LIVE Packers vs Vikings: Coverage of the Monday Night Game
The undefeated Green Bay Packers, led by MVP favorite Aaron Rodgers, host the struggling Minnesota Vikings in a Monday night clash at Lambeau Field.
The two teams met at Mall of America Field just a few weeks ago, and Minnesota scored 10 fourth-quarter points to make the game competitive, before falling, 33-27.
Rodgers, 27, is having his best NFL season since becoming the Packers' everyday starter in 2008. The reigning Super Bowl MVP has an outstanding 129.1 passer rating, and has thrown 24 touchdowns while only being intercepted three times, in eight games.
It's been Rodgers's precise passing that has been instrumental in the Packers' winning streak that dates back to Dec. 19 when Green Bay lost on the road to the Patriots, 31-27. Green Bay leads the NFL is scoring at 34.4 points per game.
The offense appears to be bailing out the defense. The Packers lost defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins in the offseason, and defensive back Nick Collins to injury and the team could certainly use them. Green Bay are 30th in the NFL in total defense at 399.6 yards per game, and 31st in pass defense (299.6).
The Packers will face a rested Vikings squad, who are coming off a bye week.
The Vikings continue to stick with rookie Christian Ponder. The 23-year-old will make his fourth start against the Packers, and is coming off his best game, in which he threw 18 completions on 28 attempts for 236 yards, to go along with one touchdown and no interceptions.
Minnesota still has one of the best running backs in the NFL. Adrian Peterson is having another stellar season as he is on pace to finish with nearly 1,600 yards on the season. The Pro Bowl star is averaging 4.8 yards a carry, and already has nine touchdowns.
In his last three games at Lambeau Field, Peterson has rushed for an average of 110.3 yards and has three touchdowns.
While the Vikings have a strong running game with Peterson, they also have a strong rush defense that is sixth overall. It will be the secondary that will be under scrutiny, as they attempt to contain Rodgers.
Minnesota have just two wins in eight games, but were within a touchdown in five of their six losses. The NFC North has been very competitive as both Detroit and Chicago have 6-3 records, and the Packers have the best record in the NFL.
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