NFL Week 8: Vikings vs. Packers odds, picks & predictions

The Minnesota Vikings will look to avenge a Week 1 home loss against the Green Bay Packers when they visit Lambeau Field on Sunday.

For Minnesota, the 2020 NFL season has played out in polar opposite fashion of its division rival, Green Bay.

The 5-1 Packers are off to a red-hot start to the season, with 36-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers playing at an MVP level. The Vikings, meanwhile, own a 1-5 record after dealing with bad luck and injuries.

Veteran QB Kirk Cousins is tied with Carson Wentz for most interceptions (10) in the league, while the Vikings rank fifth to last in takeaways per game.

That turnover margin has played a major factor in Minnesota’s struggles, as have a rash of injuries on the roster.

Vikings vs. Packers injury report

The good news for Minnesota is running back Dalvin Cook should be back on the field for the first time since Week 5. Cook suffered a groin injury in the third quarter against Seattle, after he ran for 65 yards and a touchdown.

Through five games, he has accumulated 489 yards rushing — good for sixth most in the league — and seven rushing touchdowns, tied for second most in the NFL.

Two of his rushing scores came against Green Bay in Week 1, but he managed just 50 yards on the ground, his lowest total of the season.

On defense, Minnesota has had far more difficulty keeping players healthy. Defensive end Danielle Hunter never saw a snap in 2020 and underwent neck surgery this week, ending his season.

Cornerbacks Holton Hill and Mike Hughes did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, and CB Kris Boyd was limited.

On Wednesday, the Vikings also announced cornerback Cameron Dantzler had been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list. Friday, linebacker Todd Davis received a positive COVID-19 test and will not play Sunday.

On Green Bay, the injury report is far more concerning.

Running back Aaron Jones (calf), tight end Marcedes Lewis (knee), cornerback Kevin King (quad), and kicker Mason Crosby (calf/back) did not participate in practice Thursday.

Tackle David Bakhtiari (chest), defensive end Tyler Lancaster (shoulder), linebackers Preston Smith (shoulder), Krys Barnes (shoulder), and Za’Darius Smith (ankle), plus safety Darnell Savage (quad) were all limited in practice.

How Minnesota can upset Green Bay

The Vikings defense has been abysmal this season, allowing the fourth most yards per game (413.7) and the third most points (32).

The Packers, on the other hand, rank 11th in yards surrendered (350.3), and are 12th against the run, and 18th against the pass (350.3)

In Cousins’ first matchup against Green Bay in Week 1, he completed 76% of his passes for 259 yards, with 110 of those yards and both of his touchdown passes hauled in by receiver Adam Thielen.

Thielen has had big games against Houston and Seattle, as well, but lately rookie Justin Jefferson has emerged as another huge threat.

Last week, Jefferson recorded his third 100-yard receiving game, when he caught nine of 11 targets for 166 yards and two scores.

If he and Thielen can both step up, and Cook can keep the Packers' depleted defense off balance in the run game, Green Bay may find themselves in a dangerous shootout with Minnesota.

Vikings vs. Packers betting trends

The betting trends are not in Minnesota's favor, though. The Vikings are 1-3 against the spread after a loss this season and 1-2 ATS as an away underdog. 

As for their opponent, the Packers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games as a home favorite and 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.

Green Bay is also 4-1 ATS in its last five games against Minnesota and 8-3 ATS in its last 11 home matchups against the Vikings.