3 matchups the Vikings should worry about in Week 2

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins
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(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) Za’Darius Smith
(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) Za’Darius Smith

The Minnesota Vikings head to Green Bay for an NFC North showdown and while there are the usual suspects, which Packers will cause concern for the Vikings?

The Minnesota Vikings turned in a dominant performance in Week 1, taking care of the Atlanta Falcons before the clock even hit the end of the first quarter. Although the 28-12 victory was impressive, the most important game in the NFL is your next one and the Vikings can look no further than this time last year when they defeated the San Francisco 49ers before heading to Green Bay to take on the Packers.

As the Vikings follow a similar trajectory this season, a lot has changed since the two teams exchanged a 29-29 tie one year ago. For starters, the Vikings are a much different team as their running game has seemingly taken over with Dalvin Cook ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings’ victory last week. Minnesota also has the benefit of a defense that should have everything together after injuries derailed their dominance from their 2017 season.

But the Packers are a much different team as well. Mike McCarthy is finally gone from Green Bay and replaced by offensive wunderkind Matt LaFleur. While we don’t know whether Aaron Rodgers likes him or not, the results were good (at least for one week) as the Packers outlasted the Chicago Bears in the opener to the 2019 NFL season on Sept. 5.

What hasn’t changed is that both teams will be looking to get an early leg up in the NFC North title picture and since the Bears have already taken a loss, a win on Sunday will put either the Vikings or Packers in the driver’s seat early in the season. With so much different, what will Minnesota have to worry about on Sunday?

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