29 December 2023
What to know when the Vikings host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night:
Packers at Vikings
When: 7:20 p.m. Sunday
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium
TV: KARE Ch. 11
Radio: KFXN-FM 100.3
Line: Vikings – 1.0
Over/Under: 43.5
Keys for the Vikings
— More than anything the Vikings need to take care of the ball this weekend. It’s why Josh Dobbs got benched. It’s why Nick Mullens got benched. Now it’s on rookie Jaren Hall to effectively run the offense without giving the ball away to the other team. If he can do that, he’ll give the Vikings a pretty good chance against the Packers.
— This could be a game that Justin Jefferson completely takes over as the best player on the field. He was dominant last weekend in a losing effort to the Detroit Lions. He could be even better this weekend against the Packers. The absence of cornerback Jaire Alexander due to a suspension very much works in Jefferson’s favor.
Keys for the Packers
— There should be chances for quarterback Jordan Love to attack downfield. The secondary for the Vikings is depleted with Byron Murphy Jr. set to miss his second straight game. It’ll be on Akayleb Evans and Mekhi Blackmon to defend on the outside, meaning the Packers could have an advantage through the air.
— As much as the defense for the Packers has struggled over the past month, they have some talent up front that could pose some matchup problems. Look for pass rusher Rashan Gary to wreak some havoc off the edge with defensive tackle Kenny Clark generating pressure on the interior. That has the potential to make life tough on Hall whenever he drops back to pass.
Related Articles
Packers at Vikings picks: It comes down to which quarterback you trust most
How culture has helped Kevin O’Connell lead the Vikings through the storm
The Loop NFL Picks: Week 17
The story of each interception that doomed Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens
Vikings name rookie Jaren Hall starting QB against Packers