5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers – Week 17
By Chris Schad
Adams will dominate in the slot
We mentioned that this should be a ground-and-pound game. But the Packers should also be able to throw the ball thanks to the dominance of Davante Adams.
Teams are throwing everything they can to stop Adams this season, including double-teaming the All-Pro receiver at the goal line. While the Packers have other sufficient targets, Adams is the center point of the passing game, which spells big trouble for the Vikings.
The Vikings have improved over the past two weeks after the release of Bashaud Breeland. Cameron Dantzler has played well over that stretch and Patrick Peterson is a solid veteran in a secondary that doesn’t have many. But where the Packers could take advantage is in the slot.
Mackenzie Alexander’s homecoming was supposed to solidify the Vikings’ coverage in the slot but has been a complete bust. He’s allowing 1.45 yards per coverage snap and allowing a 117.6 passer rating when targeted in the slot this season. Both numbers are eighth among qualifying cornerbacks this season.
These numbers are troubling with Adams’s performance in the slot. Adams ranks third behind Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel with 3.23 yards per route run in the slot this season. With a majority of his snaps coming in the slot, it seems like the perfect place for the Packers to attack.