5 bold predictions for Packers against Vikings

The Packers needed four interceptions to narrowly defeat the Browns last week. They’ll need to play much better to defeat Minnesota in Week 17. 

Winning ugly is important in the NFL and that’s certainly what the Packers did against the Browns on Christmas Day. Green Bay’s 24-22 win was greatly aided by Baker Mayfield’s holiday generosity. The Packers’ defense managed to notch four interceptions due to Mayfield’s erratic play under center.

Kirk Cousins isn’t going to be nearly as generous this week. The Vikings desperately need a win over Green Bay to keep their scant playoff hopes alive. At the very least, Minnesota would love to deal their division rivals a cruel late-season loss to hamper the Packers’ momentum heading into the postseason.

On paper, this looks like a pretty comfortable home win for Green Bay. Packers fans shouldn’t get comfortable. They’re in for a dogfight against the Vikings on Sunday. Here are five bold predictions on how the hotly-contested matchup will unfold.

5. Darnell Savage will log 10+ tackles

The Vikings want to push the ball down the field early and often in this game. That will put a ton of pressure on Green Bay’s safeties to hold up in coverage. Savage needs to have a strong game to prevent this game from developing into a classic shootout.

He’s not the best cover guy in the league, but he is a very sure tackler. That’s why he’s going to notch double-digit sacks on the afternoon. Green Bay hopes more of those tacklers come close to the line of scrimmage as opposed to tracking Minnesota’s receivers on deep pass patterns.