Packers vs. Vikings: Three key matchups in Week 16

1. Vikings receivers vs. Packers secondary

As previously mentioned, the Green Bay secondary had a tremendous game against this Vikings receiving corps in Week 2. The Vikings have arguably one of the more talented receiving duos in the league with Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. The Vikings also have a strong running game, which can take some stress off the receivers, giving them more opportunities to make some plays.

Reports coming out are saying that Dalvin Cook probably won’t play Monday night. Meanwhile, backup running back Alexander Mattison is also banged up. He missed the last game with an ankle injury and could miss this game as well.

It’s big if Minnesota is missing their top two backs, who combined for 179 yards rushing and a touchdown when they last met. However, just because they are gone doesn’t mean the Vikings won’t be effective running the ball. Last week, Mike Boone had 13 carries for 56 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

I think Cooks’ absence will allow the Packers to focus more on the passing game, which they’ll have to slow down if they want to win. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky talks about the importance of Jaire Alexander and Kevin King in this game in a recent article:

"“Diggs and Thielen were Packers killers last season. In the two games against Green Bay, a Vikings’ win and a tie, they combined for 37 catches, 461 yards and five touchdowns. On Monday, they would need 31 catches for 337 yards and four touchdowns to match last season’s two-game numbers against the Packers.”"

If Alexander and King can slow down or shut down Diggs and Thielen, that should give the Packers a good shot at winning. As good as the Vikings defense is, the Packers can’t afford to give up a lot of points, and it will start with stopping their dynamic receiving duo.