Zielinski: Packers will prevail in a thriller vs. Vikings

By DAN ZIELINSKI

Green Bay’s victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 1 was due to its defensive additions and just overall ability to shut down the Bears’ offense. In the midst of the low-scoring game, the Packers’ offense struggled to develop any rhythm.

The Packers’ offense will try to regroup against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Vikings’ defense is one of the best in the NFL, but the Packers also had a couple extra days to prepare for this matchup after playing on Thursday night in Week 1.

The new-look defense will have to try to stop the run-heavy Vikings. In a Week 1 victory over Atlanta, the Vikings ran 38 times for 178 yards. They only passed the ball 10 times, as they mostly used running formations with a fullback or two tight ends and consistently gave the ball to running back Dalvin Cook, who gashed the Falcons’ defense for 111 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

The Packers are in for another test against a division rival in a game where points likely will be at a premium. Despite the challenging opponent, expect the Packers to start the season 2-0 under first-year coach Matt LaFleur.

Prediction: Packers 17, Vikings 13