Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The undefeated Green Bay Packers will host the 2-6 Minnesota Vikings on Monday night in an NFC North clash. While the game doesn't have major implications with the Packers almost already guaranteed a playoff spot and the Vikings going nowhere, there should still be plenty of intensity.

These two teams played just a few weeks ago in a game the Packers won by just six points. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to dominate and score at will, but Green Bay isn't without faults as its secondary has struggled mightily this season.

The Vikings took advantage of the Packers' defensive shortcomings three weeks ago as they were able to beat Green Bay on the ground and through the air. If Minnesota is going to come out on top this time, though, it will have to play better defense in its own right.

This isn't exactly a must-win game for the Packers, but they would certainly like to dispatch a division rival and remain undefeated. At the same time, giving the Packers their first blemish could be huge for the Vikings moving forward.

Where: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisc.

When: Monday, Nov. 14 at 8:30 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN

Spread: Green Bay (-14)

The undefeated Packers should most definitely be favored big at home against a two-win opponent, but there is reason to believe the Vikings can keep it close again. While Green Bay has continued to put up points, its games have been close because of poor defense.

I fully expect the Packers to score big, but the Vikings will get their licks in as well. Green Bay will win this game, but Minnesota should be able to stay within two touchdowns.

Over/Under: 51

An over/under of 51 may seem high, but it isn't at all outrageous for a game involving the Packers. Green Bay averages nearly 35 points per game on its own, so if the Packers stay true to form, then the Vikings don't even have to do that much offensively.

I do think the Vikings will do some damage, though, thanks to elite running back Adrian Peterson and upstart rookie quarterback Christian Ponder. If this game is anything like the last one between these two teams, then they should easily clear the over.

Vikings Key Injuries

Out: OL Anthony Herrera (knee)

Questionable: DB Antoine Winfield (neck)

Packers Key Injuries

Out: RB Alex Green (knee—IR)

Questionable: OL Chad Clifton (hamstring), LB Frank Zombo (hamstring)

Probable: DB Morgan Burnett (hand)

Fantasy Big Plays

QB Aaron Rodgers (GB)—Aaron Rodgers may very well be the best player on the planet right now, both in real and fantasy terms. He is a threat to throw for 400 yards and four touchdowns every week, and that is certainly a possibility against a Vikings secondary that he carved up a few weeks ago.

RB Adrian Peterson (MIN)—Normally you would want to start quarterbacks and wide receivers against the Green Bay Packers, and while I do like quarterback Christian Ponder as a desperation play, the biggest fantasy start on Minnesota this week will be running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson can run the ball on anyone, including 175 yards against Green Bay earlier in the year.

Keys to Vikings Win

As much as teams have been able to pass the ball on the Packers lately, the keys to a Vikings' win is running the ball and playing stout defense. Keeping Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers off the field as often as possible is vital, so Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will need to have another huge performance.

Peterson came up big last time against the Packers, and he will have to do it again. The true test, though, will be slowing down Rodgers when he does have the ball. If the Vikes sit back in zone, then Rodgers is going to pick them apart. That is why they need Jared Allen and Brian Robison to provide consistent pressure. If the Vikings can get Rodgers out of rhythm, then perhaps they have a chance.

Keys to Packers Win

As long as the Packers continue to play the way they have on offense, I'm not sure that any team can beat them. Rodgers and his vast array of weapons have been unstoppable this season as it is nearly impossible for opposing defenses to account for each and every receiver.

Defensively, the Packers will still have to clean things up a little. They have been able to generate turnovers, but they can't continue to get gashed through the air. Also, Green Bay was mowed down by Adrian Peterson in the running game three weeks ago. If the Packers can keep Peterson from going over 100 yards, though, the Vikes don't stand much of a chance.

Prediction

Packers 38, Vikings 28