Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Apparently league MVPs aren’t immune to it either. But, we also need to keep in mind that Aaron Rodgers is Aaron Rodgers and at any period in time he can go off on any defense. They have played the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers who are two of the best teams in the National Football League, but last week’s loss against Detroit was embarrassing. In 2013, the Packers lost three straight games during a 0-4-1 stretch, but that happened when Rodgers was out with a broken collarbone.

Green Bay has been absolutely pitiful the last few weeks. Teddy Bridgewater completed 14 of 22 passes for 140 yards and one touchdown. It was the lowest yardage output of his career, which spans 112 starts (excluding games where he left early due to injury).

Where We’re Leaning: Can a first-place team that’s 7-2 and riding a five-game win streak truly have a “must-win” game?

In the following two games, the same problems were occurring. He had eight stops in the win over the Rams and nine more in the win at Oakland.

Packers fans are understandably in a state of turmoil after watching their team lose three straight games, including the franchise’s first home loss against the Lions since 1991.

That’s not counting the other hits that Rodgers has taken, too.

Still, Rodgers’ health is just the latest worrisome issue for the Packers’ sluggish offense. The combined record of Green Bay’s remaining opponents, excluding Minnesota, is 19-26. Green Bay is also getting virtually no production from the tight end position. Yes, Eddie Lacy is struggling in the back field. Is he overweight? Is he injured? But the Pro Bowl back is probable for Sunday and expected to work in a platoon with recently elevated starter James Starks. He averaged just 2.8 yards per attempt. Meanwhile, Minnesota has ripped off five victories in a row to move one game ahead of Green Bay. When our defense makes a play, it kind of amps up our offense.

The Packers and Vikings have met 109 times, including two post-season contests.

Still, Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer is looking at the big picture. Four times, he has topped 150 yards. Minnesota’s next four games are home to Green Bay (6-3), at Atlanta (6-3; 3-1 at home), home for Seattle (will be playing for their playoff lives), and at Arizona (7-2; 3-1 at home).

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