5 reasons the Packers will beat the Vikings (and 1 reason they might not)

Can a stadium help inspire a team to victory? The Minnesota Vikings are hoping so.

The Vikings open the more than $1 billion Zygi Palace Metrodome II U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday night, and they're hoping all the hype, hoopla and excitement (the Vikings have lined up some foreign soccer player to lead a chant, a "Game of Thrones" actor and some type of knock-off version of Prince as part of the opening game festivities) will carry them to a rare win over the hated Packers.

But let's cut through the nonsense for a minute: Are the Vikings really going to play harder and more inspired because it's their first game in a new stadium? A stadium that was funded by taxpayers and will make their team owner even more filthy rich than he already is? Will the Vikings go that extra mile because coach Mike Zimmer rallies his troops with a rousing pregame speech that goes something like this: "Men, our great leader, Mr. Zygi Wilf, reached into the pockets of the good taxpayers of Minneapolis to build us this giant palace. He then charged these same taxpayers thousands of dollars for seat licenses and $11 for a beer. If we don't at least win our first freaking game here, people may tear this place down!"

The answer is no. I don't think a generic billion-dollar building gifted to a greedy multi-billionaire by the good folks of Minneapolis is going to inspire the Vikings to play well and beat the Packers tonight. Yes, U.S. Bank Stadium will be loud. Yes, fake noise will be piped in. Yes, it'll be hard for the Packers to communicate on offense.

But guess what? All of that also happened at the Metrodome whenever the Packers played the Vikings. And all of that happens at just about every NFL stadium. U.S. Bank Stadium is going to be loud and crazy whenever the Vikings play at home, whether it's the first game, eight game for 452nd game. The impact the stadium will have on tonight's opening game is being vastly overblown. If the Vikings do (gulp) beat the Packers, it will have little to do with the opening of the new Zygi World, and everything to do with the Vikings defense, coaching and on-field execution.

Here are five reasons why the Packers will overcome whatever the Vikings throw at them-- stadium included -- and improve to 2-0:

Old Man Adrian
Don't get me wrong, whenever Peterson takes a handoff and glides forward, I hold my breath, grip the couch real tight and say a prayer. Even at 31 years old, Peterson remains a physical specimen and a scary player. But Peterson's numbers are fading. Over his last nine games, he's averaging just 66.7 yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry. He's gone over 70 yards just once in his last seven games and looked rusty last week against Tennessee. I'll still cringe whenever Peterson gets the ball, but age might be finally catching up with him.

What is wrong with you people?
As long as we're talking about Peterson we need to address another issue: Why do so many Vikings fans continue to dress their children in No. 28 Peterson jerseys? THE MAN ADMITTED TO BEATING HIS OWN CHILD BLOODY WITH A TREE BRANCH!!!! The last thing you want to do as a parent is dress your kid in that monster's jersey. Now, I'm not going to pretend that I wouldn't cheer every time Peterson ran for a first down if he played for the Packers -- I have no problem with Vikings fans continuing to cheer Peterson whenever he helps their team -- but I damn sure wouldn't dress my children in his jersey. Vikings fans, I tell ya...

Wide left
Vikings kicker Blair Walsh whiffed wide left on a 27-yard field goal that would have beat Seattle in the playoffs last season. Last week he missed two more field goals and an extra point. If Walsh's whiffing ways continue Sunday night, it could be the difference in what likely will be a close game.

Two words: Damarious Randall
A lot has been made about the fact that Packers CB Sam Shields will likely miss tonight's game with a concussion. Whenever a player of Shields' caliber is out, he will be missed, but I think Damarious Randall is ready to break out. If Randall can guard Vikings WR Stefon Diggs as well as he covered the Jags two big receivers last week, the QB-strapped Vikings will have an even tougher time moving the ball and scoring points. Is Randall -- long sleeves and all -- up for the challenge? I think so. 

Keep it up, coach
Packers coach Mike McCarthy is 15-5-1 against the Vikings and 3-1 against the Vikings with Mike Zimmer as head coach. The dominance McCarthy's teams have had over the Vikings have many people questioning whether Packers vs. Vikings is even a rivalry game any more. Heck, Zimmer himself even questioned it this week. When the Packers need to squash the "rival" Vikings, McCarthy knows what buttons to push. Here's hoping he pushes the right one later tonight.


Yeah, yeah, yeah, every now and then the Vikings sneak out a win in this "rivalry" game. It happened a few times with a certain No. 4 who dressed in purple for a few games and played QB in Minnesota. And it happened at the end of last season when the Packers offense decided to take the last two months of the year off. If it happens again tonight, this might be why:

Fearsome foursome
The Vikings defensive line led by Everson Griffen and his 22.5 sacks over the last two seasons is legit. If they can get pressure by only rushing four, forcing Aaron Rodgers to rely on his improvisational skills instead of getting into a rhythm on offense, it'll be tough for the Packers to pull this one out.

