OK, maybe the Vikings were easy last year when the Packers won 31-3 in Minnesota, but normally the they are a thorn in the Packers’ side. It doesn’t matter how good either team is, the Vikings seem to find a way to win in the Packers’ house of horrors – the Metrodome. On paper the Packers are so much better it’s not even funny, but I still think this is going to be the end of the Packers’ 12-game winning streak.
I’ve just had a bad feeling about this one since I left Lambeau last Sunday. If the Packers play like they did against the Rams in the second half the Vikings will win easily. Plus, the whole Packers against rookie quarterbacks thing scares me. I think Christian Ponder will gash us with some long runs which will in turn ease the pass rush on him allowing him to complete some big plays on the Packers’ porous pass defense.
All week I was thinking the Packers need to establish the running game so they can slow down the Vikings pass rush, in specific, Jared Allen, who leads league in sacks. Now though, considering the Vikings are without Antoine Winfield and Chris Cook, I think the Packers should maybe max-protect and let Aaron Rodgers and Co. try and pick apart a depleted secondary.
No matter what strategy they choose the key is getting to an early lead and quieting the Metrodome crowd. If the Packers were to fall behind in this one it will be hard to come back, especially if the Adrian Peterson is running wild. Yes I know the Packers have come back twice from 13-point plus deficits, but neither of those teams have a time-killing running back like Peterson.
I also know the Vikings haven’t been good at holding leads this year, twice losing leads of 17 points or more. Just goes to show you how bad I feel about this game. I think the Vikings get a sack-fumble TD or a pick six or some other stupid play and pull out an ugly win. Vince Lombardi’s 12-game winning streak will remain tied but not broken. Vikings 26, Packers 24.