Fansided

The Armchair Quarterback’s guide to the NFL: Week 5

By Lyle Graversen

Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (not pictured) in the 1st quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (not pictured) in the 1st quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 22, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) prepares to take the snap against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) prepares to take the snap against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

It seems like Thursday night football games this season have been mostly massive blowouts. While I can see the Packers blowing out the Vikings if Teddy Bridgewater doesn’t play, I think if he does the Vikings will actually make this game worth watching. The Packers run defense has been incredibly suspect thus far and if the Vikings can get enough going on the ground to keep the defense honest and take some of the pressure off Bridgewater I think they’ll keep this game close right down to the wire. Ultimately, I still have to take Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ passing game to pull this one out against Minnesota’s 26th ranked pass defense, but I think it will be closer than many people are expecting.

Vikings 24
Packers 27

Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers

Anyone that tells you they know exactly how this game is going to play out either doesn’t know what they’re talking about or they are flat out lying to you. The Panthers looked great when they beat the Lions a few weeks back, but then they were completely dismantled by the Steelers and Ravens the past couple of weeks. The Bears have solid road wins over the Jets and 49ers but lost both of their home games against the Bills and Packers. So which teams will show up on Sunday? Well, I think it will come down to wether or not the Bears will commit to running the football. The Panthers have been surprisingly suspect against the run this season (141.8 yards per game and 5.7 YPC) so if the Bears are smart and get Matt Forte heavily involved I think they can steal one here from Carolina who can’t seem to keep any of their running backs healthy.

Bears 24
Panthers 20

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