After last Sunday’s debacle at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings all but eliminated themselves from playoff contention. Now, with nothing left to play for but pride, the Vikings look to play spoiler on Christmas Eve against the red-hot rival Packers at Lambeau Field. A win would not do much for the Vikings chances of making the playoffs as that ship has sailed, but a season sweep against our most bitter-rivals would be a solid consolation.
Adrian Peterson’s status for Sunday remains up in the air
Following a less than stellar performance in his first game back last Sunday, Peterson is taking it “day by day” with lingering groin and knee issues that may prevent the aging-superstar from seeing the field. If Peterson is unable to suit up, it will be up to Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata to carry the load in his absence.
Call me crazy, but I like the Vikings chances of winning better with Peterson on the sideline than on the playing field. The force-feeding of Peterson has become beyond predictable and hinders the passing game in the process. The Vikings will need to air the ball out like they did in their previous meeting in September, which led to Stefon Diggs torching the Packers secondary and a win for the purple.
Vikings defensive-line needs to rebound this week
In my previous article, I noted the importance of a solid pass-rush in trying to slow down Andrew Luck. This week, the Vikings are taking on another superstar quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, who can do the same kind of damage through the air that the team experienced in last Sunday’s blowout loss.
If the Vikings want to remain in the game when the fourth quarter rolls around in Lambeau, the defensive-line needs to let loose on Rodgers and rattle him like they did months earlier in Minneapolis. If Rodgers has time in the pocket to find open receivers, it will be a long night in Green Bay for the Vikings.
Harrison Smith remains questionable for Saturday’s game
Last week’s defensive meltdown was a reminder of just how valuable Smith is to the success of this defense. Not only is he a playmaker, he is the soft-spoken leader of the Vikings secondary who is counted on by his teammates for his on-field cunning and guile.
If the Vikings are forced to play Anthony Harris in Smith’s absence for the third-straight week, Rodgers will have an absolute field-day picking apart the Vikings’ secondary.
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