Official Week 17 Green Bay vs Minnesota Pre-game

[chemist]

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.

Except for one thing. GB has not been able to beat any of the top 3 NFC teams. If we cant win a game vs any one of those then I don’t see a SB in our future.
The good news for GB is that both sides of the ball seem to be hitting their stride at just the right time, but as they say the proof is in the pudding, so for me a win over Minn is a must to prove we have made the leap to the top tier.

 

[OldSchool101]

One of the reasons (past having tinted Packer glasses) I’m optimistic? A couple observations of tendencies for our team. One is we are young. Yes I know it’s mentioned almost ad nauseam but it does not make it any less true. I see the evidence in our fruit. BOTH 2023.2024 were seasons with a slower start. Partly due to relative inexperience we mature as the season transpires. It’s almost chartable in nature, the media joke “Toyota-thon” for Love but it’s very apparent the entire team gets better in season than most veteran teams. It’s supposed to happen that way or I’d call that expected.

I’ll list a few reasons that out GB in the driver seat in the following …

 

[OldSchool101]

Except for one thing. GB has not been able to beat any of the top 3 NFC teams. If we cant win a game vs any one of those then I don’t see a SB in our future.
The good news for GB is that both sides of the ball seem to be hitting their stride at just the right time, but as they say the proof is in the pudding, so for me a win over Minn is a must to prove we have made the leap to the top tier.

I only half agree. All that matters in this league is how you finish. Nobody is going to revisit history of a Super Bowl Winner and discredit them 20 years from now because they lost a couple Regular season games to Playoff Powerhouses. What happened in week 4 or Week 11 or last week for that matter is withering like a dehydrated flower in the Noonday Sun

The 2007 Giants (after all they lost to GB and Cowboys regular season) didn’t beat the tough ones. Who did they beat in the Playoffs? Cowboys then Packers. Why? They kept getting better and their D showed up and they didn’t listen to the narratives buzzing around them.

You could’ve said it about the 2010 6th seed Packers. GB lost to Atlanta and Chicago didn’t they? Who did they beat postseason? Thank you.

You could’ve said it about the 2011 NY Giants. I mean they walked into a 15-1 stadium and Won. As a bottom seed!! They lost to 49ers Packers regular season. Who did they best in Postseason? That theory didn’t hold! We got humiliated.

3 times across 5 SB’s the theory that regular season losses against top teams = failure in postseason was utterly and thoroughly dismantled 2007,2010,2011. These are just off top of my head.

This same argument gets challenged, refuted and rechallenged and disproved every few years

 

[chemist]

I only half agree. All that matters in this league is how you finish. Nobody cares what happened in week 4. There’s 6 more games still to win a SB. THATS a ton of football and teams will elevate or slide.

We went into Detroit and what I witnessed is this. Last team with the ball wins. That simple. We were *** for Tat and 1 more play wins that game.
Does Detroit not deserve to be in conversation because of injuries? I’m ridiculous thinking right? Essentially what you are saying is GB didn’t have a chance? I think you’re listening to the media. The same media doubters that said

The 2007 Giants (after all they lost to GB and Cowboys regular season) didn’t beat the tough ones. Who did they beat in the Playoffs? Cowboys then Packers. Why? They kept getting better and their D showed up.

You could’ve said it about the 2010 6th seed Packers. GB lost to Atlanta and Chicago didn’t they? Who did they beat postseason? Thank you.

You could’ve said it about the 2011 NY Giants. I mean they walked into a 15-1 stadium and Won. As a bottom seed!! They lost to 49ers Packers regular season. Who did they best in Postseason? That theory didn’t hold! We got humiliated.

3 times across 5 SB’s the theory that regular season losses against top teams = failure in postseason was utterly and thoroughly dismantled 2007,2010,2011. These are just off top of my head.
Football doesn’t change.

