NFL Wildcard Preview: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
The post season is finally among us and it is interesting to see a rematch so soon between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. Last Sunday the two faced off in a close match, as the Vikings played for their post season life, and the Packers played for a Wild Card bye. As we now know the Vikings won 37-34 in the dying seconds of the game granting their post season berth. So, what will next week hold for the Vikings?
For those who have been betting on football games this season have had a pretty interesting year. New teams are becoming power house commodities, while old favorites are becoming less and less prevalent. Two years ago few online betting sites and sports betting fans alike would think that there is a definite chance that the Packers may be eliminated in the first round.
Line: Packers -9 1/2 and the total is 46.
Green Bay Packers
Once again Aaron Rodgers is having a great season with Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and James Jones being clutch and available targets. As an offense they have been able to pick apart defenses and make plays from what look like initial disasters. The defense is also doing well with AJ Hawk, and former Colt Jeff Saturday on the line. But for some reason they are not the same team they were two years ago. They are losing to teams that they should traditionally be beating. It just goes to show that while other NFC teams are growing and reinventing themselves, the Packers are staying in the glory years, changing very little as time goes on.
Minnesota Vikings
Going from the NFL basement to one of its most exciting teams is not easy. Everyone already knew that Christian Ponder was a good quarterback, but did not have many options when it came to a run game. Now with running back Adrian Peterson back from injury, the Vikings have been able to not only win games, but come through in high pressure situations. Jared Allan is having another great year and the defense is looking as good. Almost better than it has looked in many years in fact.
So who will win this Wild Card game? To have a repeat of such a close game so soon is going to be incredibly exciting. There are many doubts that the Vikings will be able to take down the awe inspiring Aaron Rodgers and friends again, but it very well could happen. Many sports books are expecting another close game, perhaps even within three points as was last game. However, I would bet that Rodgers comes out with red in his eyes looking for vengeance and another Super Bowl.
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