The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings face off on Sunday in a Week 1 NFL game at US Bank Stadium.
The Vikings missed out on the playoffs last season and that led to a coaching change. Gone is Mike Zimmer and in steps Kevin O'Connell who the Vikings played have raved about during the preseason. Back under center is Kirk Cousins and last season he completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Justin Jefferson is also expecting an even bigger season after catching 108 passes for 1.616 yards and 10 touchdowns. On defense, the Vikings really struggled last season, but the hope is that with Patrick Peterson coming back, they can have a big season.
On the other side of this matchup is the Packers who have Aaron Rodgers back under center, and they believe that they should win the NFC North again this season. The problem for Rodgers though, is that he has lost his favorite weapon. Davante Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, and those are big holes to fill. They did bring in Sammy Watkins, and someone is going to need to step up and be a number one receiver. Receiver Allen Lazard is dealing with an ankle injury and is doubtful for this game. David Bakhtiari is also dealing with a knee injury and is questionable for this game.
The Packers are 1-4 against the spread in their last five games overall. The Vikings are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games on fieldturf. The underdog is 4-1 against the spread in the last five meetings.
I expect a much more exciting offense from the Vikings, and Cousins is going to have his best season yet. In this game, look for a big game from Cousins against the Packers defense, and Aaron Rodgers isn't going to be able to keep up. . I am going to the points to be safe, but throwing a few dollars on the Vikings money line also makes a ton of sense. Back the Vikings to cover the spread here with ease.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
Mitch's Take...
