The generally accepted top two teams in the NFC North will face off on Sunday to begin the 2020 NFL season. Neither team had an exciting offseason and have returned with similar squads to 2019. Aaron Rodgers will be on fire trying to prove his worth to the organization while Kirk Cousins will be making his best effort to win division games which he has struggled with since arriving in Minnesota.
Both teams feature dynamic players on both sides of the ball, with Aaron Jones and Dalvin Cook aiming to control the game on the ground. Although both squads have Pro Bowl level receivers in Davante Adams and Adam Thielen, this Week 1 matchup will center around the defense units and who can control time of possession the most. The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings have split their last seven matchups evenly, with three wins, three losses, and one tie apiece. With a lack of offseason work and no preseason at all, both teams may see a little rust early on which will contribute to a run-heavy, low scoring game.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay has been generally healthy during camp, although projected starting linebacker Kamal Martin was recently placed on injured reserve which leaves Christian Kirksey, Ty Summers, and Oren Burks as the only inside linebackers on the active roster. Burks has also been limited in practice so far this week but should be good to go. The only other injury issue for Green Bay has been Billy Turner, projected starting right tackle, who did not practice early in the week.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota has had little issues on the injury front other than an unknown injury to star edge rusher Danielle Hunter who was placed on injured reserve. Due to the new COVID rules, Hunter will miss at least three games which ensures his absence in Week 1 against Green Bay.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, September 13th
Start time: 12PM CST
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Stadium: U.S. Bank Stadium
TV Info: FOX Sports will have the broadcast for the game. Play-by-play man Chris Myers joins analyst Greg Jennings and Brock Huard, and sideline reporter Jen Hale
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Packers +2.5, Vikings -2.5
Moneyline: Green Bay, +118, Minnesota -143
Over/Under: OU 46 points
The biggest issue here will be the over/under line. The Packers and Vikings have only gone over 46 combined points twice in their last 12 matchups and one of those games came in a dramatic 2018 overtime tie. The spread is a toss-up, but the over/under is an easy under pick.
Prediction
The Packers and Vikings never disappoint in giving the NFC North an exciting matchup. Rodgers is motivated to prove his worth. A Week 1 game that could define the playoff race for the entire division will be a dogfight from the opening kickoff. The Packers often struggle in Minnesota, which may be mitigated due to the lack of fans. The lack of dynamic weapons for Green Bay will be the biggest defining factor in a close win for the Vikings.
Final Score: Packers 17, Vikings 23
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