Why the Packers will beat the Vikings in Week 1 matchup
The Green Bay Packers will defeat the Minnesota Vikings. Here’s why.
Week 1 is almost here for the Green Bay Packers. That means a date with the arch-rival Minnesota Vikings is looming.
Minnesota is a team on the come-up. Pro Bowl signal-caller Kirk Cousins gets his old QB coach back in Kevin O’Connell as the head man in the Twin Cities. He also has his best arsenal of weapons that he’s had in his career.
Justin Jefferson is one of the best receivers in the game, along with a very solid No. 2 in Adam Thielen. Dalvin Cook is a three-time Pro Bowl running back.
The defense is also experienced, especially with Patrick Peterson, Harrison Smith, and Eric Kendricks on their side.
This game on Sunday is going to be close. However, Matt LaFleur’s squad is the most well-rounded it has been in his time at the helm. That is why the Packers will come out on top on the road.
Despite Minnesota being Aaron Rodgers’ toughest divisional opponent, No. 12 has thrown 56 touchdowns to just seven interceptions against the Vikings in his career. Rodgers has a career rating of 110.4 against the Vikings.
He also has help. The dynamic duo of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon are due for a massive performance. The Vikings finished in the bottom third of the league in run defense. Despite losing Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Rodgers will have help in veteran receivers Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, and Randall Cobb.
According to the team’s latest depth chart release, All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari and Pro Bowl guard/tackle Elgton Jenkins are slated in as the team’s two starting tackles. This Packers offense is ready to roll.
Defensively, Green Bay is stacked. They have stars at every level and are ready to stifle Minnesota’s arsenal. All-Pro middle linebacker De’Vondre Campbell and talented first-round Quay Walker are ready to stuff the run and confuse Cousins.
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark and the talented edge-rush pairing of Rashan Gary and Preston Smith (both recorded 9+ sacks in 2021) will help Green Bay control the line of scrimmage.
The strength of Joe Barry’s defense will undoubtedly be his cornerbacks.
Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Rasul Douglas will help shut down Jefferson, Thielen, and recent trade acquisition Jalen Reagor. This is the most talented defense the Packers have in over a decade.
There is no doubt that the Vikings have an above-average roster. They have talent on both sides of the ball. They also have experience. The addition of Kevin O’Connell will help breathe some new life into this franchise.
However, Matt LaFleur is the most experienced coach in the NFC North. Aaron Rodgers is the leader of a hungry offense that has a lot to prove. The defense is stacked. Rich Bisaccia’s special teams should be much better than it was a year ago.
It is a rivalry game to kick off the 2022 regular season in the prime afternoon slot on FOX. The Packers will weather the storm and find a way to come out on top on Sunday.