We’re back after a week hiatus. My two-week holiday fun has not been conductive to blogging. Good news, I’m not doing much next week so we’re going to finish the year and look ahead to the future of this blog. Green Bay continues their run of the table by playing their rivals Minnesota on a Saturday afternoon game at Lambeau Field. Many though this might be for the division at the start of the year, but instead, Green Bay continues to fight for their playoff lives as Minnesota looks to stave somewhat alive.

Aaron Rodgers v. Mike Zimmer’s defense
In the past two games against Mike Zimmer’s defense, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t seen much success. He’s been throttled down both at home and on the road. That being said, this defense looks entirely different than the one he saw in Week 2. Harrison Smith will be back, but who knows how healthy given he’s coming back from a high ankle sprain. Zimmer called out Anthony Barr as well. If Andrew Luck can tear up this defense, Rodgers certainly can too. Don’t be surprised to see big games from Davante Adams and Jared Cook.

The Sam Bradford pressure machine
Green Bay played a little softer coverage last week against Matt Barkley, and that didn’t work out too well. Expect the aggressive Packers to return. Dom Capers should smell blood in the water given how poor the offensive line is currently and Sam Bradford’s refusal to throw the ball downfield means Green Bay shouldn’t get burned often. Minnesota needs a hot start from Bradford, or this game could get very ugly.

Can the sequel be better than the original for Ty Montgomery?
Green Bay will be without James Starks again this week meaning Ty Montgomery will get all the shine again. Minnesota’s run defense is far different than what Packers saw last week with Chicago. They did allow 100+ yards to Frank Gore last week, but Vikings typically have been stout run stoppers. Like many sequels, they tend to disappoint us. Monty has an alright day, but the good tackling of Minnesota limits him to an average day on the ground.

Stefon Diggs, Packers killer
We know what Stefon Diggs has done to Packers secondary through his young career. He’s questionable this week, but Diggs has been known to go off against Green Bay’s secondary. Quinton Rollins and Ladarius Gunter will get the responsibility of Diggs likely as Damarious Randall’s role is undefined right now due to his benching. Minnesota makes this a game if Diggs is a constant playmaker. He hasn’t done much since mid-November.

Prediction
I like Packers. A lot. Probably too much. This could be dangerous. I feel like we’re ready to witness a Vikings funeral. The fact Adrian Peterson will miss the game. The fact there’s some distension between Minnesota players and ZImmer makes me think they could lay down in this one. First quarter will matter. If Packers hit them in the mouth early, no way Minnesota responds to it.GB 31-14

Charlie.