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Comments (52)

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 18, 2016 at 06:26 am

Keep on rocking, AC!

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WKUPackFan's picture

September 18, 2016 at 06:31 am

Great to read your thoughts Adam!

Peterson is a filthy, disgusting, sub-human scumbag. The Vikings organization never put out one word of disapproval regarding his child abuse. Classless.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 18, 2016 at 02:49 pm

So is Ben Roethlisberger

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Oppy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 06:26 pm

I understand the anger at AP, but from his perspective, he's just disciplining his child the way he was probably disciplined, and on that note, a whole lot of our grandparents or g.g.p's (depending on your age) were raising our parents in similar fashion.

I got the belt, the metal serving spoon, and whatever else was handy that could cross my ass. I don't think my parents were horrible people. It was a different time. Misguided, perhaps. But horrible people? No. They thought they were disciplining a child to become a better person.

Now, Big Ben? if he did those things.. Yeah, rape makes you a horrible person. That's self centered, violent, objectification.

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sheppercheeser's picture

September 18, 2016 at 06:42 am

Zimmer has always had a good plan against AR. Now, Aaron knows this as well as the GB coaching staff, so if they don't have a decent plan to counter-act this, it's their own darn fault- no excuses! I'd love to see a heavy dose of Jared Cook in this game!

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NashvilleCheesehead's picture

September 18, 2016 at 07:04 am

No kidding!! Cook didn't do much for all of us Packer fans who picked him up as our sleeper on our fantasy teams.

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Bearmeat's picture

September 18, 2016 at 08:34 am

Why are you here? You've said you are done for the umpteenth-billionth time.

Go. Away.

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al bundy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:18 am

he missed you

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GVPacker's picture

September 18, 2016 at 11:04 am

Bearmeat I actually think Cow Scat and Ass Hat Bundy are entertaining. Viqueen fans trolling on a Packer website. Just a perfect example of how depraved their fanbase is, SKOL LMAO!!!

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croatpackfan's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:32 am

Injuries?

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ray nichkee's picture

September 18, 2016 at 12:20 pm

What's your excuse cowpie? You always say you're leaving and always come back. You suck. You will be gone soon when the pack is kicking ass. Loser you are.

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dobber's picture

September 18, 2016 at 03:02 pm

Don't...
feed...
the bovine...

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Lphill's picture

September 18, 2016 at 07:49 am

There is no reason why the Packers should not win this game , the great Vikings defense ranked close with Packers defense from last year , Packers must score early and often to take the crowd out. I guess they will be playing a lot of Prince music to rally the team . Not

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NickPerry's picture

September 18, 2016 at 08:21 am

THIS ^^^ THIS ^^^ THIS ^^^

I'll never understand all the "Hoopla" over a Defense that was middle of the road in EVERY statistic except scoring with a 18.9 point average a game to the Packers 20.2. That's a 1.3 point per game difference. I mean WTF, are you kidding me??? Maybe it's because that offense is typically so boring they have to whoop it up about something, but it baffles the crap out of me.

Hope you're feeling better and better every day Adam! BTW... Your son got to watch his first of many Packers Victories last week. Good medicine for the whole Czech family!

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SpaceManatee's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:29 am

You should hear the talk over here. People basically think this is the 85 Bears, 01 Ravens, or last years Broncos.

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Oppy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 12:23 pm

This is exactly why I love to mock the ever living hell outta Vikings fans.

Bears fans I respect.

Lions fans, I feel empathy for.

Vikings fans are delusional, year in and year out, and I love to ridicule them. They hate the Packers so much. I absolutely love it.

Eff those Vikes fans.

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GVPacker's picture

September 18, 2016 at 02:47 pm

Oppy your analysis is spot on,! Viking fans are very delusional to say the least.

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fastmoving's picture

September 18, 2016 at 08:06 am

I like the articel and it nails everything perfect besides the tax part.
the queens paid half of the bill and the taxpayers are probably willing to pay the rest of it. share. Just like the taxpayers did in wisconsin, when I remember correctly. But you are right, sounds much better to cry with the poor but always good people against the bad up there. Way too easy and just not true more often then not. And the most people down here would be probably worse if they where up there.
But I guess thats the way things work these days

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SpaceManatee's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:36 am

If by paid half the bill, you mean sold $125 million in PSLs and accepted a $150 million donation from the NFL, then yes. Let's also not forget the naming rights money of $220 million over 25 years. Don't fool yourself, Zygi paid very little for this and will see the fastest return on his investment.

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NickPerry's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:01 am

I read this somewhere and it just made a lot of sense to me. I understand many have probably said the same thing but I wanted some input.

