Official Packers vs Vikings Discussion Thread

[Joemailman]

Packers lead all-time series 66-58-3. 65-57-3 in regular season, 1-1 in playoffs.

Last meeting: December 31, 2023. Packers defeated the Vikings 33-10 in Minneapolis. Jordan Love threw for 256 yards with 3 TD's and 0 INT's. Aaron Jones ran 20 times for 120 yards. Bo Melton had 6 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD. Jayden Reed had 6 catches for 89 yards and 2 TD's. Packers defense held the Vikings to 211 total yards.

This year, Sam Darnold has completed 67.9% of his passes for 657 yards with 8 TD's and 2 INT's. Justin Jefferson leads the Vikings with 14 catches for 273 yards and 3 TD's. Aaron Jones leads the Vikings with 228 rushing yards, averaging 5.4 YPC. Jones also has 97 yards receiving and 1 TD.

Offensively, Vikings rank 2nd in points scored, and 11th in yards gained. They are 13th in passing yards and 12th in rushing yards. Their passing rating of 117.3 ranks 2nd.

Defensively, Vikings rank 2nd in points allowed, and 16th in yards allowed. They are 28th in passing yards allowed and 3rd in rushing yards allowed. Vikings defense has allowed just 2 TD passes and has 5 INT's. They have allowed a passer rating of just 71.5 which ranks 5th. Their run defense has allowed just 3.6 YPC which ranks 3rd. Vikings defense leads the NFL with 16 sacks. Vikings have allowed red zone touchdowns 33% of the time which ranks 7th.

[Tony Oday]

They are the best team going right now. I love the Pack but I think this would be a major win if we lose by 7.

[Joemailman]

Packers favored by 2.5
Moneyline: Packers -135, Vikings +114
Over/under: 43.5

[Fritz]

They are the best team going right now. I love the Pack but I think this would be a major win if we lose by 7.

That's saying a lot - a major win if we lose at home by a touchdown?

I will say this will be a good test for this team. It'll be interesting to see how Half-Assley's defense does against this balanced offense, and equally interesting to see how the offense handles the Minny defense. I have a feeling that it's going to be slow going for the offense this week, no matter who's at the controls. Love is likely to be rusty, and Willis has not seen a defense like this one yet.

It should be a good one. A good test for a young team during the early part of the season. We'll learn a lot, it's safe to say.

[George Cumby]

I think this Packers D is going to take this opportunity to make a statement.

[Anti-Polar Bear]

More “Psycho” and less “Pistol Force,” please.

[MadScientist]

They don't need to spy Darnold, so that should help the rush. On the other hand, the Vikings are in another league compared to the Titans and Colts. The numbers say stop Jefferson, Jones, and Nailor and it will be a good day for the Packers. But Houston and SF were not able to do so in their games, and they had to know this as well. This will be a huge test for the Packers.

[Joemailman]

The midwest, and much of the west, including Alaska will get Vikings at Packers. Kevin Harlan and Trent Green with the call.

https://506sports.com/2024/04-CBS-E.png

[Fritz]

They don't need to spy Darnold, so that should help the rush. On the other hand, the Vikings are in another league compared to the Titans and Colts. The numbers say stop Jefferson, Jones, and Nailor and it will be a good day for the Packers. But Houston and SF were not able to do so in their games, and they had to know this as well. This will be a huge test for the Packers.

Brian Flores's blitzes look complex, so it's going to be a challenge for either the very inexperienced Willis or the rusty Love to pick up on the chaos of pass rushers coming at them.

And that defense is going to have to tackle well, because you don't want Aaron Jones setting the tone for that offense since that would allow Darnold to pick them apart with Justin Jefferson.

[sharpe1027]

It's about time for a big game from Watson and for Jaire to rise to the challenge of taking on Jefferson.

[Joemailman]

Rob Demovsky
@RobDemovsky

Jordan Love is practicing again this week. Here’s the evidence. https://x.com/i/status/1838997501854036131

Jordan Morgan (shoulder) the only one not practicing.

