers minus the extended plays, they will come to Lambeau with a good game plan.

I hope I’m wrong, but with or without Rodgers, I predict a Vikings win on Sunday. Minnesota 24, Green Bay 17