Rodgers always seems to be looking for the "Deep Ball" instead of perhaps taking what the defense is giving him. He starts to scrabble hoping the deep route breaks open, instead of taking the shorter pass to the wide open receiver. I saw it again last week and think that's a huge part of his passer rating taking a dive, as well as his average yards per completion. Wouldn't it make a whole lot more sense to take what they give you in hopes it would loosen up the Deep Ball a little? With guys like Nelson, Cobb, Cook, and Montgomery who are excellent after the catch, it just makes sense to take those 7 and 8 yard passes, and let the deep stuff come to you again. Obviously a healthy does of Lacy would be part of this formula too.

Thoughts???

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Oppy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 12:33 pm

My thoughts on this are not very popular with Packers fans, but they've been my observation for the better part of two years now.

Aaron Rodgers is teetering on obsessive about not throwing interceptions, and it's starting to hurt this offense.

When is the last time you saw Rodgers consistently getting the ball out at the top of his drop? Or within a three count out of shotgun? The only time I see Rodgers consistently getting the ball out in rhythm is when he takes the quick option to hit the WR behind the LOS immediately on snap.

All of these timing routes and quick hitters that establish methodical, sustained drives typically require the QB to throw to a spot on the field, and the release typically comes BEFORE the WR has clear separation from a defender. It looks to me like Rodgers simply won't throw a ball and let a WR go make a play. If he doesn't see a WR (not named Jordy or Cob) wide open- and I mean WIDE open- he pulls the ball down and goes into scramble mode, trying to buy time until he finds the zero-risk window.

Look, protecting the ball is great and turnovers or lack thereof can flip a game in a hurry. I get that. But I really feel that Rodgers is becoming destructively protective of the ball the last two seasons. Last season with all the injuries and hardships, it was especially on display, but it's been there. I will take Rodgers over Favre 8 days of the week, but this is one area where Rodgers could nudge the needle a little more towards the Favre side of the scale.. He needs to open it up a little bit and trust the WRs on the field- all of them- to make catches on balls that aren't 100% clear and free of risk.

I don't think it's just about Aaron only wanting the deep ball. He wants zero risk.

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NickPerry's picture

September 18, 2016 at 12:46 pm

I actually mentioned that as one of my thoughts to my sister Oppy. He's stating publicly he hates Interceptions (who doesn't) and it has become an issue when maintaining a drive. Look at his deep balls. He's overthrown them by so much no one is getting to it including his player.

So if that's the issue or at least part of it, McCarthy, Bennett, his good buddy Clements, someone needs to wake him up. Bad to okay teams they'll get away with it. Good to great teams a small window is all you'll get.

Thanks Oppy, appreciate it.

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Oppy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 01:11 pm

How do you wake up Aaron Rodgers, though?

He's Aaron. Freaking. Rodgers.

If he wasn't so damn good... I mean, this is the type of thing that gets lesser QB's labeled 'coach killers'. I don't think anyone can talk Aaron Rodgers out of uh, um... Aaron Rodgering?

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Mojo's picture

September 18, 2016 at 03:50 pm

Nick & Oppy, I couldn't agree more. Noticed the same thing with ARod over the past few years and wanted to make this comment earlier in the week.

I think he is so risk adverse that he constantly holds the ball until a receiver is open instead of anticipating the break. It puts pressure on the o-line to hold blocks. Plus, the secondary has time to recover and make our receivers look bad.

Say what you want about the Jet's Fitzgerald, but he and Decker put on a clinic last Thursday. Fitzgerald would throw where Decker was anticipated to be after the break and they kicked-ass. Looked smooth.

Would love to 1.) know the design of the Packers plays and 2.) have access to the All22 to see if the receivers are following instructions. If they're as open as I believe them to be then a lot of the offensive regression the past few years falls on ARod. Even if they're not wide open take more chances by slanting the pass to the side away from the defender and give your receivers a chance.

It's hard to believe all of our receivers are inept. The irony is with Arod's arm, smarts and accuracy he would be the perfect rhythm QB. Love to see more of that (Cook would be a good target on slants) than the hold the ball extend the play stuff(which more often than not ends up with a ball thrown out of bounds).

Then as Nick stated, I suspect the deep stuff would naturally open-up.

Wonder what our receivers would say if the could speak out honestly. Probably something like "Love playing with Arod, but we're open more than people realize".

Rodgers always says he'll throw to the open guy. Not always so sure of that.

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Oppy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 07:01 pm

Over the years, are WR's have said things like (I'm paraphrasing to the best my memory allows here) 'I told Aaron, we all know you are gifted and can make big plays, but we are playmakers too. Just trust us sometimes to go make plays, we have gifts too.', and also have repeatedly talking about having to 'earn 12's trust' ad nauseum.

