5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers – Week 16
By Chris Schad
Ground game will be fine in the hands of Boone
As is the case this time of the year, injuries are a key focal point heading into this game. After getting Adam Thielen back from a hamstring injury against the Chargers last week, the Vikings lost another key weapon in Dalvin Cook.
With a shoulder injury that seems to be somewhat serious Cook has already been ruled out for Monday night, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported recently that he would be surprised if the running back suited back up for Minnesota before the playoffs.
This would be a spot for Alexander Mattison to shine. But as breathtaking as his leap over a Lions defender was in Week 14, he suffered an ankle injury during the matchup and he hasn’t done much in practice this week. This leaves the door open for Mike Boone to have a breakout game on Monday.
Boone has been a highlight reel when given the opportunity and although he doesn’t project as a 30-carry workhorse, he has the same slash-and-go tendencies to create big plays in the Vikings’ offensive scheme. Coming off a game in which he gashed the Chargers run defense for 56 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, he seems ready to handle whatever role Minnesota chooses to give him on Monday.
The matchup also plays into the Vikings favor as the Packers rank 24th in rushing defense and allowed 198 yards to Minnesota in their Week 2 meeting. With a key chunk of that total coming from a 75-yard rushing touchdown by Cook, there should be opportunities for the Vikings running backs to make plays and make things easier for Kirk Cousins against Green Bay.