The Green Bay Packers get division play underway in week 4 as they play host to the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. Sunday will be the first division matchup for both teams, with them both coming to Lambeau off wins and flying high.
Through the first three weeks of the season, the NFC North is shaping up to be one of, if not the best, division in football. Tomorrow’s matchup will be a critical first step towards the division title. The Packers return home after back-to-back wins with backup QB Malik Willis leading the way. It is still seeming like a game-time decision whether or not Jordan Love will return to the field for the first time since the week 1 game in Brazil. The Vikings come to Green Bay after wins over the 49ers and Texans in consecutive weeks. Both teams are hot and ready to get a crucial “1” in the division win column.
Here are 3 things to watch in the week 4 matchup at Lambeau Field:
Aaron Jones Returns to Lambeau
Nobody “Carried The G” quite like Aaron Jones. He is a Packer legend who was always a fan favorite. However, on Sunday, he will be standing on the opposite sideline wearing the Purple and Gold and not Green and Gold. To start his 2024 campaign, Jones has picked up right where he left off at the end of last season. In the first 3 weeks he has a total of 228 rushing yards on 5.4 per carry and 2 total TDs. He will be up against the Packers’ 10th ranked rush D which is giving up 105 yards/game.
I would expect to see a little extra Aaron Jones tomorrow. Kevin O’Connell will likely have a few wrinkles up his sleeve to get the ball in his playmaking running back’s hands. Jones will surely be fired up to show his former organization what they exactly moved on from.
The Brian Flores Defense
The Vikings currently lead the NFL in sacks (16) and passes defensed (20) and are tied for second and third in interceptions (5) and takeaways (6), respectively. They have only given up 30 points combined over the first 3 weeks, good for 2nd best in the NFL. This all stems from the defenses’ ability to disguise and communicate.
Flores is an aggressive DC and makes it very difficult for opposing QBs and O-lines to know exactly whats happening on the opposite side of the ball. It will be essential for the Packers to get pre-snap reads they are confident in and have everyone working in unison to protect the quarterback. Whether it’s Willis or Love under center, the offense needs to be prepared to take on pressure from all possible directions.
Win the Turnover Battle
The Packers currently lead the league with a +7 turnover differential. The defense has 7 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. Protecting the ball and forcing turnovers is a major focus week in and week out, but will be especially important this week considering the Vikings also rank in the top 3 in total takeaways (6) this season.
Last week was Sam Darnold’s first game without an interception. Look for the aggressive Jeff Hafley secondary to make things difficult and confuse Darnold. They will continue to hunt passes and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them add to their interception total. Can Xavier McKinney get his 4th interception in as many games?
Prediction: Packers 27, Vikings 23
It feels like Jordan Love returns this week and the offense will fire on all cylinders. On the defensive side of the ball, I expect pressure and a turnover or two. Don’t be surprised if this Packers defense humbles the Vikings offense and sends Sam Darnold back to his seeing ghosts days. Packers take the first division win and hand the Vikings their first loss of the season.
