In this article we will formulate a Vikings vs Packers prediction for this NFL game on Sunday, January 4th at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 18 matchup.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview
The Minnesota Vikings are 8-8 this season after they defeated Detroit by a score of 23-10 in their last game. Minnesota led 7-0 in the first quarter and they were tied at seven at the half, but they scored 16 points in the second half to pull away with the win. The Vikings were out gained by a total of 231-161, went 3-13 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 6-0 in the game. Max Brosmer went 9-16 for 51 yards, while Aaron Jones Sr rushed 18 times for 53 yards and one score. Justin Jefferson led the receivers with four catches for 30 yards in the win.
Prior to that game, Minnesota defeated the Giants by a score of 16-13 and the Cowboys by a score of 34-26. The Vikings have won four games in a row and they are currently third in the NFC North standings. Minnesota has scored 20.5 points per game with 163.0 passing yards and 106.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 20.6 points against per game this season. It sounds like JJ McCarthy will be back from injury for this game, but we could also see Max Brosmer. Aaron Jones Sr has rushed for 548 yards and two scores on 132 carries, while Justin Jefferson has caught 76 passes for 947 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Green Bay Packers Betting Preview
The Green Bay Packers are 9-6-1 this year after they lost to Baltimore by a score of 41-24 in their last game. Green Bay tied the game at seven in the first quarter, but they trailed 27-14 at halftime and allowed 14 points in the fourth quarter to seal the loss. The Packers were out gained by a total of 414-363, went 3-6 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-0 in the game. Malik Willis went 18-21 for 288 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 60 yards and two scores on nine carries. Christian Watson led the receivers with five catches for 113 yards and one touchdown in the loss.
Prior to that game, Green Bay lost to the Bears by a score of 22-16 and the Broncos by a score of 34-26. The Packers have lost three games in a row and they are currently second in the NFC North standings. Green Bay has scored 24.3 points per game with 226.5 passing yards and 119.3 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 21.5 points against per game this season. Jordan Love did clear concussion protocol, but they are keeping him out, so we will see Clayton Tune at quarterback, who took over for Willis late against the Ravens. The Packers are locked into the #7 seed in the NFC, so we could see other starters rest as well.
Why the Minnesota Vikings will win
- The Vikings have won each of their last seven games against NFC North opponents on a losing streak.
- The Packers have lost eight of their last 10 games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Packers have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight Sunday road games.
- The Vikings have covered the spread in each of their last four games.
- The Vikings have won the first half in 13 of their last 14 home games against the Packers following a win.
- The Vikings have scored the first touchdown in five of their last six home games against the Packers.
- The Vikings have won the first quarter in three of their last four home games against teams that held a winning record.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Vikings’ last eight games have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Packers’ last eight games as underdogs following a loss have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of the last five games between teams from the same division have gone UNDER the total points line.
Minnesota Vikings Player Prop Facts
- Jordan Addison has scored a touchdown in each of the Vikings’ last three home games against NFC North opponents.
- Justin Jefferson has recorded 73+ receiving yards in each of the Vikings’ last eight games as favorites following a win.
- Justin Jefferson has recorded 73+ rushing and receiving yards in each of the Vikings’ last eight games as favorites following a win.
- Heading into Week 18, Will Reichard ranks T1st in the NFL in 50+ yard field goals made (11) this season.
Green Bay Packers Player Prop Facts
- Emanuel Wilson has scored a touchdown in each of the Packers’ last three Sunday regular season games as underdogs.
- Romeo Doubs has recorded 25+ receiving yards in each of the Packers’ last eight Sunday regular season road games.
- Christian Watson has recorded 45+ rushing and receiving yards in six of the Packers’ last seven games against NFC opponents.
- Heading into Week 18, Daniel Whelan ranks 1st amongst qualified players for gross average yards per punt (51.3) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Vikings – two different players have recorded 80+ rushing yards in a game this season – equal-most in the NFL, heading into Week 18.
- Vikings – 15 different players have recorded 1.0 sacks or more in a game this season – equal-most in the NFL, heading into Week 18.
- Packers – seven different players have recorded multi-touchdown games this season – most in the NFL, heading into Week 18.
- Packers – two different players have recorded 80+ rushing yards in a game this season – equal-most in the NFL, heading into Week 18.
Vikings vs Packers Prediction
Minnesota comes into this matchup on a four game winning streak and they will look to finish the season above .500 with a win here. The Vikings should have McCarthy back at quarterback, which will really help the passing game. Green Bay has lost three games in a row and they have nothing to play for this week, so we will probably see quite a few starters rest for the playoffs. The Packers are starting Clayton Tune at quarterback, but he is going to have a tough time against this Vikings defense. Take Minnesota to win easily at home.
David Racey is 109-88 (55%) in the NFL this season and is one of the top NFL cappers on the NFL Leaderboard. Click here for his premium plays for this week!