The 2011 Monday Night Football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers is set for November 14 (8:30 PM EST) at Lambeau Field. ESPN will provide TV coverage for this intra-division contest. This article offers predictions for the 2011 Vikings-Packers primetime game.
Like most MNF games this season, the featured game pits a struggling team against a highly quality opponent. Minnesota is currently deadlast in its division, while Green Bay is enjoying an unblemished season. The Vikings are overmatched in nearly every statistical category. The only thing Minnesota can dwell on is its respectable 3-4 record against Green Bay in their last seven contests. Although the Vikings have lost three straight to their division foe, the most recent game was actually very competitive with the Vikings narrowly losing 27-33.
If the Vikings are to have any chance against Green Bay, the team will need to score a whole lot of points while hoping Aaron Rodgers-led offense will uncharacteristically slip up and fail to score a lot of points.
Unfortunately, it will take a miracle for Minnesota to pull off this feat. The Vikings’ rushing offense, which has been the team’s only bright spot this season, is expected to struggle against one of the top rushing defenses in the NFL. Moreover, Green Bay’s high-octane offense will not have much troubles against a passing defense that ranks 30th in the league. While Christian Ponder has performed well for Minnesota, it is hard to see him outshining Aaron Rodgers at Lambeau Field.
However, it would be grave mistake for the Packers to prematurely dismiss Minnesota. In the last three MNF games, highly regarded teams were upset by the supposedly weaker teams. If the Jaguars could beat the Ravens on Monday Night, there is a slight chance the Vikings could do the same to the Packers.
My prediction – The Green Bay Packers defeat the Minnesota Vikings 35-21; Rodgers will throw at least 3 TDs.
Reference: ESPN.COM