Packers: 3 bold predictions for season opener vs. Vikings

Justin Jefferson is held under 30 receiving yards

Justin Jefferson dominated the Packers’ secondary last season, catching 14 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns. He was particularly impressive in the game at U.S. Bank Stadium, making eight receptions for 169 yards and two touchdowns.

The Packers had no answer for Jefferson.

There’s little doubt that Jefferson is one of the league’s top wide receivers. He is already a two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler, despite only being in the NFL for two seasons.

However, he won’t have the same success against the Packers this time at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Why not? Jaire Alexander.

Alexander is a shutdown corner and was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in his last fully-healthy season. He didn’t play in either of the Vikings games last year.

He did, however, play against Jefferson in 2020. The results were very different.

Jefferson had five catches for 52 yards and no touchdowns in the two games combined.

Alexander shut him down in the game at Lambeau Field. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Alexander shadowed Jefferson on 11 of his 14 routes in that game, allowing just one catch for 12 yards.

It would come as no surprise if defensive coordinator Joe Barry has Alexander follow Jefferson on Sunday. And Alexander will have a point to prove having missed most of last season.

All-Pro versus All-Pro. Alexander wins.