I hear you but as,far as the SB you are pointing out the exceptions. How many times will that happen.
As for the 2nd DET game, going in I expected GB to even things out with the lions but our Def wasnt ready yet to make
the critical stop we needed at the end.
Now i feel both our O and D are rolling so I expect us to beat the vikes, but it doesnt matter what I think, they have to go out there and prove it on the field.

 

[OldSchool101]

I hear you but as,far as the SB you are pointing out the exceptions. How many times will that happen.
As for the 2nd DET game, going in I expected GB to even things out with the lions but our Def wasnt ready yet to make
the critical stop we needed at the end.
Now i feel both our O and D are rolling so I expect us to beat the vikes, but it doesnt matter what I think, they have to go out there and prove it on the field.

Sure. We’ve got to play the game. Point being nobody in the future is going to care about our regular season losses. That goes for wins also.

It’s even feasible we treat these last 2 games like we’re qualified in postseason. If we can win while holding 4 defensive starters then Wonderful. If we lose by 2 points or 5 points while holding 4 starters so be it. Get those players healthy and bring them into the fold when it actually counts. See if you can go toe to toe while limping.

We know who we are. Fans don’t they go by fan interpretation. I think if we go in with 4 of 5 of J’aire, Williams and Bullard, Walker, Watson healthy? we’ll be just fine. If you told me I could trade a Loss for all 5 healthy? I’d take 5 healthy wildcard weekend and that’s a super easy choice 6th seed 5th seed 7th seed is looking like a total toss up. Either way you gotta play good teams might as well get your head screwed on right and stop being scared. Prepare your players mentally by sending a message you trust them to beat anyone and go in healthy. Anywhere. Anytime.

 

[PackerDNA]

We can point to how young this team is - youngest in the league for a second year in a row - but the point is all of these guys were talking about individually and working together have all been around for two or three full seasons now. Should be taking a big leap by now.

 

[OldSchool101]

We can point to how young this team is - youngest in the league for a second year in a row - but the point is all of these guys were talking about individually and working together have all been around for two or three full seasons now. Should be taking a big leap by now.

DNA Unless I’m completely misreading that which is possible. That looks like a slight on Hafley or Love n Co or both. That’s how I’d take it if you said that in a Coaches meeting or publicly.
Our D is ranked #6 in scoring. Offense #7 in scoring and they did that with a 1st year DC. I strongly disagree with that statement.

So I think we are deserving of you explaining that statement in detail. I’m truly wanting to know how you see us. Maybe you are correct I’d like to hear your thoughts to make sure I am hearing it correctly.

 

[Zartan]

I hope The Pack come out on fire and not be a lifeless group again. Outside of The Bears they have started the other Divisional games very slow and lethargic.

 

[milani]

We can point to how young this team is - youngest in the league for a second year in a row - but the point is all of these guys were talking about individually and working together have all been around for two or three full seasons now. Should be taking a big leap by now.

I think we are taking a leap and making progress. Maturing at the same time is crucial. Bouncing back from injuries when you are young can be one advantage. But in the postseason experience is special. I believe the next 2 seasons will be when we hit stride.

 

[PackerDNA]

Not sure where you’ve been there DNA. Unless I’m completely misreading that which is possible.
Our D is ranked #7 in scoring. That D is ranked #1 in scoring since our Bye (6 weeks)

Please explain are you suggesting we aren’t good?

Not saying we aren't any good. Saying we should be ready now to firmly plant ourselves in the elite conversation, not just hoping to beat one of the elite teams

 

[OldSchool101]

Not saying we aren't any good. Saying we should be ready now to firmly plant ourselves in the elite conversation, not just hoping to beat one of the elite teams

Ok. I guess that more of a slighting Vikings and Detroit. I think maybe you are underestimating the strength of our Division. This is a historically dominant year for the NFC North. My opinion is we are fortunate not to be bounced altogether with multiple 13 Win teams ahead of us in the North.

