With two weeks to study the playbook, Bradford could be the guy at quarterback in this crucial matchup. The Vikings used a late win over Green Bay to capture the NFC North a season ago, but the Packers are favored to win it this year.
Watch this regular season Week 2 matchup live on Sunday, September 18, 2016, at 8:30 p.m. ET at U.S. Bank Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Packers -2.5
Vikings +2.5
Over/Under 43.5
Odds Analysis
What a tough game to gauge. The Vikings have a star running back in Adrian Peterson and one of the best defenses in the NFL, but the quarterback situation is such a wild card. Not surprisingly, 83 percent of the bettors are choosing the Packers to cover, as they like the certainty of Aaron Rodgers on the other side.
If the spread jumps to three points, though, that’s a big move and could make a lot of gamblers consider the Vikings at home. The “under” is currently the more popular choice as nearly 80 percent of the bets are coming in on that side of the scoring total.
Injury Report
Sam Shields -- Life will be a bit easier on Bradford or Hill if Shields doesn’t play, and it’s looking like that could be the case. The Green Bay cornerback suffered a concussion in the season-opening win over the Jaguars and is in the NFL’s protocol. The Packers have a pretty deep secondary, though, so could survive without him.
Xavier Rhodes -- The Vikings could also be without a member of their secondary, as the cornerback suffered a knee injury recently and didn’t play in the win over the Titans. Minnesota would love to have all hands on deck against Rodgers, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Player to Watch
Peterson -- Whether it is a learning-on-the-fly Bradford or career-backup Hill at quarterback, the Vikings would love to focus their offense around their star rusher. While he is one of the most prolific runners in NFL history, Peterson had only 19 carries for 31 yards in the opener.
The Packers seem likely to stack the box and force the passing game to beat it. However, Peterson has the natural ability to put up big numbers even against a defensive front focused on stopping him.
The Vikings’ formula of rushing and defense can only work if Peterson is playing well. If Bradford or Hill has to throw more than 30 times in the game, it could be a recipe for disaster.
Free ATS Pick
The Packers may be overrated as a top Super Bowl contender, as their showing against the Jaguars in the first week was less than inspiring. However, Green Bay catches a big break in this one without Bridgewater leading the way.
Bradford should continue to get more comfortable as the season wears on, but it’s fair to wonder if he has a crucial miscommunication or two that can result in a big swing.
There does seem like a way for the Vikings to pull this out: get an early lead, and then rely on Peterson and the defense to do the heavy lifting for the win. However, Rodgers is too good and should be able to put some points up.
If Bradford is counted on to win the game late, it might be too much to ask early in his Vikings tenure. The half-point is important, as the Packers could claim this one by a field goal. The “under” seems like the right call as both defenses are solid and there could be plenty of running by both teams.
NFL Odds: Packers 23, Vikings 20
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