Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers Betting Preview

Sunday Night Football pits a pair of NFC North rivals together as the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) square off with the Green Bay Packers (12-3).
The Packers will host this one at Lambeau Field, with kickoff scheduled for 8:20 pm ET.
Minnesota comes into this one trying to claim one of the Wild Card spots for the playoffs. They currently sit one game back, though, so this game is pivotal for them.
Last week, Minnesota dropped their game at home versus the Los Angeles Rams, 30-23. Kirk Cousins threw for 315 yards, one touchdown, and an interception in the loss.
While Green Bay has clinched the NFC North, they are still trying to fend off others in the NFC for the top overall seed and a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
The Packers have won four games, including a 24-22 thriller against the Browns last week. Aaron Rodgers threw for 202 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
Green Bay is the overwhelming favorite to win this one. They are -820 to win while the Vikings’ Moneyline sits at +570. The spread features Minnesota +13.5 (-114), and the over/under for total points is 43.
More Odds
The Packers have the second-best odds of winning the Super Bowl this season at +450. The Vikings are +18000 to win Super Bowl LVI.
By The Numbers
These two teams are neck-and-neck offensively this season. The Vikings rank 12th in the NFL, averaging 25.6 points per game. The Packers rank 13th averaging 25.5 (29.7 at home).
Defensively, it is Green Bay with the advantage.
They rank 13th in scoring defense, allowing opponents to average 21.6 points per game (17.7 at home). The Vikings rank 23rd, allowing 24.8 points per game.
Shorthanded Vikings Trying To Stay In The Playoff Hunt
The Vikings have a challenging task ahead of them to try to sneak into the playoffs as a Wild Card team. Their mission became even tougher Friday, though, as starting quarterback Kirk Cousins was ruled out for this matchup.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Cousins tested positive for COVID-19 and will subsequently miss this game. Cousins has thrown for 3,971 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions this season.
While backup quarterback Sean Mannion had been placed on the COVID-19 list last Sunday, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reports that he is expected to be activated for this game.
The loss of Cousins will loom large for the Vikings, but they are at least expected to get back their star running back Dalvin Cook for this game.
He was forced to miss last week’s game after also being placed on the COVID-19 list.
In 11 games this season, Cook has rushed for 1,067 yards and six touchdowns. He also has 30 receptions for 221 yards.
Green Bay Trying To Stay Perfect At Home
The Packers have been really tough this season, but they have been unbeatable to this point at home. The Packers are 7-0 at Lambeau Field this year and will look to extend that winning streak Sunday night.
Leading the way for the Packers is Aaron Rodgers. He is currently the favorite to win the MVP this season at -175, and for good reason.
Rodgers has thrown for 3,689 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. He has also rushed for another three scores.
Rodgers’ favorite receiver continues to be Davante Adams.
Adams has 106 receptions for 1,362 yards and ten touchdowns on the season.
Defensively, the team is led by De’Vondre Campbell (138 tackles), Rashan Gary (8.5 sacks), and Rasul Douglas (five interceptions).
Take Green Bay To Win And Cover
The Vikings were already longshots to win on the road against Green Bay, but it might be darn near impossible without Cousins. Cousins’ absence essentially makes Justin Jefferson a non-factor.
Expect the Vikings to go to a heavy dose of Dalvin Cook, trying to eat clock and keep Rodgers off the field. That still might not be enough, though, as the Packers’ defense will be able to load the box and force Sean Mannion to beat them through the air.
Take Green Bay to win and to cover the 13.5-point spread.