The call: The Vikings will beat the Packers if …

December 23, 2017 at 4:41AM
Minnesota Vikings Adam Thielen (19). ] CARLOS GONZALEZ ï cgonzalez@startribune.com - October 15, 2017, Minneapolis, MN, NFL, US Bank Stadium, Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
It will be a lot colder Saturday than it was Oct. 15, when Adam Thielen had nine receptions for 96 yards against the Packers in a 23-10 win. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Vikings are pursuing a first-round bye, in what could be a surreal trip to Lambeau Field against a team with nothing to play for. Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams will sit out, and on a cold night, the smart play is to go with a deeper team that has more to gain. Prediction: Vikings 30, Packers 17.

Three big story lines

Strange trip to Lambeau

This is the first time since 2008 that the Vikings-Packers game comes after Green Bay was eliminated from the playoffs. Despite that, the Vikings say they expect to get the Packers' best effort. In single-digit temperatures, we'll see if that proves true.

Barr likely to hear it from fans

Vikings LB Anthony Barr has been a frequent target of Packers fans' ire on social media since his Oct. 15 hit that broke Rodgers' collarbone. It's a safe bet Packers fans will let him know what they thought of the play.

Another round with Hundley

Packers QB Brett Hundley threw three interceptions after coming in for Rodgers at U.S. Bank Stadium, before losing four of his first five starts. Hundley showed improvement in guiding the Packers to two overtime victories, but he will be in for a tough test against the Vikings defense.

Two key matchups

Vikings DE Everson Griffen vs. Packers LT David Bakhtiari

Bakhtiari said this week the Packers would "play to the whistle" with Barr, but he will have a busy night with Griffen, who had a sack vs. the Packers on Oct. 15 in a game Bakhtiari left after aggravating a hamstring injury. Griffen, who turned 30 on Friday, has three sacks in his past three games at Lambeau Field.

Vikings WR Adam Thielen vs. Packers CB Davon House

Thielen had the biggest game of his career last Dec. 24 at Green Bay, catching 12 passes for 202 yards and a pair of touchdowns. House (back) is questionable, but even if he plays, the Packers' injury-ravaged secondary could have a hard time slowing Thielen.

One stat that matters

29: Hundley's completion percentage when pressured this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Only four QBs have a lower percentage.

The Vikings will win if …

• They establish the run against a defense that's given up at least 120 yards in each of its past four games, while applying enough pressure to Hundley to keep him from making plays outside the pocket.

The Packers will win if …

• They get an inspired effort despite having no playoff prospects. Hundley must make a few big plays, and the defense might need its best effort in more than a month.

Goessling's win probability

70%

FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2017, file photo, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) stands on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, in Detroit. Griffen was only a part-time player for his first four seasons in the league. The last four years, he's become a workhorse defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings and one of the most effective pass rushers in the league. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes, File)
Griffen (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

Ben Goessling

Sports reporter

Ben Goessling has covered the Vikings since 2012, first at the Pioneer Press and ESPN before becoming the Star Tribune's lead Vikings reporter in 2017. He was named one of the top NFL beat writers by the Pro Football Writers of America in 2024, after honors in the AP Sports Editors and National Headliner Awards contests in 2023.

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