Official Week 17 Green Bay vs Minnesota Pre-game

[GBkrzygrl]

I didn't see this posted anywhere so here goes.

At the surface the Vikings seem like they are a very good team. I just can't figure out if they are for real. They sure find ways to win.

I get frustrated with Jefferson. He is extremely hard to guard. He always seems to come down with the ball.

My question really lies in the defense. How good are they? I guess my questions will be answered on Sunday. GOPACKGO!

 

[El Guapo]

The Vikings are absolutely for real, but they can be beaten by a good team.

Darnold makes questionable passes at times but has two of the best WRs in Jefferson and Addison. TJ Hockinson is now back so they have three really good receiving threats, with Aaron Jones running the ball. It's a potent offense and one of the best coach/OC's in the game.

The defense has one of the best defensive coordinators in the game. Harrison is a boulder in the middle of their D-line. VanGinkel has been playing well at LB. Stephon Gillmore has been good at DB and Harrison Smith is still solid. Brian Flores pulls it all together with his creative looks and deception.

The Vikings big problem (like ours) is that they are streaky. We saw it in the first game - they went up big and then almost gave up a 28-0 halftime lead. Lately they have started off slow and then catch fire to win games. They aren't putting together complete games but have the horses to win most of the time.

It should be a good game.

 

[weeds]

If the Pack don't play into The Vikies string of good fortune games with mental errors - it'll be a good game. Getting swept by both the Vikies and the Lions in on season is more than my good nature can take. Go Pack.

 

[Pugger]

I didn't see this posted anywhere so here goes.

At the surface the Vikings seem like they are a very good team. I just can't figure out if they are for real. They sure find ways to win.

I get frustrated with Jefferson. He is extremely hard tothe Saints guard. He always seems to come down with the ball.

My question really lies in the defense. How good are they? I guess my questions will be answered on Sunday. GOPACKGO!

Yes, it is remarkable how guys like Jefferson and Kelse get open so much when EVERYBODY knows they are the go-to guys for their teams. We may have to play keep away with Jacobs and time consuming drives ending in scores to win on Sunday. The Vikes' offense is a hell of a lot better than most. They ain't the Saints that's for sure.

 

[coulomb]

The Vikings big problem (like ours) is that they are streaky. We saw it in the first game - they went up big and then almost gave up a 28-0 halftime lead. Lately they have started off slow and then catch fire to win games. They aren't putting together complete games but have the horses to win most of the time.

It should be a good game.

28-7, *thumps chest*

 

[weeds]

Jaire probably not playing this week. Does he have injury guarantees in his contract?

 

[tahoebum]

The Pack is 2-3 against the Vikes in the Kevin O’Connell era but one of those wins was with Nick Mullens starting at QB. It looks like Harrison Smith and Ivan Pace Jr. return from injury this week so they certainly have a defense that can create turnovers and big plays. They are 2nd in points allowed and the Pack is ranked 5th so this should be a very good game and likely decided by whoever wins the turnover battle.

 

[milani]

I didn't see this posted anywhere so here goes.

At the surface the Vikings seem like they are a very good team. I just can't figure out if they are for real. They sure find ways to win.

I get frustrated with Jefferson. He is extremely hard to guard. He always seems to come down with the ball.

My question really lies in the defense. How good are they? I guess my questions will be answered on Sunday. GOPACKGO!

Have to admit that we faced 2 minor league QBs the last two weeks ( after Gino got hurt ). The reason we cannot figure the Vikings out is because they have so many close victories that could easily have been lost. AND they have a history of falling apart somehow some way. So far they have hung tough.
Last season with Cousins out their back up only found Jefferson a few times and it had little impact in the outcome. So you have to cause Darnold to go elsewhere or force him to throw hurriedly when we have our better coverage.

 

[milani]

Jaire probably not playing this week. Does he have injury guarantees in his contract?

