Zielinski: Vikings will overome loss of Cook, Packers

By DAN ZIELINSKI

The Green Bay Packers started off strong and escaped with a 21-16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field in the second week of the season.

Neither team’s offense had much success in the first matchup with a Vikings touchdown consisting of the only points in the second half. Expect a similar contest on Monday night when the two teams meet in Minneapolis in the second-last week of the regular season.

The Packers are entering Monday’s contest on a three-game winning streak, while the Vikings have won their last two games. The Vikings also have thrived at home, posting a 6-0 record this season.

The Vikings will be without star running back Dalvin Cook. Although he’s been a dynamic player for their offense this season, don’t expect the loss to affect them that much as the Packers’ run defense ranks in the bottom third of the NFL.

The Packers’ offense will have to have consistent success moving the ball against the Vikings, who are allowing just 18.5 points per game, to have a chance at winning.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is 0-8 on Monday Night Football, which is the worst record by any quarterback, while Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has won his last five starts on Monday nights. One of those streaks will end Monday in a game that will come down to the wire.

Prediction: Vikings 24, Packers 17