Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings Picks and Predictions September 29th 2024

QBs get healthy, Aaron Jones leaps for Green Bay return with Vikings

With the point spread at -2.5 in favor of the Packers, this week four NFC North matchup is being played at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. The Packers are the favorite with a money line of -140, and the over/under line is set at 43.5 points. Kickoff is at 1:00 ET, and CBS is handling the television coverage. The Vikings‘ record and the Packers’ record will be updated after the game.

Minnesota vs. Green Bay Key Information

• Teams: Vikings at Packers
• Where: Lambeau Field Green Bay
• Date: Sunday, September 29th
• Betting Odds GB -140 | MIN +116 O/U 43.5

The Vikings Can Win If…

Minnesota improved to 3-0 on the season with a 34-7 win over the Texans, easily covering the spread as 1.5-point underdogs. The Vikings dominated from the start, leading 14-0 after the 1st quarter with two touchdown passes from Sam Darnold, one each to Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones. Although Houston scored in the 3rd quarter, the Vikings were still comfortably ahead, 21-7, heading into the 4th quarter.

Minnesota put the game out of reach with 13 points in the 4th quarter. Darnold’s third touchdown pass of the game, this time to Johnny Mundt, extended their lead to 31-7. The Texans added a late touchdown in the 4th quarter. The combined 41 points fell short of the over/under line of 46.5 points.

Sam Darnold threw for 181 yards, completing 17 of 28 passes and finishing with a passer rating of 119 in the Vikings’ 34-7 win over the Texans. Darnold threw four touchdown passes, with Minnesota’s offense accumulating 296 yards. The Vikings’ offense line allowed Darnold to be sacked four times.

Minnesota rushed for 118 yards on 28 attempts, with Aaron Jones leading the way with 102 yards on 19 carries. Darnold’s top target was Justin Jefferson, who had six catches for 81 yards and one touchdown.

Minnesota’s defense was dominant in their 34-7 win over the Texans, allowing just 38 rushing yards on 14 attempts. They didn’t allow a single completion in the passing game, despite giving up 258 yards through the air. The Vikings’ defense came away with two interceptions and held Houston to a 28.6% third-down conversion rate.

Minnesota’s defense also had five sacks in the game and limited the Texans to 0 passing touchdowns. Even though they gave up some passing yards, the Vikings made it difficult for Houston to move the ball consistently.

• Through their last three games, the Vikings have a record of 3-0. This also includes going 3-0 ATS and an over-under mark of 0-3.
• Across Minnesota’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 4-6. Against the spread, Minnesota went 4-4-2 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 4-6.

The Packers Can Win If…

Green Bay’s 30-14 win over the Titans improved their record to 2-1. The Packers were +3 point underdogs heading into the game, giving them both a straight-up and ATS win. The combined 44 points went over the total line of 37 points. The Packers got off to a great start, leading 17-7 after the 1st quarter and adding a field goal late in the 2nd to lead 20-7 at halftime.

Malik Willis and Emanuel Wilson helped the Packers stage a comeback in the 3rd quarter, with Willis finding Wilson for a 30-yard touchdown. Although the Titans added a score in the 3rd, the Packers still led 27-14 heading into the 4th. Green Bay’s defense didn’t allow any points in the 4th quarter.

Malik Willis, playing both as the Packers’ quarterback and as their leading rusher, had 73 rushing yards on six attempts, including a 29-yard run for a touchdown, in Green Bay’s 30-14 win over the Titans. The Packers’ offense put up 188 yards on the ground, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. Willis also threw for 202 yards, completing 13 of 19 passes and throwing one touchdown. He was sacked three times.

Christian Watson was the top receiver for Green Bay, finishing with 67 yards on two catches. The Packers’ offense managed only 16 first downs and 190 yards through the air. Willis finished with a passer rating of 120 and didn’t throw any interceptions.

In their most recent game, the Packers’ defense didn’t allow a single completion, but did give up two passing touchdowns to the Titans. However, they did intercept two passes and held the Titans to 33 rushing yards on 11 attempts. Green Bay’s defense was dominant in the passing game, allowing just 33 total yards on the ground. They also recorded eight sacks and held the Titans to 33.3% on third down conversions.The Packers’ defense was tough to move the ball against overall, allowing just 237 total yards in their 30-14 win over the Titans. Despite not allowing any completions, they did give up two passing touchdowns. Their eight sacks were a key factor in disrupting the Titans’ passing game, and their secondary came up with two interceptions.

• Green Bay will look to keep things rolling as they have put together a mark of 2-1 over their past three games. The team has also been excellent vs the spread, going 2-1. Their over-under record in these games was 1-2.
• Green Bay has put together a record of 6-4 in their last ten games (regular season). This includes going 6-4 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 3-7.

The Lean

Our pick vs. the spread for this week four matchup between the Packers and Vikings is to take Green Bay to cover. The point spread lines have the Packers at -2.5, and we have them winning 24-19, making them a good pick to cover as home favorites.

For the over/under line, with the line sitting at 43.5 points, we are leaning towards taking the under, with our projections having this game finishing with 43 combined points.

Aaron Jones, now with the Minnesota Vikings, knows exactly what he’ll do if he scores a touchdown this Sunday at Lambeau Field, the stadium where he spent the first seven years of his career with the Green Bay Packers.

Jones said this week, referencing the iconic Lambeau Leap.

