Let's be real...

[quiznut1]

So, I was looking at the NFL standings...

The Vikes have yet to beat a team this year that currently has an over .500 record.
Teams beaten with a .500 record as of this moment are Philly and Dallas (7-7). Everyone else is currently below .500.

I know one cannot control the schedule, and I'm trying not to be a downer. But based on the above, I am tempered in my expectations for the GB game for now.

These are the kind of games you have to win to get to that next level (think KC, Seattle, @ GB), and I've yet to really see with the team this year.

I think the GB game will be interesting, and I'd love to be proven wrong. Just don't want to get too hyped up too soon...

[mansquatch]

Well,

GB's only wins vs. winning teams are vs. us in week 2 at home and at KC during their first week without Pat Mahomes. You can say "yeah, but they beat teams with winning records". Sure you are technically correct, but when you dig deeper you can see that their wins have plenty of reasons for skepticism. September wins are dubious IMO. DET beat the Patriots in SEP last year, just as an example.

I'd also keep in mind that every Vikings contest vs. a winning team this year has been on the road. On Monday we get one in our house for the first time all season.

If the defense stinks it up then there is reason to think our playoff hopes are probably doomed. If they play a solid game and beat GB, then I think you should have reason for optimism. I for one think they will win. Of all the NFC playoff teams, GB is the biggest poser. (At 7-7 DAL is not a poser, their record says it all.)

[StumpHunter]

Well,

GB's only wins vs. winning teams are vs. us in week 2 at home and at KC during their first week without Pat Mahomes. You can say "yeah, but they beat teams with winning records". Sure you are technically correct, but when you dig deeper you can see that their wins have plenty of reasons for skepticism. September wins are dubious IMO. DET beat the Patriots in SEP last year, just as an example.

I'd also keep in mind that every Vikings contest vs. a winning team this year has been on the road. On Monday we get one in our house for the first time all season.

If the defense stinks it up then there is reason to think our playoff hopes are probably doomed. If they play a solid game and beat GB, then I think you should have reason for optimism. I for one think they will win. Of all the NFC playoff teams, GB is the biggest poser. (At 7-7 DAL is not a poser, their record says it all.)

Agreed. GB has lost to both Philly and LAC and their only real claim to being any good is their win against us. They are an average team with a great QB, that has been helped a great deal by some questionable calls throughout the season.

[J. Kapp 11]

I’d say Green Bay is an average team with a great quarterback who has played like an average quarterback. He’s the 17th most efficient QB in the NFL.

We have no reason not to be optimistic about our chances against Green Bay. Their best road win is against Dallas ... same as us.

The key to this game is not letting the Smiths wreak havoc on the pass rush, which means we need to run the ball well against a very suspect run defense. That will set up play action for Cousins, who is verifiably the best in the NFL on play action. If we gain 125 on the ground, we win. If we gain 150, we win by 2 or more TDs.

[CharVike]

They will win at least 12 games maybe 13. That's a heck of a season. Yes I know the stats say an average team but thats not average. We should beat them on Monday. If we turn the ball over we won't win. They are above average. IMO Dallas is average and a division winner. The Pack beat them. Some stupid stat ranks Rodgers as a mid level guy. Basically a stiff that needs to be replaced. He doesn't need to be replaced and I feel he is a better QB than Cousins regardless of some stat. I hate this Packer squad and we let them get into 1st place with a 1st year coach. There should have been some growing pains just as some have said about us and our new OC when we struggled on O. We need to win out. We could even win the division over this average team but we will need help. They don't.

[Passepartout]

Really if they defeat the Packers. It would be very huge confidence for them. As it is a must win for them. Kirk Cousins is shutting up his critics!

[StumpHunter]

I’d say Green Bay is an average team with a great quarterback who has played like an average quarterback. He’s the 17th most efficient QB in the NFL.

We have no reason not to be optimistic about our chances against Green Bay. Their best road win is against Dallas ... same as us.

The key to this game is not letting the Smiths wreak havoc on the pass rush, which means we need to run the ball well against a very suspect run defense. That will set up play action for Cousins, who is verifiably the best in the NFL on play action. If we gain 125 on the ground, we win. If we gain 150, we win by 2 or more TDs.

