This is the unedited version I wrote for DrRoto
Green Bay vs. Minnesota
There is much uncertainty heading into the week 1 matchup of the Green Bay Packers vs. the Minnesota Vikings. For the Vikings, gone is the defensive-minded head coach Mike Zimmer and in comes offensive-minded Kevin O’Connell. Along with a new head coach, the Vikings are also switching to Ed Donatell’s 3-4 defense with several additions to the defensive front 7. On the Packer’s side, they are dealing with replacing Super Star WR Davante Adams who was traded this offseason to the Las Vegas Raiders, and losing their starting WR opposite Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs. Let’s break down the matchups and predict who the fantasy studs will be and what may be the best betting angles.
When Minnesota is on offense.
The Vikings are predicted to be more pass-oriented this year but the Packers have struggled against the run in recent years and boast one of the league’s top secondaries. Running the ball with Dalvin Cook should be the top priority to avoid third and long situations and the Packer’s pass rush. I expect WRs Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen to fight for yardage with tough matchups against DBs Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes. The key to the passing game will be TE Irv Smith Jr., WR KJ Osborne and RB Dalvin Cook out of the backfield.
When Green Bay is on offense.
As mentioned, the Packers will have a handful of new receivers, and figuring out what to expect may be impossible. The Packers are expected to be a run the ball down your throat and play superb defense kind of team but they may want to take advantage of an inexperienced Viking secondary. One of their receivers should pop in this game, whether it be Sammy Watkins, Allen Lazard, or rookie Romeo Doubs. My one concern is going to be their goal-line offense replacing WR Davante Adams. Will they look to run more inside the 10? I think this could be a time for RB Aaron Jones to get a receiving TD coming out of the backfield.
Predicting the Winner.
The Packers are favored by 2 with a game total of 48. I do give the edge to the Packers, even though they have questions at WR, they still have Aaron Rodgers and they should have the better defense. I think the Packer’s RB duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon may also give the Vikings front fits and make for more sustainable drives. The Packer’s defense matches up a bit better with a secondary that could be in the league’s top 5, not to mention the ability to rush the passer vs. a Viking’s suspect offensive line. I think the real value in this game is the total. Green Bay is going to want to pound the ball on the ground and play superb defense. I think both teams will struggle in the red zone and there will be more field goals than expected. I predict the Packers 20 – 16.
Best Bet: Under 48
Green Bay vs. Minnesota
There is much uncertainty heading into the week 1 matchup of the Green Bay Packers vs. the Minnesota Vikings. For the Vikings, gone is the defensive-minded head coach Mike Zimmer and in comes offensive-minded Kevin O’Connell. Along with a new head coach, the Vikings are also switching to Ed Donatell’s 3-4 defense with several additions to the defensive front 7. On the Packer’s side, they are dealing with replacing Super Star WR Davante Adams who was traded this offseason to the Las Vegas Raiders, and losing their starting WR opposite Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs. Let’s break down the matchups and predict who the fantasy studs will be and what may be the best betting angles.
When Minnesota is on offense.
The Vikings are predicted to be more pass-oriented this year but the Packers have struggled against the run in recent years and boast one of the league’s top secondaries. Running the ball with Dalvin Cook should be the top priority to avoid third and long situations and the Packer’s pass rush. I expect WRs Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen to fight for yardage with tough matchups against DBs Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes. The key to the passing game will be TE Irv Smith Jr., WR KJ Osborne and RB Dalvin Cook out of the backfield.
When Green Bay is on offense.
As mentioned, the Packers will have a handful of new receivers, and figuring out what to expect may be impossible. The Packers are expected to be a run the ball down your throat and play superb defense kind of team but they may want to take advantage of an inexperienced Viking secondary. One of their receivers should pop in this game, whether it be Sammy Watkins, Allen Lazard, or rookie Romeo Doubs. My one concern is going to be their goal-line offense replacing WR Davante Adams. Will they look to run more inside the 10? I think this could be a time for RB Aaron Jones to get a receiving TD coming out of the backfield.
Predicting the Winner.
The Packers are favored by 2 with a game total of 48. I do give the edge to the Packers, even though they have questions at WR, they still have Aaron Rodgers and they should have the better defense. I think the Packer’s RB duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon may also give the Vikings front fits and make for more sustainable drives. The Packer’s defense matches up a bit better with a secondary that could be in the league’s top 5, not to mention the ability to rush the passer vs. a Viking’s suspect offensive line. I think the real value in this game is the total. Green Bay is going to want to pound the ball on the ground and play superb defense. I think both teams will struggle in the red zone and there will be more field goals than expected. I predict the Packers 20 – 16.
Best Bet: Under 48
