National Football League picks and predictions, Packers vs. Vikings 2015

While McCarthy has said he won’t take the reins against Zimmer’s Vikings, that might be another factor in the Packers’ not being able to bring the conference title back to Lambeau. He has all the tools that you look for in a safety. When you look at the entire package-from defending the run, to playing coverage to rushing the quarterback, Barr can do everything that’s asked of him. The Vikings moved a game ahead of Green Bay (6-3) and will face the Packers at home as they try to increase their lead in the NFC North. The Packers have lost three straight. It’s tough for anyone in the game to downplay the heightened emotion of a rivalry game. The Vikings understand Zimmer is trying to build something in Minnesota that resembles what head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson have already constructed in Green Bay. “Dallas and the Redskins were a pretty good rivalry”.

When the franchise quarterback – who also happens to be one of the best players in the league – suddenly and mysteriously struggles, speculation as to what happened and why are quick to follow. Obviously, his book’s not real thick because there hasn’t been a lot of playing time.

“We have a number of guys banged up, really”.

But right now, everybody involved is determined to keep things in the proper perspective.

Kyle Rudolph made the “highlight (blooper?) reel” last week when he flat-out dropped an easy touchdown pass; Rudolph has garnered plenty of skepticism this year, having only 182 yards under his belt, and the tight end will need to have a big game Sunday to begin earning back a positive reputation. Rodgers, banged up or not, should not be 0-for-November as we close in on Thanksgiving. Picking it up even more this season, the third-year offensive tackle has not allowed a single sack in nine games.

The Green Bay Packers’ current three-game losing streak ties the longest dry spell the club has ever suffered with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback dating back to 2008, Rodgers’ first year as the Green Bay starter.

“He’s a very special player”, Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said.

Also, they have lost to every good team they’ve played. We definitely know we’ve got our hands full this week. “So we have to go out there, communicate well and compete”.

Still, Rodgers’ health is just the latest worrisome issue for the Packers.

There probably weren’t many NFL fans who gazed down at this week’s NFL schedule and were elated to find the 3-6 Jacksonville Jaguars hosting the 2-7 Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football.

Green Bay’s rushing defense ranks No. 24, and the unit has allowed an average of 116.2 rushing yards per game; if the offensive line blocks well for Peterson, he could easily hit that number and beyond.

With the way the Packers have played and the questions surrounding Rodgers’ health, it’s hard to see them pulling the upset on Sunday.

In their last game which was an 18-16 defeat to the Detroit Lions, Rodgers completed 31 of 65 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns, but was sacked thrice.

The strength of the Vikings lies indisputably with their defense.