NFL - Minnesota at Green Bay
Quarterback Brett Favre and the Packers continue to amaze, as at 7-1, they are not only tied atop the NFC standings, they are off to their best start since the days of Vince Lombardi.
2007-11-09
Quarterback Brett Favre and the Packers continue to amaze, as at 7-1, they are not only tied atop the NFC standings, they are off to their best start since the days of Vince Lombardi.
A dangerous game awaits on Sunday however when they host divisional rival Minnesota and its stud RB Adrian Peterson. Green Bay has been installed as a 6-point favorite but this has been a series dominated by the road team. Including the 23-16 win by the Pack at the Metrodome on 9/30, the visiting team is on an incredible 10-1 ATS run in the L11 head-to-head meetings. On top that, Green Bay is on a 1-10 ATS skid at home vs. divisional opponents. Still, HC Mike McCarthy’s team is on a 10-1 SU & 9-1-1 ATS run overall. Minnesota is on a 5-1-1 ATS run in divisional road games.
The NFC North is serving as the stage for more than a few surprises as the favorite to battle for the division and conference, the Chicago Bears, has fallen flat while the other North combatants have improved. The Minnesota Vikings sport a strong defense bloated with capable talent but have struggled to keep the passing yards by opponents to a minimum (a major concern in this week’s matchup). On offense, the Vikes are a one-trick pony, riding the legs of wunderkind rookie Adrian Peterson to get the job done. He’s a stud, but 3-5 SU and 3-3-2 ATS shows just how troubling the approach has been.
The Packers have been one of the top stories in the NFC thus far, riding the rejuvenated arm of future Hall-of-Fame QB Brett Favre to impressive numbers that have come in exciting fashion (7-1 SU, 6-1-1 ATS). However, we have to question just how long the winning can last with a decimated crew of RBs. Rookie DeShawn Wynn had been the man, but he’s done for the season with a shoulder injury. This could spell trouble for a potent young defense that has shined but will now be forced to step it up.
Keys to the Game –With the grayish hair and flecks in the beard it only seems like Brett Favre is quinquagenarian. Favre’s play this season doesn’t resemble anything of that nature as he seems to have dipped into fountain of youth. He will need to have big game since the paltry run game will be largely ineffective against Minnesota’s copious run defense. The Packers could be in the right spot since they are 10-1 ATS off consecutive games as underdogs and playing team off double digit loss. The Vikings just played San Diego and are looking to receive any type of production out of the passing game. Minnesota is sadly garnering around 160 yards through the air. They will hope they can match earlier offensive output against Packers (382 yards), which could bring the eighth consecutive cover at the soon-to-be frozen tundra.
Trends
- The underdog is 16-2 ATS in this NFC North battle.
- Green Bay is 6-12-1 ATS at Lambeau Field
Sportsform Pick – Vikings plus points
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