Monday Night Football is just a day away.
We've been watching the line movement for this matchup all
week, as well as analyzing the best sides to be on when betting the total and
the spread. Let's take a look at some of the key factors and last minute
developments that might affect the NFL picks.
Injury Report
Not a whole lot here. For the Vikings, cornerback Antoine
Winfield has been listed as probable. He practiced this week without limitation
and looks good to play after missing four games. He will be key in trying to
slow down the powerful Packer passing attack.
The Packer's Clay Matthews has been on the injury report all
week as well with a knee injury. He missed practice Thursday, but is still
listed as probable. The Packers just seem to be playing it safe with their star
linebacker and giving him some much needed rest.
Defensive MVPs
There are two players, one on each team's defense that will
be key for their team to pull out a victory. For the Vikings, defensive end
Jared Allen will have to be even better then what he has already been this
year. Allen should be a lock again for the NFC Pro Bowl team. He already had
12.5 sacks! He got Aaron Rodgers for two of those in week seven and he'll be on
the prowl to add to his league leading sack total.
For the Green Bay Packers, veteran defensive back Charles Woodson will
have to lead the weak Green Bay secondary and try to confuse and disrupt
Christian Ponder's receivers. I expect Woodson to be on bump and run coverage
all night; matching up against Percy Harvin. Woodson may be 35 years old, but
he still has what it takes to be one of the best shut down corners in the NFL.
He's got 5 interceptions, 32 tackles and a sack this season.
Ponder vs Rodgers
I'm not saying that Ponder will out duel Aaron Rodgers, but
he will have the opportunity to make plays. I mentioned in my pick for this
game, that the Vikings will feed the rock to Adrian Peterson a lot, but I do
expect them to throw on first down some. I think early on, the Vikings will test
the Green Bay secondary. Why not? Green Bay is giving up over 300 yards per
game in the air. Ponder has shown incredible poise and will have to show it
some more under the lights of Monday night. However, Minnesota will have to be
careful not to make too many turnovers and three and outs, because that is free
points for the most efficient offense in the league.
For Aaron Rodgers, I'm not sure he can be better then what
he has already been this year. But, he is facing one of the weaker secondaries
he has seen all year and will be foaming from the mouth to make it rain on
Monday night. It doesn't matter if teams rush four and drop everyone else back
into coverage, or if they blitz Rodgers. He has carved up defenses no matter
what scheme he sees. Oh, did I mention he can run too? He doesn't use it that
much, but when teams drop back into coverage, Rodgers sees the field very well
and can take off down the field. Man to man, Tampa two; it doesn't matter;
Rodgers will exploit either way.
Head over to our thread in the NFL betting forum and give us
your thoughts on this primetime NFC North game on Monday Night Football. Will
Rodgers continue his historic run? Will this be the game Christian Ponder
hiccups and looks like a rookie? Is Jared Allen the best defensive lineman in
the NFL? Let us know!