One could argue that the shape of the entire NFC playoffs changed on October 15th in Minneapolis, which just so happens to be the site of Super Bowl LII.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

The last time these two teams met, the Packers were 4-1 and favourites to win the NFC. Aaron Rodgers was off to an MVP-caliber start with three games of at least 300 yards passing and 13 TD passes.

However, in the first quarter of that Vikings game, Rodgers was driven into the turf on his right (throwing) shoulder by Minnesota linebacker Anthony Barr. Rodgers broke his collarbone and was feared lost for the season. One can argue whether or not Rodgers is the best player in the NFL, but he’s surely the most important to his team.

Green Bay lost that game 23-10 and went 3-4 in its next seven behind backup quarterback Brett Hundley to essentially hand the NFC North title to the Vikings. Minnesota is attempting to become the first team to ever play a Super Bowl in its home stadium. The Vikings also are battling the Philadelphia Eagles for home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings (11-3 SU, 10-4 ATS) have been one of the best bets in the NFL this year with those 10 games covered. They did so easily on Sunday in a 34-7 blowout of Cincinnati to clinch the NFC North. Minnesota outgained the Bengals 346-161 and forced two turnovers. Case Keenum passed for 236 yards and two scores. His completion percentage of 87 was the highest by any quarterback in the NFL this year with a minimum of 20 attempts. Jerick McKinnon caught seven passes for 114 yards, becoming the first Vikings running back with a 100-yard receiving game in 13 years. Minnesota still has a first-round playoff bye to play for but likely won’t catch Philadelphia for the No. 1 seed.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers (7-7 SU, 7-7 ATS) hoped the return of Rodgers would help them earn a wild-card spot, but they lost Sunday at Carolina 31-24 and would be eliminated from postseason contention if the Atlanta Falcons were to win Monday night at Tampa Bay. Rodgers was a bit rusty in throwing three interceptions – his first three-INT game since 2009 — but also had three TD passes. Rodgers lost his top receiver, Davante Adams, to a concussion in the third quarter on an illegal blindside hit from Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis. It’s the second time Adams has suffered concussion this season on an illegal hit by an opposing linebacker. Remains to be seen if he’ll play Saturday. Ditto on Rodgers, as if Green Bay is eliminated Monday night the team could play it safe with his collarbone (it’s not 100 percent healed yet) and shut Rodgers down for the season.

Vikings vs. Packers Prediction