Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings predictions

NFL week one betting tips, predictions and analysis for Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 9.25pm Sunday

Best bet

Minnesota Vikings +1.5
1pt Evens Betfair

Match preview

Arguably the biggest game in Week one takes place in Minnesota as NFC North rivals Green Bay Packers do battle with the Vikings. Both teams are projected to finish in the top two in the division, and this game could be crucial as to who comes out on top.

Both teams have a lot of positives right now, but there are a number of questions that need answering at key positions, particularly for Green Bay. The Packers saw star receiver Davante Adams leave for the Raiders over the summer, and it remains to be seen how quarterback Aaron Rodgers will fare with his young and inexperienced group of receivers.

As for the Vikings, they have a couple of stud receivers in Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen for quarterback Kirk Cousins to throw the ball to, but a lot of focus will be on whether their offensive line can hold the fort long enough for Cousins to get the ball to his pass-catchers.

Both teams also have tremendous talent on defence but the difference is in the Vikings’ D-line, which boasts Danielle Hunter and ex-Packer Za’Darius Smith.

Minnesota do have a new head coach at the helm in Kevin O’Connell, and he will no doubt want to make a statement with his new team in front of their fans. This game is a tough one to call, but given what happened in the off-season you have to give the edge to the Vikings on both offence and defence. With that in mind, backing them as slight home underdogs looks a great play.

Betbuilder

Vikings +1.5 - There is plenty to like about the Vikings’ offence this year and under new head coach Kevin O’Connell they can give their fans plenty to cheer about by getting one over on rivals Green Bay.

Under 47.5 points - Both teams have quality on defence which should prevent this game from turning into a total blowout. With Davante Adams gone from Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers’ passing options will be limited and that could tell in this one.

Aaron Jones to score a touchdown - Jones scored three TDs in the last four games of the regular season and has shown his versatility with being as dangerous in the passing game as he is on the ground. With this uncorrelated play you get a mighty odds boost on your bet builder, which is well worth the risk.

The lowdown

VenueUS Bank Stadium
Surface Artificial
Weather Partly cloudy, 19C

Key stat The Packers covered the spread in only one of their final five games last season.

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