Date: October 29, 2023 

Time:  1:00 PM ET

Location: Lambeau Field 

Television: FOX

Minnesota Vikings Take on Green Bay Packers

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers will face off in Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season on Sunday, October 29 at 1:00 PM EST at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Both teams are coming off different results in Week 7, with the Vikings entering on a win over the San Francisco 49ers and the Packers coming off a loss to the Denver Broncos.

The Vikings are Coming Off Win 

The Vikings have had a mixed bag of results so far this season. They have a high-powered offense led by Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. However, their defense has been inconsistent.

Cousins has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season. He has thrown for 1,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He has also rushed for 267 yards and three touchdowns.

Overall, Jefferson has been Cousins’ go-to receiver this season. He has 591 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL, and he is capable of making big plays down the field.

The Vikings’ running game has also been effective this season. Dalvin Cook has rushed for 581 yards and four touchdowns. In the end, he is one of the most explosive running backs in the league, and he is capable of breaking off a big run at any time. 

Finally, the Vikings’ defense has been ranked 19th in points allowed per game (24.9) this season. However, they have forced 11 turnovers, which is tied for the most in the NFL. All in all, they are led by linebacker Eric Kendricks, who has 67 tackles, two sacks, and four interceptions this season.

Packers & Jordan Love 

The Packers have had a disappointing season so far, with a record of 3-4. In the end, they lost Aaron Rodgers this past year. The Packer’s new quarterback, Jordan Love is now trying to fill the shoes and represent Green Bay. Yet, Love has had a mixed bag of results in his first few starts as the Packers’ quarterback. He has thrown for 1,097 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions. He has also been sacked 19 times.

The Packers’ offense has been inconsistent this season. They are ranked 22nd in points scored per game (20.7). However, they have a number of talented players on offense, including wide receivers Allen Lazard and Christian Watson and running back Aaron Jones.

Furthermore, the Packers’ defense has been one of the best in the NFL this season. They are ranked third in points allowed per game (17.7). They are led by outside linebacker Rashan Gary, who has 5.5 sacks this season.

Rivals Go Head-to-Head

The Vikings and Packers have a long and storied rivalry. This stems from both teams being part of the NFC North. Furthermore, this rivalry dates all the way back to 1963. Also, the Packers lead the all-time series. However, the Vikings have won the last two meetings, including a 20-17 victory in Week 5 of this season. 

Strengths and Weaknesses of Matchup 

Vikings Offense & Defense 

The Vikings offense needs to find a way to protect Kirk Cousins. At the end of the day, the Vikings have been one of the most sacked teams in the NFL this season. Therefore, they will need to give Cousins time to throw in order to be successful.

In addition, the Vikings defense needs to pressure Jordan Love. Furthermore, if the Vikings can pressure Love, they can force him into mistakes.

Packers Offense & Defense 

The Packer’s offense needs to continue to run the ball effectively. The Packers also have averaged 149.0 rushing yards per game this season, which is seventh in the NFL. If the Packers can run the ball effectively, it will open up the passing game for Jordan Love.

Meanwhile, the Packers defense needs to stop Justin Jefferson. Jefferson is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and he has had a lot of success against the Packers in the past. Ultimately, the Packers need to find a way to limit Jefferson’s production in order to win the game.

Vikings vs Packers Prediction

In the end, the Vikings are the better team on paper. Yet, the Packers are a dangerous team that can have a fighting chance. However, I predict that the Vikings will win this one against the Packers. 

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.
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