5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers – Week 1

Minnesota will start 2020 with an opening loss

Born as a Vikings fan, it’s incredibly difficult to pick the Packers to win a head-to-head matchup. In fact, both teams are evenly matched as they head into a Week 1 battle that could have giant ramifications as the team goes deeper into the season. But in the end, there’s a couple of things that just make me lean toward Green Bay.

Minnesota should be able to run the ball well and there’s a chance that Kirk Cousins could have a solid day if he relies on quick passes to counter the Packers pass rush. The Vikings also should have some success against a Green Bay offensive line that has its own share of issues and if Yannick Ngakoue plays regularly, it should soften the blow of losing Danielle Hunter.

But the lack of fans should also allow Aaron Rodgers to operate more freely, giving him time to connect with the receivers he already has a rapport with. That should allow the Packers to make more clutch plays down the stretch and put them in a position to win.

This is a winnable game for Minnesota. But with more concerns than answers, it seems like a loss is in the cards for the Vikings with an opportunity to regroup during their Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Prediction: Packers 24, Vikings 17