Week 1: Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers 9/11/22 NFL Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers duke it out Sunday afternoon in a crucial week 1 NFL game at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Green Bay Packers are coming off 13 wins and enter the fourth year under coach Matt LaFleur. The Minnesota Vikings are coming off 8 wins and begin the Kevin O’Connell era.

The Green Bay Packers are once again considered a Super Bowl contender with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and an elite level defense. The loss of star wide receiver Davante Adams may hurt, but the addition of Sammy Watkins does soften the blow, and I’d expect a bigger season from Allen Lazard. Last season, the Packers were ninth in total defense, and they should be able to build on that success with a front that includes Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry. Jaire Alexander is one of the top cover corners in the league, and Rasul Douglas is a ballhawk who is coming off his best season yet. Everything is there for the Packers to make a title run, but it all comes down to them not choking in the postseason like they have many times. 

The Minnesota Vikings are another team that has the talent to make a deep run, but it’s about putting things together. The Vikings were horrible defensively last season, but a unit that includes Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith shouldn’t be that horrific. Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell has pieces to work with in turning this around. Offensively, the Vikings are loaded with Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson and Ada Thielen. Heck, even right tackle Brian O’Neill is coming off a Pro Bowl trip. The Vikings should like their chances to make their first playoff trip since the 2019 season. However, the Vikings have been underachievers these last two seasons, so only time will tell.

The Packers are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 vs. NFC and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Vikings are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf. The over is 6-2 in Packers last 8 games overall. The over is 7-1 in Vikings last 8 games overall. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

The Green Bay Packers are going to be favored for obvious reasons, as they are the more trustworthy team with one of the top quarterbacks in the league. However, the Vikings have won 6 of the last 10 meetings against the Packers, and they’re that super talented team that you’re just waiting to finally breakout. The Vikings have the pieces in place to make a deep playoff run and even possibly win this division. At home, this is a statement game for the Vikings. Set the tone. I’ll take a shot with the home dog in what could be the game of the week.