Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers: Preview, Keys to Victory and Prediction

Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) avoids Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) on a 10-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Green Bay Packers win 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Keys to Victory

Contain Aaron Rodgers

Way too many times in the past, I’ve seen Aaron Rodgers miraculously escape out of the pocket and make some absurd play to net the Packers a big play. It will be vital for the Vikings’ pass rush to stay disciplined and play the contain game instead of being too aggressive and giving Rodgers escape lanes. Yes, I’m talking to you, Everson Griffen.

Especially with his receivers struggling to create separation, Rodgers will be looking for opportunities to extend plays with his feet. He’s one of the best in the NFL at doing so, and keeping him contained should help keep their passing attack in check.

Make the Packers offense one-dimensional

Green Bay’s rushing offense certainly isn’t the staple of their offense like it is in Minnesota, but an effective run game makes things much easier on Rodgers. Despite what the stats indicate, the rushing game isn’t this offense’s strong suit, and it shouldn’t be. If the Vikings can make the Packers offense one-dimensional, everything else in Mike Zimmer’s defense will fall right into place.

Get Stefon Diggs involved

This isn’t normally something people say about a fifth-round pick, but Diggs is no ordinary fifth-round pick. He’s become the Vikings’ number one receiving threat, and he’ll do battle with a defense that doesn’t really have a true number one cornerback established. His ability to run ultra-crisp routes and fly past anyone make him a threat on every play.

While the focal point of the offense will be Adrian Peterson, as it should be, Bridgewater will have to be effective throughout the game for the Vikings to win, and getting the ball to Diggs seems like the best bet.

Next: Vikings vs. Packers: Prediction