Game Details
- Match-up: Minnesota Vikings (2-2), Green Bay Packers (2-2)
- Location: :Lambeau Field, Green Bay Wisconsin
- Date: Thursday, October 2nd 2014
- Time: 7:25pm CDT
- TV: CBS/NFL Network
The Minnesota Vikings travel to Green Bay for a divisional contest. These teams have been playing each other since 1961 with Green Bay holding a 56-49 overall record over Minnesota.
Key Match-ups
Minnesota’s run offense versus Green Bays defense. With the weather predicted to be wet and sloppy a stout run game and strong offensive line performance will be imperative for the Vikings. With what looks like a high probability of Teddy Bridgewater not playing tonight it is even more important to have early success in the run game or it will be a long night for Christian Ponder.
Green Bay’s third-down offense versus Minnesota’s third-down defense. Green Bay’s offense is efficient, especially on third downs and Minnesota has given up the second-most conversions in the NFL, and has also given up the most touchdowns on third downs this year. In order to win the game Green Bay will have to continue that trend.
Players to Watch
Matt Asiata and Jerrick McKinnon. The Vikings unleashed a double-back attack last week versus Atlanta, and it proved overwhelming for the Falcons defense. Green Bay, like Atlanta, has been very porous against the rush. This is particularly true between the tackles, where the Vikings ran it 38 times last sunday for 198 yards and three touchdowns.
Clay Mathews and Julius Peppers. Last week these two were key play-makers in passing situations, both getting good pressure on Jay Cutler all game and forcing him to make a few bad throws. It will be imperative that they get going early against Minnesota. Their first task will be to contain a rushing attack that gashed Atlanta for 241 yards before they can focus on bringing the quarterback down.
Prediction
Teddy Bridgewater has been announced as out for this game, meaning Viking fans will be watching Christian Ponder take on Green Bay in Green Bay once again. I predict Green Bay to win in a sloppy manner. Final score: 24-14.