NFL odds – Packers underdogs in division battle at Minnesota
Posted on 11/4/2008 1:56:03 PM
By Stan Simmons
Packers vs Vikings odds: fighting for the NFC North
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WHO: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (-2)
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WHAT: NFL odds
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WHEN: Sunday, November 9 at 1:00 p.m. ET
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WHERE: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN
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KEY STATS: Green Bay has won seven of its last10 against Minnesota
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PICK: Minnesota
NFL betting fans are in for a treat as the second half of the season gets underway and a few divisional rivalry games up for action in your sportsbook. A pair of .500 teams in the NFC North will prepare for a big encounter in Minnesota, where the Vikings will host Green Bay, and Packers vs Vikings odds are pointed towards the home team in what should be a very close game.
The Packers (4-4) couldn’t do anything in the red zone in last week’s 19-16 overtime loss in Tennessee, scoring one touchdown in seven chances inside their opponents’ 20-yard line. Aaron Rodgers, who signed a big contract extension before this game, was 22-of-41 for 314 yards and a touchdown, along with a pick and a fumble. Both of Rodgers’ turnovers came in the red zone, and these problems have been killing the Packers all season.
Ryan Grant rushed for 86 yards but was scoreless again for the seventh time in eight games. If Green Bay wants to overcome this Packers vs Vikings spread, it will have to take advantage of its scoring opportunities.
The Vikings (4-4) rode Adrian Peterson and an opportunistic defense to a 28-21 win over Houston at home last week. Peterson ran for 139 yards and a major (his third straight 100-plus yard game), while the Vikings forced three turnovers out of the Texans.
Gus Frerotte was very productive, going 11-of-18 for 182 yards with three touchdowns and a pick for the Vikings, and he’s a serviceable quarterback when Peterson has the type of day he had. He can make the big play here and there, but Frerotte isn’t the quarterback you want throwing 30-40 times a game.
STAN’S PICK: Packers vs Vikings betting odds favor Minnesota by two points, but Green Bay has won seven of its last 10 meetings with its division rival, including five in a row. However, Green Bay’s rushing defense is ranked 27th in the league, which bodes well for Peterson.
Between Peterson and Green Bay’s red-zone problems, bet on the Minnesota Vikings to end their losing skid against the Packers with a win this weekend.
If its NFL odds or help with Packers vs Vikings odds you need, head over to BetOnline.com’s Betting Edge for analysis and NFL picks.
Stan
Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping
has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much
time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps
the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or
questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
