PackerNotes Staff Predictions: Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Green Bay Packers have two weeks left on what has been a rollercoaster of a season. They get an interdivisional matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, and both teams are still in the playoff hunt. The Vikings are starting rookie quarterback Jaren Hall from BYU.

Here are the staff predictions for the game.

PackersNotes Staff Prediction: Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) warms up before a Week 1 NFL preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Jimmy Malchow (7-7): Vikings Over Packers 30-24

The Packers enter this game down their top two corners. Jaire Alexander is suspended, and Eric Stokes is now out with a late hamstring injury. I don’t see how the Packers defense will be able to get off the field. Regardless of the injuries, it’ll be a challenging game for them.

Offensively, Flores has the Vikings playing well. The Packers offense is the least of my concern, and I expect them to have a good day. Aaron Jones looked good last week, and you can see the offense’s confidence growing. I expect Jayden Reed to be heavily involved with the game plan. The Vikings like to blitz often and expect Love to get the ball out quickly.

Defensively, I can only shrug my shoulders. Rookie Jordan Addison had a questionable tag, but he’s expected to play. The Vikings will have their top two receivers, Addison and Jefferson. If the Packers want a shot at winning, it starts with the front four. With that being said, the defense has given me little to no confidence.

Zach Weller (6-8): Packers over Vikings 31-20

This week has been taxing on Packers fans, and with the biggest game of the season looming, the Packers have decided to suspend the highest-paid corner in NFL history. Usually, something like this would be concerning except for a few reasons.

First, this team isn’t going to lie down and lose because of this suspension. In my opinion, too many players care about winning more than one player being suspended. Leaders like Aaron Jones and Preston Smith will ensure this group is ready to play.

Second, the Packers have too many young players on both sides of the ball who are playing for contracts and job security. I’m sure players are bummed out about the suspension but care a lot more about their own circumstances.

Lastly, I have faith that our players will rise to the challenge after a few stinkers on defense. Even the Broncos, who gave up 70 points to the Dolphins earlier in the season, found a way to bounce back and play good football.

I’ll take the Packers in a convincing win, 31-20.

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