But how will Packers fans react? Will they cheer for the player they adored for years, or will they boo him for now wearing the colors of their bitter rival?

This high-stakes NFC North clash between the Green Bay Packers (2-1) and the undefeated Minnesota Vikings (3-0) is loaded with drama. As Jones returns to face his former team, both sides look to prove they’re serious contenders for the division title.

Aaron Jones’ Homecoming: Will Fans Embrace Him?

Jones’ departure from the Packers in the offseason sent shockwaves through the Green Bay faithful. The Packers released the Pro Bowl running back in a cap-saving move, and the Vikings wasted no time adding him to their roster. So far, he’s proven to be a valuable asset for Minnesota, racking up 325 total yards and two touchdowns in his first three games.

As Jones returns to Lambeau, he’s eager to show that he still has plenty left in the tank, even if it’s now for the Vikings. There’s no question the Lambeau crowd will have mixed feelings about seeing one of their former heroes in purple and gold, but Jones remains undeterred.

he said, emphasizing his gratitude despite the rivalry.

Packers’ QB Situation: Will Jordan Love Return?

The Packers’ early season success has been somewhat overshadowed by the uncertainty surrounding their starting quarterback, Jordan Love. After suffering a knee injury in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Love’s status remains a key storyline heading into this matchup.

Despite Love’s injury, backup Malik Willis has been a reliable replacement, guiding the Packers to two consecutive wins. In Week 2, the Packers edged out the Indianapolis Colts 16-10, and last week, Willis led the team to an impressive 30-14 victory over the Tennessee Titans. His standout performance in the Titans game, where he posted a 120.9 passer rating and threw for 202 yards and a touchdown, has bolstered Green Bay’s confidence in their QB depth.

Still, Love has practiced in full pads this week, and he’s eager to return. “I’m pushing it as hard as I can to get back for this one,” Love said, acknowledging the importance of this division matchup.

With Love improving daily, the Packers’ decision on Sunday may come down to the wire. Whether it’s Love or Willis under center, the Packers are prepared for a critical contest.

Sam Darnold’s Resurgence with the Vikings

While Green Bay deals with its QB situation, the Vikings have their own signal-caller comeback story. After years of inconsistency, Sam Darnold has found a groove in his first season with Minnesota. Darnold has completed 67.9% of his passes for 657 yards, eight touchdowns, and only two interceptions through three games.

Last week, Darnold briefly exited the Vikings’ game against the Houston Texans with a knee injury, only to return and finish the game. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed relief that the injury wasn’t serious and was back to full practice by Thursday.

Darnold’s steady leadership has been key to the Vikings’ perfect start, and his health will be crucial as they face a fierce Packers defense.

Defense: Playmakers Stepping Up

Both teams have relied on strong defensive performances to secure their early season success. For the Vikings, the trio of Patrick Jones II, Jonathan Greenard, and Andrew Van Ginkel has wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. Jones II and Greenard lead the team with four sacks each, while Van Ginkel has added three sacks and a pick-six, demonstrating Minnesota’s ability to generate turnovers and pressure in key moments.

Green Bay’s defense has been no less impressive. Devonte Wyatt has emerged as a leader on the defensive line, racking up three sacks. Meanwhile, safety Xavier McKinney has shined in the secondary with an NFL-best three interceptions, making him one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers through the air.

A Rivalry Renewed: 128th Meeting Between Packers and Vikings

Sunday’s game marks the 128th meeting between these storied NFC North rivals. Green Bay holds a narrow advantage in the all-time series, with a record of 66-58-3, including playoff matchups. The historical rivalry adds another layer of intensity to an already critical game.

With both teams vying for early-season dominance, this matchup could have long-term implications for playoff positioning and division bragging rights.

Key Questions Heading into the Game

1. How will Packers fans react to Aaron Jones’ Lambeau Leap?
   Jones has been clear that he’s ready to leap into the stands if he scores. But will Packers fans embrace their former star or boo him in his Vikings uniform?
2. Can Malik Willis maintain his strong play if Jordan Love can’t return?
   Willis has been exceptional in Love’s absence, but facing an undefeated Vikings team presents his toughest challenge yet. If Love isn’t ready to go, can Willis keep the Packers rolling?
3. Will Sam Darnold continue his resurgence?
   Darnold’s revitalized play has been crucial for Minnesota’s 3-0 start. Can he sustain his high level of performance, especially after last week’s injury scare?
4. Which defense will dominate?
   Both teams boast disruptive defenses. Green Bay’s secondary, led by McKinney, will face a stern test against Darnold and Minnesota’s offense, while the Vikings’ pass rush aims to disrupt whoever starts at quarterback for the Packers.
5. Will this game shape the NFC North race?
   The winner of this game could have a leg up in the division, especially if the Vikings extend their unbeaten streak. Both teams will be desperate to gain momentum in this pivotal NFC North clash.

Conclusion: A Game Full of Drama and Storylines

This NFC North battle between the Packers and Vikings is packed with intrigue. Aaron Jones’ return to Green Bay is sure to generate headlines, while the health of both teams’ quarterbacks will be closely watched. Whether it’s the established play of Sam Darnold or the possible return of Jordan Love, the game promises to deliver excitement. With both teams riding the momentum of strong starts, fans can expect a fierce contest that could have major implications for the rest of the season.

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