If he cannot go this week there is no reason to put him out there in ice cold Lambeau to face the Bears. At that point he may be so rusty when we face either Mayfield or Stafford that it may backfire on us.

 

[Sanguine camper]

If the Packers were healthy, I'd give them the edge but that's not the case. Looks like 4-5 starters are out. Watson, Alexander, Walker, Williams and perhaps Bullard. Vikings are completely healthy, that's why they're winning all those close games. In other years, they were banged up but they're pristine this year.

If the Packers get swept by two teams in their own division, I'd be surprised if they could win any playoff games. That's why this game should be treated as a playoff game br MLF. The Packers have yet to beat a top team. That's another reason to treat this game like it's it's playoff game.

 

[gopkrs]

If the Packers get swept by two teams in their own division, I'd be surprised if they could win any playoff games. That's why this game should be treated as a playoff game br MLF. The Packers have yet to beat a top team. That's another reason to treat this game like it's it's playoff game.

Just can't agree here. The playoffs will be tough but it is like another season almost. This isn't a playoff game. I'm just not ready to say we absolutely have to win out from here. But I do agree it's important to play well.

 

[OldSchool101]

Just can't agree here. The playoffs will be tough but it is like another season almost. This isn't a playoff game. I'm just not ready to say we absolutely have to win out from here. But I do agree it's important to play well.

IF the Packers either Win at Minnesota or stay tighter this time (to alleviate any doubt that the close final score wasn’t just our opponent playing the clock) I think we’re fine.

We are being very systematic about holding players out imo. That speaks to supreme confidence that we can hang tough while missing multiple difference makers. I believe if we go in healthy with 4-5 players coming back we’re very problematic for opponents.

 

[OldSchool101]

If the Packers were healthy, I'd give them the edge but that's not the case. Looks like 4-5 starters are out. Watson, Alexander, Walker, Williams and perhaps Bullard. Vikings are completely healthy, that's why they're winning all those close games. In other years, they were banged up but they're pristine this year.

Listen. I respect your concerns. I think we tend to go off the past when it comes to matchups.
That said. The best litmus test are the most recent performances. I’m 100% certain GB is better in Week 17 than it was in Week 4. I’d argue back that it’s not as much about the Vikings as it is us. I just rewatched last weeks Vikings Seattle game. We both played them Seattle and GB played a better first 38 minutes than the Vikings did imo. I’m not going to judge after that because we took out Geno and also they had Chardonnay was back
It still would’ve been 10-30 or 7-23 or something like that. We CLEARLY played better than MN. Dominated that first half, in fact. If we bring that same juice to MN I think you might be surprised.

 

[OldSchool101]

I don’t see missing Walker or Williams as some big game changer. That = Cooper and Wilson playing more and Zayne Anderson actually is reminding me alot of Evan Williams. If anything he’s more prepared he’s been in GB for a full year now (signed 2023).

J’aire would normally be our issue. He matches up against Jefferson amazingly well. It’s a coin toss who will win the day. He has #18’s number don’t ask me why he just does. In 2024 We don’t even need Jaire or a Walker or Williams or Bullard. We’ve got good depth and J’aire hadn’t even played during our #1 points allowed stretch and J’aire missed our first meeting he went down that previous week3 and didn’t play week 4.
This week 16 Packers D is MUCH improved since Week 4 and MN is expecting us to start 0-28 they’ll be severely dismayed. It was always going to take time to gel in a 4-3 look. 15.5 points per game last SIX games. I’d call that gelling. #1 Defense in the NFL Weeks #11-16? GB Packers.

So… it’s probably our easy schedule? Nope. We’ve played the #1 toughest Win/Loss ratio in the NFL this season through Week 16. Put that argument away.
NOW the Vikings play schedule catchup because for them it’s …
No more Bears left
No more Giants left
No more Jets left
No more Falcons left
Vikings catchup to our schedule strength vs a “December Packers” team getting hot and on the road at Detroit. Good Luck!

