MARK MAY’S Prediction Contest: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers ($100 in Amazon gift cards!)
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Overview:
On Saturday, December 23rd, the (11-3) Minnesota Vikings will be on the road to take on the (7-7) Green Bay Packers.
The Crowd:
“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Vikings 26.9 – Packers 24.0 with an over/under of 50.8.
2017-18 Statistics (32 total teams):
Yards per game: Vikings 367.6 (8th) > Packers 314.0 (23rd)
Points per game: Vikings 24.5 (10th) > Packers 22.1 (17th)
Turnover margin: Vikings +3 = Packers +3
Fewest yards allowed per game: Vikings 283.9 (2nd) > Packers 356.4 (26th)
Fewest Points allowed per game: Vikings 17.3 (2nd) > Packers 23.8 (21st)
Summary:
The Packers are just (4-6) in their last ten games after falling 31-24 on the road to the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers outgained the Packers 387-384 in total yardage. Aaron Rodgers made his heralded return to the starting lineup after missing several weeks with a collarbone injury. Rodgers was rusty going 26-45 for 290 yards with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. The Packers had success running the ball 19 times for 120 yards (6.3 average). Randall Cobb had 7 catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. This game was truly decided by turnovers as the Packers had four to Carolina’s zero. The loss was especially devastating for the Packers as a Falcons win eliminated them from playoff contention. Green Bay (-24) ranks 17th in the NFL in point differential.
The Vikings continue to roll having won nine of their last ten games. Minnesota, on their home field, destroyed the Cincinnati Bengals 34-7 on Sunday clinching the NFC North title. The Vikings outgained the Bengals 346-161 in total yardage and dominated the time of possession. Case Keenum was a very efficient 20-23 for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns. Latavius Murray had 20 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown (3.8 average). Jerick McKinnon had a big game catching the ball out of the backfield with 7 receptions for 114 yards. The Vikings defense was once again dominant holding the Bengals to just 161 yards and forcing Andy Dalton to throw two interceptions. Minnesota (+101) ranks 6th in the NFL in point differential.
Bottom Line:
The Vikings have won three of their last four meetings with the Packers including a 23-10 victory earlier this season in Minnesota. With the Packers officially eliminated from playoff contention, the smart move would be to sit Aaron Rodgers for the remainder of the season. The Vikings have only allowed an opponent to exceed 20 points four times this season. I expect Minnesota to win this one on the road and cover the (-2.9) spread especially if Rodgers indeed sits out.
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