The Green Bay Packers (2-1) have won two straight games and are now prepared to face the Minnesota Vikings (3-0) at Lambeau Field on Sunday in the opening NFC North game of the 2024 season. Their two games against these two division opponents each year are intensely contested and must be seen; this Sunday is no exception.
The Packers escaped an early-season disaster by defeating the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, with Malik Willis starting for Jordan Love. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have emerged as the NFL season’s biggest surprise. Kevin O’Connell’s club has two excellent victories over the 49ers and Texans.
Jaire Alexander needs to contain Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson is one of the NFL’s most skilled and dangerous wide receivers. Through three games, he has 14 receptions for 273 yards and three touchdowns. That’s 19.5 yards per catch.
When the Packers play the Vikings on Sunday, Jaire Alexander will face the daunting task of shadowing Jefferson throughout the game. The duel between the two players is intriguing and will play an important part in the game.
Packers have to protect Malik Willis
Whether it’s Jordan Love or Mailk Willis at quarterback, the Packers must keep him safe. Even though they don’t have a pass rush, the Vikings manage the ball by committee and have 16 sacks, which leads the NFL.
If Willis is the quarterback, he may struggle to pick up Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ intricate blitzes. If it’s Love, he’ll be less mobile than usual, thus the blocking will have to be better to allow him to find his targets downfield.
Get pressure on Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has had a strong first three games, completing 67.9% of his throws and throwing eight touchdown passes versus two interceptions. That much exceeds whatever he has accomplished thus far in his career.
Darnold has a history of making mistakes under pressure. He has thrown potential interceptions in the first three games, but opponents have not capitalized on those opportunities. Through three games, the Packers are leading the NFL in takeaways.
Prediction
The Vikings are a far more formidable opponent than the Colts or Titans. This is a divisional game and a crucial one for the Packers. A win secures the Packers’ share of first place after four games.
Minnesota has outperformed expectations so far this season. Jones will be inspired, and Jefferson is always hazardous. His match against Alexander is worth the price of admission.
To win his duel against Flores, LaFleur will need to call a smart game, as he has in the previous two weeks.
This game will reveal just how good these two squads are. The Packers will figure out a way to win at home.
Packers 27, Vikings 24
