National Football League

NFL Week 2: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

For the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings, one of the bigger NFL Week 2 matchups is upon.

This is the first regular season game at the beautiful US Bank Stadium.

The Packers and Vikings will square up on prime time Sunday night. Both teams are coming off road victories against AFC South opponents and look to prove who the real powerhouse is in the Black and Blue Division.

This article will touch on a couple matchups to keep an eye on this week.

I predict the Packers will win this one and I give you the reasons why and my final score ahead.

Adrian Peterson

Last week the Titans were able to hold Adrian Peterson to 31 yards on 19 attempts. The 31 year old running back was unable to find room and seemed to struggle running out of the shotgun. Despite the running back’s struggles, the Packers will need to remain dedicated to stopping the run. The Vikings offense is so often dependent on the ability to rush the football.

September 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs with the football against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi

It is unclear who will be the Starting Quarterback this week, but it appears Sam Bradford will get the nod for the Vikings. I

f Adrian Peterson is able to break off big runs it could open up the Passing games for Minnesota. The Packers did an awesome job shutting down T.J. Yeldon Week 1, but we all know A.P’s track record and what he can do to opposing defenses.

Also, keep an eye on Jerrick McKinnon. He can be dangerous in the passing game if teams lose track of him.

Stefon Diggs v. Damarious Randall
With Cornerback Sam Shields currently in the concussion protocol and his availability in doubt, Stefon Diggs becomes a player to watch. Stefon Diggs is an explosive playmaker and the Vikings will likely call his number several times throughout the game.

Damarious Randall will likely be the guy matched up on Diggs and has proven to be very good in coverage so far in his young career.

I could see the Vikings moving Diggs around to create a possible mismatch. This should be a fun match up to keep an eye on.

Packers O-line vs. Vikings Defense  

The Packers were able to hold the Jaguars to only one sack last week and Rodgers seemed to have fairly good time to get rid of the ball.

Rodgers was able to buy time and he managed the pocket very well. The Vikings have an excellent pass rush led by All-Pro Everson Griffin who last week was able to cause fits for the Titans.

Along with Griffin the Vikings have other play makers on the defensive line and also like to send pressure with their speedy line backers.

The Packers will need to continue with their balanced attack to keep the defense guessing.  I’d expect some screen passes, counters, and draws to offset the timing of the Vikings.

They play with speed and the Packers could make them pay if they begin to over pursue.

Predictions/ Keys to Success

This one is pretty simple.

The Vikings are a tough team, but the game plan is not elaborate. The Packers need to sustain drives and pick up the key third downs.

Time of possession does not necessarily need to be won, but they need to have better execution and clock management, especially at the end of each half.

The Packers need to score touchdowns in the RedZone and I would like to see some better play calling in that area.

Other than that, they need to win special teams and CANNOT turn over the ball. I would like to avoid kicking to Cordarrale Patterson, he is capable of producing the magic the Vikings will need to win this game.

Packers win if: they sustain drives; give up zero turnovers; win special teams; shut down Adrian Peterson.

Packers lose if: The Vikings special teams or defense scores touchdowns; Vikings win the turnover differential. They give up 3 or more touchdowns to Minnesota.

I believe the Packers come out on top. Their defense will play well enough to force the Vikings to settle for field goals. The Packers offense is versatile enough where they will find ways to get the ball in the end zone.

Ultimately, the Packers are far more dangerous on offense than the Vikings are. I think the Packers offense will be able to put up enough points again this week that the Packers defense will have enough breathing room to get the job done.

Also, Aaron Rodgers is due for one of those games where he goes off. Why not on Sunday Night Football on the National stage?

Packers 30Aaron Rodgers 287 Yards, 3TDSEddie Lacy         97 yards,   TD

Vikings 20Sam Bradford 205 Yards, TDAdrian Peterson 114 yards

Follow on Twitter – @Dirrttyjoe  where I will be posting in-game news, reactions, videos and more! I Appreciate all you readers

More from Lombardi Ave

This article originally appeared on

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League