The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings face off in week eight for the second time this year. Each team heading in an opposite direction, with the Packers at 5-1 and the Vikings at 1-5. Who are the X-factors in a rematch from week one?
Minnesota has one win on the season, defeating the Texans in week four. Injuries, inconsistent play by the offense, and quarterback Kirk Cousins coupled with a defense that hasn’t been as dominant as it was years past has spelled a lost season for the Vikings. They shipped off defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to the Baltimore Ravens this week in an effort to build for the future.
The Packers bounced back against the Houston Texans after a dismal showing two weeks ago against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the offense are playing at an elite level and that spells trouble for a struggling Minnesota defense.
Jamal Williams
Jamal Williams carried the load last week against the Texans after Aaron Jones was ruled out. Williams had 19 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown. He was also active in the passing game as usual, catching four passes for 37 yards. Jones hasn’t practiced yet this week and looks to be out again against the Vikings. If Jones is out, Williams will once again be the lead back against a suspect Vikings Defense. In week one, Williams didn’t have much success but was also limited in usage. This time around, expect to see Williams get 20 plus touches.
Josh Jackson
Jackson will be starting his second game this year with Kevin King out again after missing practice this week with a hamstring injury. Jackson was solid last week against a deep Texans wide receiver core. The Texans were limited on offense until the fourth quarter when it was too late. The Packers will rely on Jackson to cover either Adam Theilen or Justin Jefferson, with Jaire Alexander on the other side. Jefferson and Theilen pose a threat on the outside for Kirk Cousins and will pose a challenge for Jackson. He will need to repeat his performance from last week if the Packers are to shut down the air attack of the Vikings.
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