[Fritz]

Rob Demovsky
@RobDemovsky

Jordan Love is practicing again this week. Here’s the evidence. https://x.com/i/status/1838997501854036131

Jordan Morgan (shoulder) the only one not practicing.

Question: Where does The Flower shop?

Answer: At "The Limited"!

Is he going to set a world's record for saying the word "limited" the highest number of times in a week?

After the teases of the last two weeks from MLF, it's hard to imagine that Love won't be at the helm this Sunday, barring a setback. I'm guessing he'll string everyone along (again) and make it a game-time decision. Maybe he'll even bring Clifford up on Saturday to make it look like Willis is starting.

And ought they just put Morgan on IR? Shoulders are notoriously slow to heal.

Also - I did see in the locker-room celebration after the Titans win that The Flower gave a shout-out to Nards.

I know he missed one again, but it didn't count as there was a penalty. So let's hope he's got the misses out and gets on a roll now. They're going to need him to do well on Sunday.

[Sparkey]

For those fretting about the great Queens defense:

Through the first three weeks of the 2024 season, the Vikings are allowing just 10 points per game while leading the league with 16 sacks. In three games against LaFleur-coached offenses (two Vikings/Packers games in 2023 and a 2018 Patriots/Titans game), Flores' defenses have given up an average of 26 points, 375 yards and forced just two total turnovers.

[Joemailman]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GYWY81cXYAAy6tD?format=jpg&name=small

[Joemailman]

Quad is the new hamstring.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GYWan4CXYAAu0TG?format=jpg&name=small

[run pMc]

SF hasn't won in MIN in a very long time. MIN beat SF at home last year too. Flores has a crazy scheme and Stroud was confused, it's an uncommon opponent.
It sounds like I'm making excuses, I suppose I am. They've beaten some quality opponents, but I can't help but feel like Flores' scheme starts to get figured out partway through the season, and with them being a division foe they won't be so strange to scout.

I don't like Malik Willis's chances against the Flores exotic blitz packages, I think he'd struggle to diagnose them. He is mobile enough to scramble around, but I'd expect a fall to Earth after the last two games.
I think Love is more likely to play and play well. He's had almost 3 weeks to recover, he's been practicing for a week now, and he has experience against this scheme (and has had time to prepare).

I think Addison and Hockensen are still out, which means they have Jefferson and AJones to worry about (which is not nothing). MIN has good OT but I don't know how good their IOL really is, and if Davante Wyatt is for real he could cause trouble. GB's safeties are lightyears better. Kevin O'Connell is a very good coach, MLF isn't too shabby either. Good matchup.

Unclear who will be more mobile - Darnold or Love - with QBs and their knees. If Love plays and the OL can protect him I think GB wins in a close one.

[Joemailman]

SF hasn't won in MIN in a very long time. MIN beat SF at home last year too. Flores has a crazy scheme and Stroud was confused, it's an uncommon opponent.
It sounds like I'm making excuses, I suppose I am. They've beaten some quality opponents, but I can't help but feel like Flores' scheme starts to get figured out partway through the season, and with them being a division foe they won't be so strange to scout.

I don't like Malik Willis's chances against the Flores exotic blitz packages, I think he'd struggle to diagnose them. He is mobile enough to scramble around, but I'd expect a fall to Earth after the last two games.
I think Love is more likely to play and play well. He's had almost 3 weeks to recover, he's been practicing for a week now, and he has experience against this scheme (and has had time to prepare).

I think Addison and Hockensen are still out, which means they have Jefferson and AJones to worry about (which is not nothing). MIN has good OT but I don't know how good their IOL really is, and if Davante Wyatt is for real he could cause trouble. GB's safeties are lightyears better. Kevin O'Connell is a very good coach, MLF isn't too shabby either. Good matchup.

Unclear who will be more mobile - Darnold or Love - with QBs and their knees. If Love plays and the OL can protect him I think GB wins in a close one.

