NFL Picks: Week 8: Vikings vs Packers

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This Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers engage in a classic NFC North duel at Lambeau Field, with both teams aiming to change the narrative of their seasons.

BUSR NFL Lines 

Spread: Vikings -1 (-110), Packets +1 (-110) 

Moneyline: Vikings -115, Packers -105 

Total O 43 (-110), U 43 (-110) 

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are on a quest for their third road win, hoping to level their season record. Historically, they’ve been strong on the road, with victories in 7 of their last 10 away matches. At the helm of their offensive line is Kirk Cousins, boasting a 67.2% completion rate, 1,679 passing yards, and an impressive 14 touchdowns against just 4 interceptions. His favored targets, Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson have racked up a combined 875 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Additionally, Jordan Addison has proven his reliability with 22 receptions.

However, the ground game has been modest, averaging 74.9 yards per game, with Alexander Mattison leading the charge with 320 yards. On the defensive front, the Vikings are limiting opponents to 21.7 points and 330.3 yards per game, spearheaded by Camryn Bynum’s 60 tackles. Their defense has been a high point, ranking 1st in the NFL for Q2 win percentage and tying for 2nd in forced fumbles.

Green Bay Packers

In stark contrast, the Packers are eager to put an end to their 3-game skid. Their recent home performance has been inconsistent, splitting the last eight. Quarterback Jordan Love has been struggling to find his rhythm, with a completion rate of 57.5%, accumulating 1,263 yards, 10 touchdowns, but also 7 interceptions. Receivers Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed are the primary recipients with 489 yards and 7 touchdowns combined. Meanwhile, the Packers’ ground game, averaging 90.8 yards, sees AJ Dillon at the forefront with 255 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, they’ve been similar to the Vikings, conceding 22 points and 338 yards per game. Quay Walker’s 56 tackles lead the team’s defensive stats, and they rank 1st in kickoff return yards but disappointingly sit at 32nd in Q2 points per game.

Prediction

Given the Vikings’ recent injury concerns, especially after Monday night’s action, all eyes will be on their recovery heading into this game. Even so, their recent victories against the Bears and 49ers highlight their talent and improved roster. The Packers, on the other hand, have been out of sorts, with a faltering defense and an offense struggling for consistency.

Considering the matchups and current form, the Vikings appear to be the more promising bet on BUSR’s NFL Futures. Expect them to leverage this advantage and emerge victorious in this NFC North face-off.