Packers, Vikings Look To Make a Point
The Green Bay Packers practically jump off the board as this week’s lock bet. Ours is not to reason why bookmakers have the two-time reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers and the NFC North giants installed at pick-em for their Week 1 tilt against the Minnesota Vikings. We’re here only to spot value in the betting online markets, as and when it comes.
In this case, the Packers feel severely underrated in this pick-em game in straight-up betting. For that reason, there’s value for the taking here.
Read on for our Packers vs Vikings Week 1 NFL game preview and quick-fire NFL predictions below, which include the latest stats, injury reports, NFL odds and are capped off with choice NFL picks for your consideration
Why Are the Packers A Lock Against Vikings?
It’s a bit risky to go after a divisional game for the Week 1 Lock Bet. It’s even riskier when it involves the Minnesota Vikings, who are the closest thing to a rival the Packers have had in the NFC North in recent years — a division that they’ve dominated by winning three straight titles on the back of two consecutive 13-3-0 seasons (2019-2020) and a 13-4-0 season last year.
Ever since Matt LaFleur took over as the head coach in 2019, the Packers have only lost a handful of division games. The Vikings got the measure of the Packers in a 34-31 win at U.S. Bank Stadium last season.
Sunday can’t come fast enough! Can’t wait for the new era to begin #Skol pic.twitter.com/xSjVqRc00l
— Dominique Clare (@DomClare) September 9, 2022
This year, things are a bit different in Minneapolis with the post-Mike Zimmer era set to start. There’s a lot to like about Minnesota under new head coach Kevin O’Connell. He’s sure to spark the offense, flex the pass game’s muscles and give players like Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook plenty of opportunities to shine.
However, all this rests on Kirk Cousins holding up consistently. It remains to be seen whether Cousins can truly carry this offense on his shoulders in the way that quarterbacks like Rodgers and Brady can.
Two-time MVP Rodgers, The X-Factor
Finally, after months of discussing the impact of Davante Adam’s departure to Sin City, we’re going to get some real-time answers as the Green Bay Packers take to the field without their All-Pro wideout.
The fear in Green Bay is that their offense will be too one-dimensional without Adams this season. Those notions are exacerbated by the concern about Allen Lazard’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s tilt. The top wideout is currently doubtful for Week 1 according to the team’s injury report.
Absolute mic drop moment at #Packers QB Aaron Rodgers’ locker today about the NFC North.
I mean, he’s not wrong. pic.twitter.com/nrUBvHS0vN
— Kyle Malzhan (@KyleMalzhan) September 8, 2022
But when you have one of the best quarterbacks in the game, it’s hard to imagine they won’t be able to overcome these setbacks. Rodgers makes players around him better and can create plays out of nothing.
When in doubt, there’s also the run game that the Packers could lean on, turning this game into a bit of a slugfest.
Packers Defense Coasting Under the Radar
The Packers’ defense could be one of the most underrated units going into 2022. Last year, injuries hit the D-unit quite badly, even though the Packers persevered.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander returns to lead a unit that is bringing back a core group of standouts and added linebacker Quay Walker in the draft.
The Packers’ defense is eager to prove itself against the Vikings’ star-studded offense that includes some of the league’s top producers in Adam Thielen, Jefferson, and Cook.
“We’re stacked, too,” safety Darnell Savage said in response to the star power on Minnesota’s O-line. “Our mindset is to be the best. And to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.”
Packers vs Vikings Prediction
High hopes precede the Vikings into 2022 with O’Connell in charge. The former Rams offensive coordinator was brought in to revive the Vikings and turn them into legitimate contenders. But it might take time before his vision takes root.
It’s also not the best situation to be debuting against LaFleur’s NFC North champions, though his side has the home advantage. Inasmuch as the play on the field will dictate the outcome, it’s the playcalling on the sidelines that set the tone for the game. O’Connell will have to outwit the best coach in the NFC North if he hopes to start his career in Minneapolis on a winning note.
Putting everything together, the Packers really should win this game and do so more comfortably than the NFL odds would suggest. As such, they’re the lock bet to win straight up.
