Packers vs Vikings Odds, Spread, Preview: NFL Week 1 Predictions

Packers vs Vikings Week 1 matchup preview and current betting lines

Aaron Rodgers recently said that other NFC North teams shouldn’t be thrilled about the season, as the Green Bay Packers have owned it for the most part since he took over at quarterback. While that may not sit well with their rivals, it’s not like he told any lies.

Matt LaFleur’s team is once again poised to lead the division. They boast one of the best defenses in the league, and David Bakhtiari’s return will do wonders for an offensive line in dire need of a veteran, not to mention the fact that they have a top-3 quarterback.

However, the Minnesota Vikings could be the only team that bodes a problem for the Packers’ dominance up north. The Kevin O’Connell era is officially underway and the team couldn’t do any worse than they did with Mike Zimmer and his questionable play-calling.

Once again, Kirk Cousins’ play will continue to be one of the biggest reasons for concern in Minnesota. While solid against most teams, he’s constantly failed to deliver when it matters the most, especially against contenders. That’s not great news when you open the season vs your lifelong rivals.

Players to watch:

Sammy Watkins: Aaron Rodgers raved about Sammy Watkins a couple of weeks ago, and it’s not like the Packers have a lot to work with right now. Watkins has historically shined in Week 1 before vanishing later in the season, and Allen Lazard and Christian Watson barely practiced due to injuries.

Justin Jefferson: With Davante Adams out of the picture, Justin Jefferson is now the undisputed WR1 in the division. Notably, he also has a shot at becoming the best wideout in the game in 2022. He’s coming off logging 1,616 receiving yards and ten touchdowns last season and he’s only getting better.

Week 1 Predictions: NFL Bet of the week on Packers vs Vikings

Packers -1.5

The opening Packers vs Vikings spread has them as 1.5-point favorites, which some may find suspicious. That could have to do with David Bakhtiari’s availability and the fact that Elgton Jenkins has yet to recover, but it’s mostly due to the Green Bay Packers questionable receiving corps.

It’s not usual to see Rodgers’ Packers as 1.5-point favorites, but Aaron Rodgers has historically dominated the Minnesota Vikings, and the Packers are fresh off beating them by nearly four touchdowns in their last meeting.

Yes, the Packers lost their top two receivers and their Offensive Coordinator in the offseason, but they still have an elite coaching staff, one of the best quarterbacks in the game, and a stout defense that could make things difficult even for Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.

While we don’t expect this to be a blowout like the last time they faced off, the Packers should still have more than enough to get their rivals out of the way, especially as it may take a while before the Minnesota Vikings get into a rhythm under a new coaching staff.

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Over 46.5

The Packers vs Vikings odds have this game total at 46.5 points. This should be at least three points higher, as we’re talking about two teams featuring quarterbacks who can get hot in the blink of an eye. As good as both secondaries are, both offenses have the potential to be explosive.

Rodgers has historically fared well even without Davante Adams. He can make the most out of every receiver he gets, even if we’re talking about an unproven rookie such as Romeo Doubts, or a veteran wideout like Randall Cobb.

The Vikings have two of the best wideouts in the league as well in Thielen and Jefferson, but we can’t ignore Dalvin Cook. When healthy, Cook is a tackle-breaking machine and good enough to take plenty of pressure off Cousins’ shoulders.

Also, the trends favor this opinion, as the Over has hit in their last four meetings overall, as well as the last four Packers games vs. NFC North rivals. All things considered, both teams should have no trouble putting up points on the scoreboard in Week 1.

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