Just for record I think this year is an anomoly. Any other season we’re likely 12-3 or 13-2. For a team comprised of primarily 2nd,3rd year starters and a 1st year DC. Then with a healthy mix with Rookies, we’re pretty darn competitive.

IMO If KC was in our place in the North they’d be a 3 loss team. I’m being generous out of respect for Mahomey, he grew up 15 minutes from where I am at this moment.

 

[OldSchool101]

I still think it’s a little ridiculous that we are a 1 point Favorite at US Bank. Sure I think it’s close, but you’ve got a team in MN that already beat GB + gets to play at home. Add to that they have added + net players returning. While GB has at least 4 Defensive starters out. Including our WR2, LB1, CB1, SAF2, Slot CB3.

Should be MN 2-3 point favorites at home

Now IF we can beat MN at their house even by that 1 point (idc if it’s a walk off FG) We’d be especially hard to beat if we gain more players back this playoffs.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Final injury Report for both teams is in.

Not looking good for the Packers. Alexander, Walker and Williams are out, as well as backup OL Dillard.

CB Fabian Moreau is the only Viking ruled out as of now.

5 ruled out, 4 others questionable for Vikings vs. Packers in Week 17 | Sporting News

Green Bay will be without some key starters as it looks to stop the red-hot Vikings Sunday on the road.

www.sportingnews.com

 

[Poppa San]

Their 4 losses have been vs the top NFC teams, eagles vikings and DET

Something to look forward to is all three teams plus Baltimore and Washington play at Lambeau next season. Road games to current playoff teams include Denver or San Diego and Pittsburgh.

 

[Pkrjones]

Packers 31- Vikes 17.
GB puts up points on first 3 drives, D locks down AJ's screens & get after Darnold. Sam loses $millions next year by showing he's not all-world and throws a couple of picks. MLF can then practice his clock management skills by burning up clock in the 2nd half.

 

[PackerDNA]

Final injury Report for both teams is in.

Not looking good for the Packers. Alexander, Walker and Williams are out, as well as backup OL Dillard.

CB Fabian Moreau is the only Viking ruled out as of now.

5 ruled out, 4 others questionable for Vikings vs. Packers in Week 17 | Sporting News

Green Bay will be without some key starters as it looks to stop the red-hot Vikings Sunday on the road.

www.sportingnews.com

This ****** me off and maybe it's just a perception on my part, but even in years past when they were playing on artificial turf it seems like we have a long injury list and they don't even have a hangnail whenever we play them.

 

[PackerDNA]

Packers 31- Vikes 17.
GB puts up points on first 3 drives, D locks down AJ's screens & get after Darnold. Sam loses $millions next year by showing he's not all-world and throws a couple of picks. MLF can then practice his clock management skills by burning up clock in the 2nd half.

My optimism side side says 34-17 Packers. My other side says 31-27 Vikings.This game is about one of my favorite sayings. Is you is or is you ain't.
Big problem going up against this pass offense missing key players in the secondary.Love and the offense will need to be rocking.

 

[OldSchool101]

I hope The Pack come out on fire and not be a lifeless group again. Outside of The Bears they have started the other Divisional games very slow and lethargic.

This is key. We got waaay behind in several intra Division contests. I think even staying within 1 score by halftime at minimum is important if we can go in even or with the lead at HT it will put more pressure on MN.

What I do not want to see is getting up 7 points or 10 points at the half and taking our foot off the gas. We need to play this like we are losing by 10 points even if we are up 10 imo.

 

[Sanguine camper]

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

It's the injuries that matter. Like I've posted. If the Packers had their full secondary, I'd give the edge to GB. But that's not the case. Williams and Alexander are out and Bullard may be too. The key to beating the Vikings is running the ball, eating the clock and keeping Jefferson on the sidelines.