We can beat these guys with our backups and a good power running game. Plus good Defense. It diesbt need to be perfect we can score just like them. Actually we have a better rated Offense. Smash them in the mouth with a physical Running game and get after them on D.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying MN is not good or dismissing them. They are a legit 13 Win team.
Actually imo 2024 MN is bordering SB caliber, they just picked the wrong season. GB is built a lot like 2020 Tampa and they’ll likely have to play us 2X.

 

[Sanguine camper]

At some point you have to beat a good team on the road. All the other ways of looking at the game come down to that. I doubt there are many instances where a team has gotten swept by two teams in its division and gone on the win the Super Bowl. That's a real sign of not being able to rise to the occasion.

 

[Sanguine camper]

I don’t see missing Walker or Williams as some big game changer. That = Cooper and Wilson playing more and Zayne Anderson actually is reminding me alot of Evan Williams. If anything he’s more prepared he’s been in GB for a full year now (signed 2023).

J’aire is our issue. He matches up against Jefferson amazingly well. It’s a coin toss who will win the day. He has #18’s number don’t ask me why he just does. Something inside makes J’aire play better to better competition he lives for that stuff.

In Week 4 we played like a Top 12 Defense. We were young and frankly inexperienced. As the season has traversed we’ve gradually improved. 15.5 points per game last SIX games. It’s a fairly good sample.
#1 Defense in the NFL Weeks #11-16?
Green Bay Packers.
We’re actually a Top 10 Defense in nearly every D category and it’s against formidable teams. We’ve played the toughest Win/Loss ratio in the NFL this season. League best #14.4 average rated Teams. (16.0 rated is the average norm) yet we’re still 11-4.
NOW the Vikings play catchup.
No more Bears left
No more Giants left
No more Jets left
No more Falcons left

Time for GB to get a Bears game at Lambeau
Time for Vikings to get dealt our schedule vs a “December Packers” team and on the road at Detroit.

Btw. We don’t need Jaire or a Walker or Williams or Bullard. We’ve got good depth and J’aire hadn’t even played during our #1 points allowed stretch and J’aire missed our first meeting he went down that previous week3.
This week 16 D is MUCH improved since Week 3 and anyone denying that isn’t watching games.
We can beat these guys with our backups and a good power running game. Smash them in the mouth with a physical Running game like we did Detroit. MN isn’t a better Offense than Detroit either. MN is beat SB caliber in most seasons, just not this one.
GB O > MN O

The one thing about the Vikings is they will force feed the ball to their main weapons. Its how they operated with Cousins. Jefferson and Hokinson would frequently get more than 10 targets in a game. It means they think they'll win thise match ups more often and use those match ups to put pressure on a team until they break the defense. Will backups be able to cover Jefferson and Hokinsin if they see the ball 25 times combined? Its the opposite of what MLF likes to do.

 

[DETGBfan]

As a Lions fan, I can only add

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[OldSchool101]

The one thing about the Vikings is they will force feed the ball to their main weapons. It’s how they operated with Cousins. Jefferson and Hokinson would frequently get more than 10 targets in a game. It means they think they'll win thise match ups more often and use those match ups to put pressure on a team until they break the defense. Will backups be able to cover Jefferson and Hokinsin if they see the ball 25 times combined? It’s the opposite of what MLF likes to do.

Nope. Don’t need to. Really just need to double Jefferson to mitigate him. Id put Stokes and Layne on Jefferson.

As far as Weapons… past Jefferson because all you can do is mitigate a true #1.
Addison? Is he better than J. Reed? No
Hockenson? Is he better than Kraft? No
Aaron Jones better than Jacobs? No
Jalen Nailor better than Doubs? No

They win with their WR1. We Win as a Team. It seems to work we’re rated much higher across the board on O

Their backups?
Oliver, Sherfield, Ham, Powell, Cam Akers?
Are they better than Musgrave, Wicks, Wilson, Brooks? Nope.

