5 questions with the Vikings opponent: Week 1 vs. the Packers
By Adam Carlson
1. Following all the changes on the Vikings roster, what is the average Packers fan expectation for Minnesota during the 2020 NFL season?
Paul Bretl: I believe that most fans feel that the Vikings will be contenders for the NFC North crown, however, I also think most fans feel that the Packers are the better team. Minnesota’s offensive line comes with its question marks, Stefon Diggs is in Buffalo, and the Vikings are relying on several rookies/young players in what has been an unusual offseason with limited practice time.
Now, this isn’t to say that the Packers don’t have their question marks either, because they certainly do. So while fans may expect Minnesota to be competitive, the Packers are still expected to be the better team.
My Take: It’s no surprise each fan sees their favorite team as the better squad. It’s easy to see the strengths of the team you follow and be excited about seeing those positives take advantage of an opposing team. Even experts aren’t sure if the Packers or the Vikings will be the better team in the NFC North this year.
2. What is a weakness of the Packers that the Vikings will need to exploit in order to win on Sunday?
PB: As good a the offensive line is overall for the Packers, the right tackle position remains a big question mark. Billy Turner just returned to practice but in a limited fashion and I’m not sure anyone knows what to expect from Rick Wagner. Turner has some tackle experience but truthfully he is better suited at guard, while Wagner is coming off a down season and has battled injuries.
Although many are focused on the Packers becoming more “run-oriented,” this is still Aaron Rodgers‘ offense, so of course, pressuring him will be key, as will containing Aaron Jones.
My Take: The loss of Danielle Hunter will hurt in this respect as he likely would have been able to feast on Sunday. Still, Ifeadi Odenigbo will be filling in for him and is a more than capable pass rusher and should be able to disrupt the game on a few occasions.