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One of the most historic rivalries in the NFL could get ugly in Week 8 when the Green Bay Packers host the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers (5-1) sit atop the NFC North while the Vikings are (1-5) are dead last.’
The first matchup between these teams wasn’t as close as the 43-34 score would indicate. The Packers led by 19 at the end of the third quarter. Such deficits have been common for Minnesota this year. It has the third-worst defense in the league and an inconsistent offense that’s prone to turnovers.
Other than a blowout loss against the Buccaneers, the Packers have cruised this season, with four of their five wins coming by double figures. As usual, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is playing at MVP level, with 17 touchdown passes to two interceptions. The Packers need to win this game to keep up with the Chicago Bears in the NFC North.
Here’s how to watch, odds for the matchup, key injuries, and notable fantasy football start/sit considerations.
TV Info
Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
Broadcast map
Notable Statistical rankings (Football Outsiders)
Vikings: #18 Overall — #21 offense, #15 defense, #20 special teams
Packers: #10 Overall — #4 offense, #22 defense, #13 special teams
DraftKings Sportsbook odds
Vikings: +6.5, +265
Packers: -6.5, -315
Total: 53.5
Fantasy football start/sit advice
Vikings
Justin Jefferson, WR, $6,500
In a way, Jefferson has been a big beneficiary of Minnesota’s struggles, using them to pad his stats in garbage time. He caught pair of TDs in the second half of the Vikings’ last game against the Falcons while the offense played catch up. It all counts the same in fantasy, though, and the rookie has been highly productive this season. Jefferson is ninth in the NFL in receiving despite already having his bye week and he should get plenty of targets against the Packers.
Alexander Mattison, RB, $6,000
If Dalvin Cook’s hamstring injury causes him to miss another game, Mattison will remain Minnesota’s top option out of the backfield. He had a huge game in Week 5 but could not build on that in Week 6, racking up just 30 total yards. However, considering that running backs are averaging a league-best 34.5 fantasy points against the Packers this season, Mattison might be worth a look.
Packers
Aaron Rodgers, QB, $7,600
The Vikings used to have a stingy defense, but not anymore. They have allowed a 110.4 QB rating this season, the fourth-worst mark in the league. Rodgers took full advantage in the first matchup between these teams, throwing for 364 yards and four touchdowns.
Jamaal Williams, RB, $6,100
Williams did a terrific job taking Aaron Jones’ place in the rotation, rushing for 77 yards and a touchdown against the Texans while also catching four passes out of the backfield. If Jones has to miss another game because of a calf strain, Williams is a good choice against this Vikings defense.