4 reasons why the Vikings will beat the Packers in Week 17
By Adam Carlson
You can run against the Pack
Much of the media attention on this game will be on the teams’ two stars, Justin Jefferson and Aaron Rodgers. But Dalvin Cook could be the man to watch in this highly anticipated NFC showdown.
As long as the Vikings don’t fall into a deficit early, Minnesota should look to run the ball against the Green Bay Packers. In their last meeting, Cook ran 20 times for 90 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
Wisconsin’s football team is accommodating to running backs, giving up an average of five yards (tied for fourth most) per carry and allowing a conversion rate of 27.2 percent when their opponents run (sixth worst in the league).
They allowed 118 first downs on the ground so far, the seventh most in the league. Minnesota should be able to move the chains by running unless the Packers focus on stopping the run or weather conditions make it hard to run the ball.