Getting rid of the ball quickly and taking advantage of their aggressive front will also help. No long developing routes, just quick hitters to our play makers. They are not a good defense and are very beatable as long as you don't give them chances to get after the QB.

We had 150 yards of rushing from Dalvin plus another 25 from Mattison in the last game and scored 16 points.

[J. Kapp 11]

I’d say Green Bay is an average team with a great quarterback who has played like an average quarterback. He’s the 17th most efficient QB in the NFL.

We have no reason not to be optimistic about our chances against Green Bay. Their best road win is against Dallas ... same as us.

The key to this game is not letting the Smiths wreak havoc on the pass rush, which means we need to run the ball well against a very suspect run defense. That will set up play action for Cousins, who is verifiably the best in the NFL on play action. If we gain 125 on the ground, we win. If we gain 150, we win by 2 or more TDs.

Getting rid of the ball quickly and taking advantage of their aggressive front will also help. No long developing routes, just quick hitters to our play makers. They are not a good defense and are very beatable as long as you don't give them chances to get after the QB.

We had 150 yards of rushing from Dalvin plus another 25 from Mattison in the last game and scored 16 points.

Yes, and we all know that this is a much better Vikings team and a much better Kirk Cousins playing quarterback than in Week 2 who will make Green Bay pay in play action.

Well, most of us know.

[StumpHunter]

Getting rid of the ball quickly and taking advantage of their aggressive front will also help. No long developing routes, just quick hitters to our play makers. They are not a good defense and are very beatable as long as you don't give them chances to get after the QB.

We had 150 yards of rushing from Dalvin plus another 25 from Mattison in the last game and scored 16 points.

Yes, and we all know that this is a much better Vikings team and a much better Kirk Cousins playing quarterback than in Week 2 who will make Green Bay pay in play action.

Well, most of us know.

Cousins is definitely playing better. He would almost have to be.

The rest of the team? Oline is playing better in the passing game, but the run game hasn't been as good lately. The defense held Rodgers to 200 yards and 6.1 YPA after two bad drives. They give up 200 yards to David Blough now.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Cousins is definitely playing better.

[The negotiator]

Cousins is definitely playing better.

[quiznut1]

Okay - good replies so far. I'm going to put myself out there with a prediction. 1-1 the rest of the season.

Either we lose against the Packers Monday night - proving we are simply an okay team (better record than meets the eye), but can't beat the winning teams when the chips are down and it's time to put up or shut up. Then respond by beating the Bears at home without issue.

OR...

We'll play out of our mind Monday night, beat the Packers, and be on a similar high as the Minneapolis Miracle against the Saints. But then not be able to regain focus, come out flat against the Bears after all the hype, and lose.

[fiestavike]

Okay - good replies so far. I'm going to put myself out there with a prediction. 1-1 the rest of the season.

Either we lose against the Packers Monday night - proving we are simply an okay team (better record than meets the eye), but can't beat the winning teams when the chips are down and it's time to put up or shut up. Then respond by beating the Bears at home without issue.

OR...

We'll play out of our mind Monday night, beat the Packers, and be on a similar high as the Minneapolis Miracle against the Saints. But then not be able to regain focus, come out flat against the Bears after all the hype, and lose.

I think the Bears are a tough matchup for the Vikings. I won't be at all surprised to drop that game.

[mansquatch]

If 49ers beat the Rams on Sunday we are in regardless. At that point the only reason to beat the Bears is if we think GB will lose vs. the Lions. (Doubtful.) It might be worth using the Chicago game as something of a bye week and resting players.

[StumpHunter]

Okay - good replies so far. I'm going to put myself out there with a prediction. 1-1 the rest of the season.

Either we lose against the Packers Monday night - proving we are simply an okay team (better record than meets the eye), but can't beat the winning teams when the chips are down and it's time to put up or shut up. Then respond by beating the Bears at home without issue.

OR...

We'll play out of our mind Monday night, beat the Packers, and be on a similar high as the Minneapolis Miracle against the Saints. But then not be able to regain focus, come out flat against the Bears after all the hype, and lose.

I think the Bears are a tough matchup for the Vikings. I won't be at all surprised to drop that game.

Anyone know if it is possible, or even likely that game doesn't matter if we lose to the Pack?

Could Sean Mannion get his first start?