Making the playoffs is already a dicey proposition for both the Green Bay Packers (4-5-1 SU and ATS) and the Minnesota Vikings (5-4-1 SU and ATS). One of these two rivals should see their chances improve when they meet Sunday night in Minneapolis, kicking off at 8:20 PM ET on NBC; the Vikings are 3-point favorites (–120) with a total of 48 at press time after opening at –3.5.
When these same two teams met at Lambeau Field back in Week 2, the game ended in a 29-29 tie, allowing the Packers to cover as 2-point home dogs. It was part of a very poor September for the Vikings, but they’ve gone 4-1 SU and 3-1-1 ATS since then to revive their playoff hopes. Green Bay, on the other hand, have lost three of four at 2-1-1 ATS since taking the bye in Week 7.
The Packers will be in deeper trouble this week if TE Jimmy Graham can’t play, which seems likely at this point. Graham has a broken thumb and is expected to miss multiple games, although he says he will “try to play” through his injury; he’s second on the team with 34 catches.
