This Thursday we have what the oddsmakers are considering a one-sided game from the NFC North when the Minnesota Vikings head to Green Bay to play Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The oddsmakers have this game as a 10 point spread, even though these teams are both 2-2 and the Vikings actually have a better point differential than the Packers. Sure, the Vikings are without Adrian Peterson, which definitely affects their ability, but this big of a spread is surprising considering how the Packers have played for good chunks of the season.
Packers vs Vikings Odds
Here are the odds for this game from online sportsbook www.BetOnline.ag:
Minnesota Vikings +9 (-110)
Green Bay Packers -9 (-110)
Minnesota Vikings +345
Green Bay Packers -415
Over/Under 47.5
My Pick
The Packers are coming off of a strong performance winning in Chicago by 19 points over a decent Bears team. Rodgers was also back to his usual self throwing for 302 yards and 4 touchdowns to lead the charge for the Packers. The defense was also on point forcing two interceptions from Jay Cutler, along with another 2 fumbles from the Bears QB and another fumble from top receiver Jeffery. If the Packers can play like this again this week they could make the week very difficult for Bridgewater.
That said the rookie has looked very strong since he took over the starting job and he could be the real deal. Bridgewater threw for 317 yards last week, but he let his legs get the points running it in for a touchdown in the game. The running backs and defense did the rest with Asiata also adding in 3 touchdowns. The great thing about Bridgewater has to be that he didn’t throw a pick in this game and that is always a positive for a rookie QB. If he can stay poised an not throw a pick again against the Packers D then the Vikings have a good shot at staying competitive in this one.
Asiata and MacKinnon went off for 213 combined yards rushing last week and the fans in Minnesota are all of a sudden not mourning the loss of Peterson quite so loudly.
The Vikings have been fairly solid defensively so far this year and they will have to continue this if they hope to keep Aaron Rodgers from finding Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson for big points in this one.
I think the Vikings have the ability to keep this game close. They might not have the offensive fire power in their passing game to really take the game to the Packers, so I expect Rodgers to find a way to win, but I don’t like the Packers to cover that 9 point spread.
The guys at Picks.org haven’t added their Thursday night play just yet, but if you’re looking for a second opinion I suggest checking them out.
Play: Vikings +9 (-110) @ BetOnline.ag
Tagged With : Green Bay Packers • Minnesota Vikings • Thursday Night Football • Week 5 NFL