5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers – Week 17
By Chris Schad
This game will be all about the rushing attack
Sunday’s forecast indicates that this will be a standard NFC North battle. With temperatures predicted to dip below zero, the running game could be crucial and become the Vikings’ best chance to come away with a victory.
Dalvin Cook is expected to return after missing last week’s game with COVID-19 and it comes in time to dominate an opponent he’s had success against. In his last four games against the Packers, Cook has averaged 113 yards per game and ran for seven touchdowns, adding another through the air.
Against a Green Bay defense that allowed 219 rushing yards and 8.7 yards per carry in their win over the Cleveland Browns, the Vikings should be able to establish the run. The bigger question is whether their defense can stop it.
The Vikings have had their own issues against the run, allowing 4.7 yards per carry. That number is tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the third-highest clip in the NFL, and it showed last week when they allowed 131 yards to Sony Michel.
Both teams are going to try to shorten this game, but the Vikings need Cook to do his job in order to have a chance to win.