 

[OldSchool101]

My optimism side side says 34-17 Packers. My other side says 31-27 Vikings.This game is about one of my favorite sayings. Is you is or is you ain't.
Big problem going up against this pass offense missing key players in the secondary.Love and the offense will need to be rocking.

and really the only impressive game recently was Atlanta. MN put up 42 points. Aside from that MN put up 27 on Seattle and 30 on the Bears which isn’t super scary. Neither is a top 10 Defense.
MN went through a string of games mid season where they struggled to score for the most part. I don’t see them peaking against us either. I think they score between 17-30. It’s an area we can hang. We ran on them last time 4.5 per carry but had to abandon that and put up 379 passing. Vikes are like us great against the Run. Might need to balance more Pass in this one.

 

[Sanguine camper]

This ****** me off and maybe it's just a perception on my part, but even in years past when they were playing on artificial turf it seems like we have a long injury list and they don't even have a hangnail whenever we play them.

That's very true in years when the Vikings go to the playoffs. In some years, the Vikings get their share of injuries. Last year was an example. The problem is the Packers never seem to have a year where injuries don't screw things up.

 

[OldSchool101]

It's the injuries that matter. Like I've posted. If the Packers had their full secondary, I'd give the edge to GB. But that's not the case. Williams and Alexander are out and Bullard may be too. The key to beating the Vikings is running the ball, eating the clock and keeping Jefferson on the sidelines.

Let’s look at that.
First I actually street you. No way we should be a favorite imo. But it’s because of our recent success? Idk. It’s a kiss of death to be called a favorite after a team beats you.

Alexander? He didn’t even play last time. Having him is a huge + because he plays Jefferson good. That said J’aire hasn’t been in most of 2024 so it’s not like he got injured this week. We are 11-4 mostly without him and our recent stingy feel? he wasn’t even on the field.

As far as Evan Williams? Probably the only loss thats truly felt imo. That loss said, Zayne is in year 4 with 4 games sprinkled in. He’s been in GB since later last season. He’s not rookie and his prep shows. Zayne’s biggest knock is staying on the field but when he’s out there he can play Slot, Safety and played LB in college. He’s a baller and he’s not letting his opportunity go to waste. He’s very athletic and he’s very fast. Sprinter in College runs 4.4’s that plays great angles and made several big time plays last week. I’m actually pleasantly surprised. Will be watching him.

I’ll be very blunt on Bullard. He’s one of our 2 weakest links on starting Defense. I’m sorry if that hurts someone feelings. I think he’ll be good someday but he hadn’t been yet imo. It’s like we get better when he’s out. Again it’s not a career indictment I just think he’s very C- D+ right now. 1 PD and zero INT in 13 games. When he’s out it almost gives us a more robust feeling. IF I could have a do over I would have taken Bullock. He was my favorite DB there in Day 2. Maybe Hafley will bring him around idk but he’s got lots of improving to do imo. I don’t see his absence making significant negative impact. Just my take don’t throw anything!

I like Walker. But his absence has put Edgerrin Cooper front n Center. Absolutely Positively our best LB. Again I think we got better and I feel bad because Walker isn’t really as bad as people make him to be. Cooper should went closer to #22 overall and Walker Day 2 outside Top 50. Almost sorta vice versa, they balance out but sure, both would be ideal.

 

[Firethorn1001]

I still think it’s a little ridiculous that we are a 1 point Favorite at US Bank. Sure I think it’s close, but you’ve got a team in MN that already beat GB + gets to play at home.

I've never viewed the spread as some sign of disrespect or anything beyond what it is. An attempt by sportsbooks to even out the action on both sides. Vikings opened at -1.5 now the money shifted it to Packers -1.

 

[Firethorn1001]

Alexander? He didn’t even play last time. Having him is a huge + because he plays Jefferson good. That said J’aire hasn’t been in most of 2024 so it’s not like he got injured this week. We are 11-4 mostly without him and our recent stingy feel? he wasn’t even on the field.

Hot take. Alexander has played his last game as a Packer.

 

[OldSchool101]

Hot take. Alexander has played his last game as a Packer.

Do you think his knee is shot