The Green Bay Packers'look to continue their stranglehold on the NFC North as they open the season on the road against the only division rival that can claim memorable victories against them when they meet the Minnesota Vikings Sunday. Kickoff at US Bank Stadium is at 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Packers vs. Vikings odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Packers have run roughshod over the lesser teams of the NFC North for the better part of 2 decades. The lone exception has been the Vikings. Minnesota always gives the Packers a fight and takes away their fair share of wins. The teams split 2 games last season and the all-time series is 55-55-3.
The Packers are the slightest of favorites (1.5 points), but there is a good reason why. The Packers offensive line is dinged already and one has to question who QB Aaron Rodgers will recognize among his receiver corps … much less in the deafening din of the House of Skol that will make audibles almost impossible.
The Vikings are coming in with a veteran-laden team with Pro Bowl talent on both sides of the ball rejuvenated by the arrival of new coach Kevin O’Connell. Enthusiasm is 1 thing, but what hasn’t been talked about is that, for first time in the 62-year history of the franchise, the Vikings are going to be operating a 3-4 defense that Rodgers has never equated with the Vikings personnel.