Addison was listed as Limited today, but their practice was a walk through, so who knows? Hockenson is still on the PUP list. Their C Garrett Bradbury was listed as DNP with an ankle. Kenny Clark has owned him in the past. Maybe this is the week Clark finally shows something.

[MadtownPacker]

Packers good, vikings bad. That is all.

[Anti-Polar Bear]

Kenny Clark has owned him in the past. Maybe this is the week Clark finally shows something.

Will there be a “blue moon” past midnight on Sunday?

If so, expect a big game out of the extremely overpaid Yokozuna. If not, well, Cletidius will stink up Lambeau and then buy himself yet another horse in the aftermath with the millions the Packers have wasted/continue to waste on him.

[MadtownPacker]

Rob Demovsky
@RobDemovsky

Jordan Love is practicing again this week. Here’s the evidence. https://x.com/i/status/1838997501854036131

Jordan Morgan (shoulder) the only one not practicing.
Hate to say it but I don’t think he should start this week. Coming back to a 2 game streak to face a 3 game streak team that is a division rival just feels off unless he is truly 100%.

For a moment let’s not count on Love and consider the team is getting along just fine without him. While not the same style the offense is moving the ball well and chewing up clock. Now he comes back and if it’s a W yeah we are good. But a loss especially a bad one…. damn the shit storm that will follow. Love wasn’t looking sharp against eagles before he got taken down. Might be best to wait until the rams game that will have less intensity.

[bobblehead]

Hate to say it but I don’t think he should start this week. Coming back to a 2 game streak to face a 3 game streak team that is a division rival just feels off unless he is truly 100%.

For a moment let’s not count on Love and consider the team is getting along just fine without him. While not the same style the offense is moving the ball well and chewing up clock. Now he comes back and if it’s a W yeah we are good. But a loss especially a bad one…. damn the shit storm that will follow. Love wasn’t looking sharp against eagles before he got taken down. Might be best to wait until the rams game that will have less intensity.

QUATERBACK CONTROVERSY!!!!

[smuggler]

I watched him in warmups against the Titans. I think he's probably ready to return. Can't let optics dictate everything. If there's no increased risk and he's feeling good, you gotta play the better player. Love is the choice.

[Joemailman]

A home division game is huge. If they lose to the Vikings they're down 2 games and still have to travel to Minnesota. And as good as Willis had been, Love gives them a better chance to win. Love has faced the Flores defense twice, winning the 2nd time, which can be a tough defense for a young QB to figure out. Just ask CJ Stroud.

[MadtownPacker]

QUATERBACK CONTROVERSY!!!!
Look what you started. You folks saw it here first and Bobble called it.

[MadtownPacker]

A home division game is huge. If they lose to the Vikings they're down 2 games and still have to travel to Minnesota. And as good as Willis had been, Love gives them a better chance to win. Love has faced the Flores defense twice, winning the 2nd time, which can be a tough defense for a young QB to figure out. Just ask CJ Stroud.If you go by points given up the Packers defense will be the best one (and rising) the vikings have faced this season. Might be when Jones runs out of gas.:whaa:

[Joemailman]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GYb22NPbAAAsYmC?format=jpg&name=small

[Fritz]

It's really about his health. It's a long season, and you don't want to rush him back and have him re-injured, because no matter how good a story Willis has been, there's nobody here (nobody that's not hearing voices, anyway) who thinks Willis gives the Packers a better shot at the SB than Love.

So - if he's good to go and the chances of re-injuring that MCL are minimal, then he plays. Now, I will say, he's likely to be rusty. But would sitting him out make him any less so next week?

On the other hand, if they think another week of healing would be important in the big picture, then trot Willis back out there on Sunday.

[George Cumby]

Think about this:

Say the Packers play Willis. MLF keeps up with his sick game-planning, the D brings the heat, bottles up the Vikings O and terrorizes Darnold, the running game keeps humming and Willis does enough to help the team win.