It seems to indicate that they have been somewhat frustrated, but are extremely respectful of Aaron's talent and that he's the best, so they work around his requirements and quirks.

I don't think there is unrest or discontent in the WR room, but I think it is accepted that AR is a tough, demanding, and somewhat particular QB to play for. Just my best guess, I'm obviously not a insider.

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Chris Carnall's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:08 am

Thanks, Adam - insightful as ever. Great to read you!

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:17 am

Eddie will give us moving the chains .

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:19 am

Aaron Rodgers needs a big game hope it starts now ....

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:21 am

Joe Thomas needs to keep playing at high level .......

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stockholder's picture

September 18, 2016 at 10:03 am

Joe Thomas Sucks. Special Team guy nothing more.

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stockholder's picture

September 19, 2016 at 07:18 am

This last game with the Vikings convinced me Thomas was the right choice for the 53 roster. I am removing the Sucks Label. Much better than last year.

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:23 am

Clay Mattews was quit last week look for sacks offen ..

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:24 am

# 5 ST play hoo wants it ?

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:24 am

My 5 keys to the game guys .

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SpaceManatee's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:37 am

What's with all this Icelandic Viking stuff. These fat passive aggressive Midwesterners don't actually think they're Vikings, do they? They're as much of vikings as I am a dinosaur.

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al bundy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 09:38 am

The Vikes have to many play makers on both sides the ball. Guys who are there on each play. The packers have guys who make plays here and there but can go missing at times. That will be why they lose. Not to mention, Lacy left Lacy right, pass. Ya that will fool them

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stockholder's picture

September 18, 2016 at 10:11 am

Adrian Peterson is still better than Lacy or Starks. They have to stop him.

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 18, 2016 at 11:15 am

Yep. Successful offense is all about "fooling them".
Cripes.

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dobber's picture

September 18, 2016 at 11:24 am

Successful offense is about reading the defense and out-executing them.

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ray nichkee's picture

September 18, 2016 at 12:22 pm

I can't wait to see what you have to say post victory for the pack.

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MarkinMadison's picture

September 18, 2016 at 10:08 am

Kyle Rudolph is the most dangerous receiver v. the Packers defense in this game. I think the Packers can contain them, even without Sam Shields.

AP is over the hill.

Shaun Hill has never been up the hill, and Sam Bradford keeps falling down the hill and breaking something.

The defense is good, not all-time great.

Packers 24-14.

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dobber's picture

September 18, 2016 at 11:28 am

In the end, no week 2 game is a "must-win". The Packers have lost in Minnesota before and gone on to win the division. This is an important game because it is a divisional game, but I'm not going to put much more on it than that.

I think the Packers are well-positioned to win this one, and I hate losing to anyone in the division, but the sky won't be falling if they lose...and I see several possible scenarios where they do.

Still, I'm expecting a "sloppy" game tonight...Packers 31, Vikings 27. Vikings make a run at the end, but don't have the horse at QB to seal the deal.

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Norm's picture

September 18, 2016 at 03:01 pm

What's this, the voice of reason? Go away, you have no powers here!

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Oppy's picture

September 18, 2016 at 12:41 pm

"60-0, packers roll"

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

September 18, 2016 at 12:59 pm

The line has now dropped to GB -1 GB -1 1/2. I'll be honest. This is not a favorable line for GB against Minnesota. This looks like a Big Trap, & a Sure Loss.

I've been wrong on this game over the years, more than I've been right. I seem to over think the game.

Hopefully the line is correct, & the $$$$ is going to Minnesota, which is hard for me to accept, but never the less let's Buy The Hook on GB

And go with GB -2 & the Under
LVT

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Since'61's picture

September 18, 2016 at 06:44 pm

LVT - why should the $$$$ go to Minn if the Vikings can't score without their defense? Thanks, Since '61

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

September 18, 2016 at 01:13 pm

Sorry, I meant GB -1/2 if we can get it.
LVT

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Colin_C's picture

September 18, 2016 at 02:27 pm

Off topic here, but has anyone heard what we're doing with the extra roster spot available after releasing Pressley?

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Norm's picture

September 18, 2016 at 03:06 pm

Saving it for Tori Gurley, if they can pry him away from the Argonauts, or Vic So'oto I've heard.

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John Galt III's picture

September 18, 2016 at 04:35 pm

We need to get more yards per pass - not explosive enough. Hope this is a breakout game in that respect.

Our defense for a change will keep us in games.

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GVPacker's picture

September 18, 2016 at 06:17 pm

Adam Czech YOU RULE!

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Since'61's picture

September 18, 2016 at 06:41 pm

Go Adam Go! Thanks, Since '61

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