A Whole New Level of Vikings vs. Packers
Every single season, the Minnesota Vikings play the Green Bay Packers. Being in the same division means they actually do it twice. The rivalry has been heated forever, and there isn’t a team on the schedule that Minnesota likes less. This season, though, and specifically this week, matters more.
A Whole New Level of Vikings vs. Packers
Earlier this year, the Vikings took the Packers to task. Minnesota jumped out to a 28-0 lead, and despite winning by just a few points, the game was never close. Jordan Love was playing injured early on this season. That won’t be the case this time around, and the Vikings have everything on the line.
No one expected this roster to produce anything. Kevin O’Connell was supposed to coach his guys through a transition year while Sam Darnold toiled away with J.J. McCarthy on the mend. Of course, that isn’t close to how things have gone. With 13 wins, the Vikings are about to play arguably the biggest regular-season game in franchise history.
The NFC North has been an absolute juggernaut this year. Both the Lions and Vikings are 13-win teams, while Green Bay is close behind with 11. Forget that the Bears have opted out of the competition. This division is the best in the game. The only opponent to best Minnesota at U.S. Bank Stadium this year has been Detroit, and you can bet the Packers are looking to add their name to the ledger.
Minnesota opened as slight favorites against Green Bay and has since trended to underdogs. Maybe that reflects how they have been viewed virtually all year. This team continues to be discounted and overlooked even while stacking wins. They aren’t expected to show up and win this weekend, but if you’re still doubting them, that’s a personal thing.
Should the Vikings hold serve and move to 14 wins, they’ll amplify the schedule next week. Detroit isn’t likely to lose against a depleted San Francisco squad on Monday night, which means the top seed in the NFC will be on the line. Rather than traveling for a first-round playoff game, Minnesota would get a week of rest and bring someone home.
It can’t possibly be overstated how big this Packers and Vikings matchup is. The game is always circled, but this one is bolded, highlighted, and starred with excitement.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
You must be logged in to post a comment.