What does that do to the Vikings psyche, losing to GB's backup QB?

If 10 isn't ready, play Willis. I think they can do it.

[Fritz]

But of course MLF is going to milk this "we aren't sure who's starting" thing right up until the last second. Be funny if he trotted them both out there for the first play of the game.

[texaspackerbacker]

There's always a chance of re-injury no matter how back-to-normal the guy is. If he wants to play and the coaches want him to play, I HATE it that some hyper-cautious to the point of stupidity doctor has veto power over it. I recall last year (or was it the year before?) somebody, I think Aaron Jones had his situation dragged out way too long that way. Love has been moving around with way more mobility than a lot of uninjured less mobile QBs. If he can play good football and move enough to avoid hits, which it certainly seems like he can, then he should be playing.

I've got nothing against LaFleur keeping the opponent guessing until the last minute though. And having both of them on the field for some trick plays definitely should be an option.

[bobblehead]

In my 2 QB fantasy league I had to choose last night between Danny Jones or Love. I benched Jones, so you know what I believe. Love will play.

[Joemailman]

Mike Spofford
@mikespofford

QB Jordan Love practicing once again for #Packers.

Not practicing Friday: CB Jaire Alexander, CB Carrington Valentine, G/T Jordan Morgan.
Final injury report with game statuses coming after practice.

[Fritz]

Mike Spofford
@mikespofford

QB Jordan Love practicing once again for #Packers.

Not practicing Friday: CB Jaire Alexander, CB Carrington Valentine, G/T Jordan Morgan.
Final injury report with game statuses coming after practice.

Morgan out, Love AND Alexander questionable.

If Jaire doesn’t play, and Valentine is hurt and not playing, do they move Nixon outside, drop Bullard into the slot, and start Williams at safety?

[Joemailman]

Morgan out, Love AND Alexander questionable.

If Jaire doesn’t play, and Valentine is hurt and not playing, do they move Nixon outside, drop Bullard into the slot, and start Williams at safety?

I don't think so. Last year when Jaire was suspended for the Viking game, Corey Ballentine started in his place.

[MadtownPacker]

In my 2 QB fantasy league I had to choose last night between Danny Jones or Love. I benched Jones, so you know what I believe. Love will play.
What are your thoughts with his status still questionable? I thought he would olay but now having doubts.

[Teamcheez1]

Clifford not on the active roster.
That pretty much means Love is starting.

For me, that means an afternoon at the sports bar.

[King Friday]

Ian Rapoport is reporting that Love will play.

[Fritz]

Clifford not on the active roster.
That pretty much means Love is starting.

For me, that means an afternoon at the sports bar.

Love is why you’re going to be spending your Sunday afternoon at a sports bar.

I think Flores’s complex defenses require a QB who can process a lot of information quickly. That doesn’t sound like Willis, though I think Love will be rusty. From what I gather, Love is going to have to be able to exploit the middle of the field.

[MadtownPacker]

I think Flores’s complex defenses require a QB who can process a lot of information quickly. That doesn’t sound like Willis, though I think Love will be rusty.https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRV28jaBX5zb6uhn-bPiVO-ou7YmBIzZN7qvg&s

[Teamcheez1]

Being reported that Jaire will be inactive today.

[King Friday]

All comes down to the run game. I don’t believe the Vikings defense is that good stopping the run. They’ve just been playing with a lead the entire season so far. Keep it close, and pound them on the ground. This is the exact kind of game we got Josh Jacobs for.

[George Cumby]

Packers win.

[smuggler]

Bummer about Jaire. Probably doesn't bode well. If Valentine's going, we have a shot.

[smuggler]

Ah shit, Valentine is also inactive...

[Teamcheez1]

Rush the ball effectively.
Pressure Darnold.
Keep Love clean.

Win game.

[beveaux1]

Well. Need to tighten up.

[beveaux1]

Narverson, miss! When do we get a real kicker?