Vikings-Packers Predictions, Picks: Who Wins NFC North Rivalry Showdown?
It's time for the latest iteration of the border battle between the Vikings and Packers, two NFC North rivals who both desperately want to win this one and take some good vibes into Tuesday's trade deadline.
The Vikings have won three of their last four games, going from 0-3 to a playoff spot in a month's time, and they want to keep rolling. The Packers started 2-1 but have now lost three straight, so this feels like almost a must-win for their postseason hopes. It should be a fun one in some 40-degree Green Bay weather on Halloween weekend.
Minnesota is currently slight 1.5-point road favorites. Which team will get in done on Sunday afternoon? Let's start with my prediction and then dive into some picks from national analysts.
Will's pick: Vikings 30, Packers 20
2023 picks record: 4-3
If the Vikings team we saw show up on Monday night is the Vikings team we're going to get moving forward, they should be able to win this game — and maybe even win it by more than one score. The Packers' defense ranks 27th in DVOA. Joe Barry's unit doesn't stop the run, doesn't stop the pass, and doesn't force turnovers. On offense, Jordan Love has thrown six interceptions in the last three games and will have his hands full with Danielle Hunter, the Vikings' three versatile safeties, and Brian Flores' relentless pressure. Maybe this ages horribly, but I'm going to be bold and take the Vikings by ten.
National predictions
NFL.com: 4 of 5 pickers take the Vikings
Despite both teams owning a losing record, this NFC North battle has plenty of juice. A Vikings victory could mean the team remains intact for the stretch run, while a Packers win would keep Jordan Love from piloting the first four-game skid of his young career — a dubious streak his predecessor endured just three times over 223 starts for Green Bay. These two defenses should keep this one relatively tight. (The Vikings in a one-score game? Get outta here.) Ultimately, I think it comes down to which quarterback makes the fewest mistakes, so I'll take the veteran passer playing at a higher level over the youngster still trying to find his way. — Ali Bhanpuri
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Packers 24, Vikings 21
The Vikings have won two straight to right things and impressed in beating the 49ers Monday night. But this is a division game on the road on a short week, which is always a challenge. The Packers haven't played well at all in a few weeks, but this is the game to get it turned around. The Packers slow down Kirk Cousins and take it.
Ben Goessling, Star Tribune: Vikings 20, Packers 16
The Packers are dealing with a raft of injuries, which isn't necessarily new for them. But they are trying to find an offensive identity, which is a problem they've rarely faced in the past 30 years. The Vikings are coming off a short week, but they're the healthier team and they're riding on a wave of confidence after their win over the 49ers last week. They're 1-3-1 in their last five trips to Lambeau, but Aaron Rodgers isn't walking through that door. If the Packers get off to their customary slow start and force Love to drop back against Flores' blitzes in an attempt to catch up, the Vikings could catch their rivals at an opportune time.
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Vikings 23, Packers 20
The Packers are favored, but that's a suspicious line considering a three-game losing streak where they have averaged 16.7 points per game. Green Bay has scored just six points in the first half of their last four games. Minnesota is coming off a short week, but they have won their last two road games.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Packers 23, Vikings 20
The Vikings will be operating their pass-heavy offense on a short week without Justin Jefferson. The Packers will enjoy that break with their combination of pressure on Kirk Cousins and tricky coverage at home. On the other side, Jordan Love will settle more with his weapons and lean on his 1-2 punch in the backfield to end Green Bay's sudden skid. Getting back to Lambeau really helps, too.
Bleacher Report Staff: Vikings 26, Packers 17
Mike Florio, PFT: Vikings 27, Packers 24
Chris Simms, PFT: Vikings 24, Packers 20
Seth Walder, ESPN: Vikings 24, Packers 20
Eric Moody, ESPN: Vikings 24, Packers 21
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