Vikings 26, Packers 17 – Staff, Bleacher Report
The Vikings have bounced back from an 0-3 start to win three of their last four outings. Without star wideout Justin Jefferson, they knocked off the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night thanks to impressive performances from quarterback Kirk Cousins, rookie wideout Jordan Addison and their much-maligned defense.
But the Vikings have to put a signature win behind them and go on the road to play a struggling division rival that hopes to snap a three-game losing streak.
Our panel simply picked the better team in a tossup game, though [Bleacher Report editor Wes] O’Donnell has the Packers pulling out a much-needed win against a familiar opponent on their turf.
“Last week, the deciding factor in picking against the Packers was an extra, very late review of Jordan Love. He almost burned me with a perfectly drawn-up play. I’m still not a fan and usually ride strongly with the Vikes, who are coming off back-to-back wins including a surprisingly solid upset of the 49ers.
“But the Packers haven’t played at Lambeau Field since Sept. 28, are on a three-game losing streak, and I just don’t buy the Vikes being good enough to upend a division rival on the road or win three in a row. Love loathing aside, I’ll take the Packers to break their losing streak and stay relevant even if I don’t believe in them overall.”
Packers 23, Vikings 20 – Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
The Vikings will be operating their pass-heavy offense on a short week without Justin Jefferson. The Packers will enjoy that break with their combination of pressure on Kirk Cousins and tricky coverage at home. On the other side, Jordan Love will settle more with his weapons and lean on his 1-2 punch in the backfield to end Green Bay’s sudden skid. Getting back to Lambeau really helps, too.
Vikings 23, Packers 20 – Bill Bender, Sporting News
_The Packers are favored, but that’s a suspicious line considering a three-game losing streak where they have averaged 16.7 points per game. Green Bay has scored just six points in the first half of their last four games. Minnesota is coming off a short week, but they have won their last two road games. _
5 of 7 experts pick the Vikings, The MMQB
5 of 6 experts (4 of 10 total had not submitted) pick the Vikings, ESPN
“Straight-up consensus” from seven experts: Vikings, Bleacher Report
10 of 11 experts pick the Vikings, The Athletic
2023-10-26 19:14:48
#Mixed #Predictions #Vikings #Packers #Week
