At CBS Sports, all eight experts choose Green Bay, though two of the eight do expect Minnesota to beat the 7.5-point spread. The selections are likewise unanimous at Yahoo, where all three experts and the cumulative vote of Yahoo users all select the Packers. Not all the selections are yet in at ESPN, but the four experts who have made picks -- Adam Schefter, Tom Jackson, Mike Ditka, and former Viking Chris Carter -- have all taken Green Bay. The NFL.com panel of experts hasn't fully weighed in yet, but those that have are all selecting the Packers.
Most so called experts are picking Packers to win,and some believe vikes are only good enough to cover the spread.
Most so called experts are picking Packers to win,and some believe vikes are only good enough to cover the spread.
i can't wait for Saturday,let's go vikings.
Did anyone expect anything else? I don't see any of the talking heads having the guts to pick the Vikings. After all who have the Vikings beat this year? The vaunted Packers have played 9 games against teams with records above .500. Winning 5 of them. The Vikings, well they only played 9 games against teams with records above .500, only beating 5 of them. The difference is, the Vikings didn't rely on a MVP QB to do it. Not flashy. See, it is a QB driven league. And when your QB is struggling or not playing top ball, your team won't get picked.
Vikings fan since Nov. 6, 1966. Annoying Packer fans since Nov. 7, 1966
I think this game is all about the take/give. GB has difficulty winning when they do not get takeaways. Their defense is built around creating opportunities for their offense to exploit, not winning games on their own. They need to the turnobers to let their O give them an edge.
Our team is built on ball control, but not good at coming from behind. We are also undefeated this year when we win the TO battle.
If we protect the football I think we have a legit shot at the upset. I'm concerned about the health of our secondary. I actually think Nelson not playing is a bigger deal that Cobb or Woodson. Jennings isn't the same guy when he is not in the slot.
Definitely going to be a battle. Can't wait.
Winning is not a sometime thing it is an all of the time thing - Vince Lombardi
All the ESPN experts chose Green Bay and so did all the NFL.com analysts/experts except for Kimberly Jones.
Well the Vikings have won every game this year they were written off by everyone (San Francisco, Houston ) and Rodgers is also winless in the playoffs at Lambeau so far, but it will be an extremely tough game for the Vikings, probably going right down to the wire and the very last seconds, with both teams constantly throwing punches at each other.
When you're born, you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat.
Keys to this game will be winning the turnover battle, including not giving up ANY turnovers, and consistently kicking the ball in the endzone or out of bounds and make the Packers have to travel 80 or more yards. We can't turn the ball over or give up good kick/punt returns to midfield like happened a few times on sunday. Likewise, Chris Kluwe will need to have an excellent punting game.
When you're born, you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat.
I had a bad vision about the Texans game which thankfully never came true, so I might as well express the new one I have.
It will probably be about 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter and we're up by 6. A third and long situation for the Packers will arise, and it will basically all come down to that play. Rodgers will find Jennings over the middle for like 20 yards, and Harrison Smith will come across and crush him, dislodging the ball. It will be a textbook cremation, but the Refs will call it Unecessary Roughness or whatever it is, because you know how they are. The drive will be extended and we will be doomed.
I think this team is built to beat anyone on any given day. Their biggest concern is execution and fundamentals. The playcalling will be huge as this is turning into a series type atmosphere with the teams being division rivals and meeting for the 3rd time.
Adjustments to the packer pass rush in ways that play to Ponder's strengths is what I'm looking for. I also expect the Viking DBs to be more effective in this game than the last because they are preparing knowing that Winfield is out. Rodgers will still have his chances ans success but I'm feeling some turnovers might be generated saturday by the Vikes D.
I'm expecting another great game from these two teams. Have no idea who will win.
Frazier's interview on KFAN's Vikes Tonight (1-2-03) said that he has presented his concerns to the league in reference to the Packer's illegal pick plays and offensive holding plays that were not called. He expects the officals to be advised of that fact.
Do not mistake KINDNESS for WEAKNESS!
Best to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool rather than open it and remove all doubt.
Purple bruise wrote:Frazier's interview on KFAN's Vikes Tonight (1-2-03) said that he has presented his concerns to the league in reference to the Packer's illegal pick plays and offensive holding plays that were not called. He expects the officals to be advised of that fact.
Im glad to see Fraizer do this. I wonder if he would have last year. I think hes improved alot since last year, and I hope the Refs call a fair game, cause the Pack held Kwill, Griffen and JA all game long.
PurpleKoolaid wrote:
Im glad to see Fraizer do this. I wonder if he would have last year. I think hes improved alot since last year, and I hope the Refs call a fair game, cause the Pack held Kwill, Griffen and JA all game long.
Who knows what difference it will make if any at all. But there will be a lot more eyes watching those BS passing plays that are working mainly because of the illegal holding and blocking by their receivers.
Do not mistake KINDNESS for WEAKNESS!
Best to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool rather than open it and remove all doubt.
I don't think I've heard a single analyst pick the Vikings yet this week. I guess last week meant nothing. I still have my faith though and I think this teams got its 'swag.'
The colder and nastier it gets the happier I am. Bring on a blizzard! When was the last time we felt like weather was to the Viking's advantage? THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE!!!
Winning is not a sometime thing it is an all of the time thing - Vince Lombardi
Pepper2Moss wrote:I don't think I've heard a single analyst pick the Vikings yet this week. I guess last week meant nothing. I still have my faith though and I think this teams got its 'swag.'
