Predicting the Packers’ final six games of the 2019 season
Week 16: at Vikings
This could very well be the game that decides who will win the NFC North. The Packers beat the Vikings in Week 2, which essentially gave them a one-game lead over the Vikings. Beating the Vikings in Week 16 would all but give the Packers the division. The Vikings, currently 8-3, will have a bye this week but then travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks, then host the Lions, then travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers before they play the Packers in Minnesota.
The Packers could get some help if Seattle can beat the Vikings. But otherwise, the Vikings should be able to beat the Lions and Chargers. This game could very well be a matchup between teams that each has at least 11 wins. The loser would likely lose out on the division and be forced to play in a wild-card game and travel in the playoffs.
The Vikings’ defense has been solid, as it always has under Mike Zimmer. Danielle Hunter is one of the best and most underrated pass-rushers in the league. Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr still form one of the better linebacker duos in the league and Harrison Smith is still one of the top safeties in the league. This defense is still one of the best in the NFL.
The offense has been playing significantly better since the Week 2 matchup. Kirk Cousins has been playing well and has actually led his team to some comeback wins this season and beating some better teams. Dalvin Cook is showing he is one of the best running backs in the league and Stefon Diggs has been getting a lot more involved. By the time this game comes around, I’m pretty sure Adam Thielen will be back and ready to play.
Playing in Minnesota has always been tough. The Packers have yet to win a game in the Vikings’ new digs, U.S. Bank Stadium. With the way both teams are playing right now, I think the home-field advantage is huge.