5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers – Week 17
By Chris Schad
Dalvin Cook and the Vikings will run over the Packers
There are few teams that Dalvin Cook enjoys seeing more in his career than the Packers. His 4.6 yards per carry are the second-highest against any opponent that he’s played at least four times and His seven career rushing touchdowns against the Packers are the second-most behind the Detroit Lions, who have allowed eight touchdowns.
With two receiving touchdowns mixed in, Cook has been a cheese grader during his time with the Vikings, and he could have another big day on Sunday.
The Packers have had trouble stopping the run this season, allowing 5.0 yards per carry. While they were able to slow down Jeff Wilson Jr. in the second half of last week’s win over Miami, they still rank sixth in the NFL with 2,166 rushing yards allowed and rank eighth with 16 rushing touchdowns allowed.
This sets up nicely for Cook, who ran for 64 yards in last week’s win over the Giants, but also could help the Vikings dictate the game. With Alexander Mattison and the returning Ty Chandler mixing in, this could be a game the Vikings try to win on the ground, and it could lead to big numbers in the running game and control the time of possession.