Minnesota at Green Bay

The Minnesota Vikings don't have a super star quarterback, but they have ridden the punishing running game of Adrian Peterson into the playoffs. The Vikes needed to beat the Green Bay Packers last week and got the win. It was a game that the Pack desperately wanted to win so they could get the bye and rest the dinged up, and heal the injured, but it was not to be. Adrian Peterson has put together a 2,000 yard rushing season, but his last 10 weeks were of epic proportions. Peterson has been in a world of his own in his last 10 games, rushing for 1,598 yards at 6.8 yards per carry - numbers unheard of for such a sustained period in the NFL. The Packers have had two chances to stop him, but he has churned out over 400 yards in the two games, despite their focus to stop him. Can Green Bay figure him out in six days? The bad news for the Packers is that QB Aaron Rogers had just about a great day last week, going 28-for-40 with four TDs and zero INTs, but it wasn't enough. That becomes scary territory for the Packers because if they are losing when Rodgers is on, what else do they have to turn to? I would expect both Rodgers and Peterson to duel it out for their offenses. But, in the end if the Packers are losing with Rodgers serving aces, so covering more than a touchdown against a hot division rival is going to be a huge chore here. Minnesota is 7-3 straight-up this season as an underdog. Take 'em with the points. The Vikings have played 5-1 to the OVER when following a game where they scored 30 or more. The Packers are 17-6 to the OVER in their last 23 at Lambeau Field. And under Mike McCarthy, this team is 31-17 OVER as a home favorite includign 18-4 OVER if laying 7.5 to 14 points! The McCarthy-led Packers are also 21-9 OVER vs. teamst hat allow 350+ yards prer game. Neither of these defenses can stop the featured star of their opponents’ offense, so I expect another high-scoring game here. Play Minnesota and the OVER.