The Green Bay Packers will look to keep their playoff hopes alive when they travel to the Twin Cities for a rematch with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. The Packers enter the game with a 7-8 record, while the Vikings have an identical record . The Packers beat the Carolina Panthers 33-30 to advance to the final game, while the Vikings lost 30-24 to the Lions. Here are six key matchups that will determine who wins Sunday’s Packers-Vikings game. The Packers lead the all-time series between these two teams 64-57-3 in the regular season.
This streak dates back to 1961 when the Vikings entered the league. The Vikings won the first meeting between the teams in October, 24-10. The two teams have made two playoff appearances, the last of which was a Packers victory in the 2012 postseason. Top Packers Tackles: Justin JeffersonThe last three games have been an embarrassment for the Packers defense. Joe Barry was predictable and his strategies are considered outdated.
Vikings T.J. Hockenson did not practice Wednesday because wide receiver Jordan Addison suffered an ankle injury. The Vikings’ biggest weapon is wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The Packers need to find a way to slow him down. They will have to do so without Jair Alexander, who was suspended for one game for his role in the draw last Sunday. The Packers should consider double-teaming Jefferson for most of the game.
He also needs to get physical with the former LSU star and get him the ball as much as possible, whether it’s a man game or a zone game. Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes play well physically, so Barry needs to highlight that. For most games, safety support is also a good idea. Jefferson makes the catch, but the Packers defense doesn’t allow him to make a splash play or run free down the secondary.Barry doesn’t have to be great, but defense can’t be his worst enemy.