But if everyone is going to worry. Who should be worried more? The Vikings #30 rated Pass Defense?
Or
GB’s #7 rated pass D?
that’s allowed 15.5 points per game since our Bye (#1 in the NFL)

 

[Firethorn1001]

Whatever the outcome has to be better than that Seattle Chicago game. Woof...

 

[milani]

If the Packers were healthy, I'd give them the edge but that's not the case. Looks like 4-5 starters are out. Watson, Alexander, Walker, Williams and perhaps Bullard. Vikings are completely healthy, that's why they're winning all those close games. In other years, they were banged up but they're pristine this year.

If the Packers get swept by two teams in their own division, I'd be surprised if they could win any playoff games. That's why this game should be treated as a playoff game br MLF. The Packers have yet to beat a top team. That's another reason to treat this game like it's it's playoff game.

The Vikings finish with the Lions who ARE banged up. Both teams may beat each other into submission and walk into the postseason wounded.

 

[milani]

Whatever the outcome has to be better than that Seattle Chicago game. Woof...

That was a classic tonight.

 

[chemist]

That was a classic tonight.

IMO the Minn game will be the key to what kind of success we can expect from GB going forward.
Their 4 losses have been vs the top NFC teams, eagles vikings and DET twice
The GB offense has things figured out and has consistently been putting up 30+/-
Pts each game
The GB Def seems to have made the turn I was looking for. I dont expect them to have free reign over the vikes like they had vs the saints but I do expect them to hold the vikes to the low to mid 20s , good enough for us to win.
If GB cant beat the vikes then I dont see them going to the SB this year.

 

[PackerDNA]

IMO the Minn game will be the key to what kind of success we can expect from GB going forward.
Their 4 losses have been vs the top NFC teams, eagles vikings and DET twice
The GB offense has things figured out and has consistently been putting up 30+/-
Pts each game
The GB Def seems to have made the turn I was looking for. I dont expect them to have free reign over the vikes like they had vs the saints but I do expect them to hold the vikes to the low to mid 20s , good enough for us to win.
If GB cant beat the vikes then I dont see them going to the SB this year.

Agreed. For me this game pretty much decides the rest of the season. Look sharp and win continue to improve and you got a shot of making some real noise in the playoffs. Lose or worse lose and look bad, and this is a team going nowhere in the playoffs with a lot of decisions to make in the offseason.

 

[tahoebum]

I like the Packers chances especially with the Vikes O-line missing their starting LT. The Packers run the ball better behind a much superior offensive line and should be able to control the trenches on both sides of the ball. The Vikings haven’t swept the Packers since 2017 and are underdogs at home which shows Vegas doesn’t think much of their 13 wins.

 

[OldSchool101]

Agreed. For me this game pretty much decides the rest of the season. Look sharp and win continue to improve and you got a shot of making some real noise in the playoffs. Lose or worse lose and look bad, and this is a team going nowhere in the playoffs with a lot of decisions to make in the offseason.

I’m sorta in between. This game will absolutely be a barometer of our Road Strength. Each close game (call it inside 7 points) is most often decided by a few mistakes by either side. I’m not talking about a beautiful D play, but true bad bounces or decisions that might be unusual or uncharacteristic
As long as the Packers show up and battle (similar to our last Detroit game) I think we’re fine. Somebody is going to be a #1-2 seed, the others finish 5-7 by default but realistically we are 2-3 Seeds in any other seasons.
I see the NFC North with 3 teams who are, within their own right, SB level competition. So losing by a FG or 5 points against a SB caliber team (similar to 2023) is not something to be ashamed or get timid. I see it as a tool for a good coaching staff to dissect and adjust appropriately. The only thing that would make me feel insecure with our team is a Packer loss by 2-3 scores etc.

Imagine if we lose but Vikings finish as a 2 seed? It’s very possible Washington wins the tie breaker and we go back to play the Vikings all over again. Hard to beat a team 3 times in 1 season and that applies for us also.
This game for all practical purposes is likely a scrimmage for a rematch.