The Packers travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings this weekend. The rivalry matchup Is the first of the season. In Matt LaFleur’s third year we’ve only lost one game to a division foe. In that game last year Dalvin Cook ran wild scoring three touchdowns. Stopping Cook will be of high priority. For a full game preview check out this article. I’m going to give you three bold predictions as we aim to leave Minnesota with a win.
Dalvin Cook Has Less Than 40 Yards From Scrimmage
While the Vikings record doesn’t necessarily reflect it, they have a dangerous offense. They can beat you in the air with Justin Jefferson. They can gash you on the ground as we saw last year with Dalvin Cook. Stopping Dalvin Cook should be priority number one on Sunday. If the Packers can keep Dalvin Cook to less than 40 yards from scrimmage that will do wonders for the Packers defense that is only getting better as the season rolls along. Keeping Dalvin grounded means the Vikings don’t have the Play Action working and the secondary can focus more on Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
A.J. Dillon Runs For 200 Yards
The Vikings matchup is undoubtedly a rivalry game that the Packers want to win. While we do have a comfortable lead in the division, the Vikings are too good to take lightly. With Aaron Jones out likely till after the bye, it’s A.J. Dillon’s time to be the featured back in the Packers Offense. Quadzilla will get a chance to show the Vikings why he was a second round pick last year. I believe if the Packers can get Dillon going early and often, it will mean great things for the Packers Offense that hasn’t quite got it all together yet. As Quadzilla continues to run and run against the Vikings Defense, the Play Action will work, and by the 4th quarter their defense will be gassed. It’s up to MLF to play the hot hand should Dillon get rolling.
The Packers Sack Kirk Cousins Seven Times
While it won’t be an easy task for the Packers defense, if they can keep Cook grounded like we discussed earlier, the Defense has a much easier day. The Secondary does their job, keeps routes covered and the front seven of the Packers can have a field day in the backfield. You never know how a rivalry game will play out, teams play each other tightly quite often. They are your rival so you know them the best of all the NFL. You see them twice a year, and a win means a bit more as the goal of a Division Title is in your sights. It will take a well rounded Defensive effort, but sacking Cousins seven times, will surely end up with a Packers win Vs. the Vikings. Leaving Minnesota with a win will do wonders for the Packers as a whole.
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As always Go Pack Go!
