The Green Bay Packers have won their last two road games against the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers hope to extend that dominance in Week 11 when they travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings at the U.S. Bank Stadium. Who will emerge victorious in the Packers vs Vikings clash? Check our preview to see who has the edge in this NFC North showdown.
Green Bay Packers installed as -2.5 favorites
The Green Bay Packers will head to their showdown against the Minnesota Vikings with momentum on their side after beating the Seattle Seahawks, 17-0, in Week 10. It was a huge bounce-back win for the Packers, who absorbed a 13-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9.
The Packers are now tied with the Arizona Cardinals for the NFC lead with both teams carrying similar 8-2 records. Green Bay holds the tiebreaker, though, with the Packers beating the Cardinals in their Thursday Night Football showdown in Week 9.
Aaron Rodgers made a triumphant return for the Packers after missing their previous week's clash because of COVID-19. He looked rusty in this contest, though, which was understandable given he did not practice all week and was only cleared to play on Saturday. Rodgers completed 23 of 37 passes for 292 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
Fortunately for Rodgers and the Packers, Green Bay's defense stepped up against Seattle. They recorded their first shutout win since September 30, 2018, when the Packers defeated the Buffalo Bills, 22-0.
A.J. Dillon also put some points on the board in the fourth quarter, scoring two rushing touchdowns to seal the win for Green Bay. Dillon will be the Packers' starting running back in Week 11 after Aaron Jones suffered a mild MCL sprain that will force him to miss at least one to two weeks.
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Minnesota Vikings enter Week 11 as +2.5 underdogs
The Minnesota Vikings finally snapped their two-game losing streak with a 27-20 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10. It was a critical victory for the Vikings, who remained 3.5 games behind the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North standings.
The Vikings used a balanced attack to grab the road win against LA. Kirk Cousins punished the Chargers' secondary, completing 25 of 37 passes for 294 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Justin Jefferson wreaked havoc through the air, catching nine passes for 143 yards. Tyler Conklin was Cousins' main target in the end zone, nabbing two touchdown receptions.
Minnesota also utilized its ground game with Dalvin Cook running for 94 yards and a score on 24 carries. Cook's availability for this game was in question after his former girlfriend filed a civil lawsuit against him for an alleged assault. That did not faze Cook and the Vikings, who pulled to within a half-game of the Carolina Panthers for the final playoff spot in the NFC.
The Vikings managed to finally win a close game after a string of heartbreaking narrow defeats. They have lost five games this season by a combined 18 points.
Writer's Prediction
Minnesota wins this important NFC North duel.
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