Zielinski: Packers face tall task in trying to beat Vikings

The Packers welcome NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday to Lambeau Field in a must-win contest. The Packers (7-8) are a below .500 team but are favored against the Vikings (12-3), the NFC’s second-best team.

The Vikings boast an NFL record 11 wins in one-score games this season. They have an explosive offense with quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Dalvin Cook and receiver Justin Jefferson. But the Vikings’ defense is mediocre at best. They have allowed the 28th-most points per game and the second-most yards per play this season. 

Can the surging Packers outpace the Vikings? The Packers have flaws, but they have won their last three games. Receiver Christian Watson is questionable for Sunday, possibly leaving QB Aaron Rodgers without one of his top targets. 

This game could go either way. The Packers have the momentum, while the Vikings have the talent and proven track record. It wouldn’t shock me to see the Packers prevail, but it’s hard to pick against one of the top teams in the NFL. 

Prediction: Vikings, 27, Packers 21