This is likely not what ABC and NFL executives had in mind when they were designing the schedule for Monday Night Football. After all, Minnesota and Green Bay met on this very field last January in an NFC Playoff game. What a difference a year makes, though, as each of the NFC North combatants carry losing records into tonight’s contest.
The Vikings, who are a 5-point road dog tonight, improved to 4-5 (SU & ATS) after last weekend’s upset 24-21 win at Giants Stadium. Minnesota generated just 3 points on offense and was outscored for 268 yards on the day, but the defense and special stood out tremendously. The Vikings, in fact, became the first team in NFL history to return a kickoff, punt, and interception for a TD in the same game.
Mike Tice’s team is 3-1 (SU & ATS) in its last four overall, but has largely not tested its 1-4 (SU & ATS) mark away from the friendly Metrodome this season. The Scandalous Vikings have also been disastrous against lower tier foes going 2-11 (ATS) in their last thirteen vs. teams with losing record.
The Vikings’ injury-plagued offense currently ranks 25th in the NFL overall, while their defense ranks 28th. The only major caveat to consider, though, is the history of the series. The Purple have taken the green in eight of their last ten meetings with Green Bay. Also, the Vikings feel Favre and company “packed up” in a 23-20 come from behind win at home less than a month ago.
Speaking of Green Bay, the heartbreaking loss to Minnesota is best described as a microcosm of their season. The Packers are an unsightly 2-7 (SU) and an unthinkable 1-3 (SU) in the “unfrozen tundra” of Lambeau Field. These results are obviously disappointing for a team that has won the NFC North in each of the past three seasons.
However, despite the poor record, GB has been anything but an easy out. The Packers have outplayed six of their last seven opponents and are 5-2 (ATS) during this span. Also keep in mind that five of their seven losses on the season have come by margins of 7, 3, 3, 1 and 2 points.
However, closing counts only throwing horseshoes and hand grenades, as well as betting on the underdog. The fact that Green Bay has won just two games all year and is priced as a 5.5-point favorite tonight is truly peculiar. Good luck with your bets tonight!