Week 16 Preview : Vikings at Packers
GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers will play their first game with no layoff implications for the first time since December 28, 2017 when they face off against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
The Vikings are still playing for something as they have already clinched a playoff spot and are fighting for better seeding. If Minnesota beats Green Bay and then is victorious against the Chicago Bears at home in Week 17, they will be the No. 1 seed in the NFC. And if they win out in the playoffs also this would be their last road game of 2017 because the Super Bowl is being played at their home field, US Bank Stadium.
The 12-2 Eagles also need to lose out in order for that to happen, but they ave a tough two games against the Raiders and the Cowboys.
Vikings QB Case Keenum
The 7-7 Packers have decided to re-put Aaron Rodgers on the IR after they were knocked out of playoff contention with their loss to the Carolina Panthers last Sunday. In Rodgers return he threw for three touchdowns but also threw a woeful three interceptions. With no way to make the playoffs and Rodgers still not 100 percent, Green Bay played it safe and decided to sit out Rodgers for the remainder of the season.
Unlike the Packers, Minnesota has been very successful with backup quarterback Case Keenum. He has a 68 percent completion rate, with 20 touchdown passes, and seven interceptions.
Three Things To Watch
Watch for Justin Vogel’s booming punts.
1. Look for some special teams plays. The Packers special teams unit this season has been extremely successful this season especially in punting. Punter Jacob Vogel ranks fourth in the NFL in net average at 42.6 and has been consistent all season. Most of Vogel’s punts are forced into fair catches kudos to Jeff Janis, whose speed allows him to not allow a return.
2. No playoff chances for the Packers will not change their style of play. ” I’m not really interested in being a spoiler or underdog. We’re the Green Bay Packers.”, Coach Mike McCarthy told reporters.
3. Green Bay will be playing without Davante Adams tonight. With his second concussion of the season occurring last week in Charlotte the Packers decided to play it safe also with him.
Prediction
The Vikings are the clear favorite but Hundley and the Pack might have a surprise in store for Minnesota
Packers 24
Vikings 21
By Jacob Szczap