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The Green Bay Packers are the NFL’s hottest team, and they go for five straight wins this week when they host rival Minnesota. The Packers are a seven-point favorite according to OddsShark.com, but the Pack have struggled to cover against their purple neighbors.
Green Bay is just 2-4 against the spread in their last six against the Vikings, but these teams couldn’t be trending in more opposite directions. The Vikings have cooled off this season in a big way, and were blown out at home by the Colts last week. Even Adrian Peterson returning couldn’t fix the Vikings’ struggles on the ground, and they continue to be the NFL’s worst rushing team.
Thanks to some last-second magic from Aaron Rodgers, the Packers escaped Chicago with a 30-27 win last week. Aaron Rodgers, who has been bothered by a calf injury the last two weeks, is off the Packers’ latest injury list.
Rodgers is obviously the catalyst of Green Bay’s offense, and his improved play has coincided with their win streak. Rodgers hasn’t thrown an interception in five games, and is completing nearly 70 percent of his passes over that span. Ty Montgomery has helped with the balance, breaking out for 162 yards last week against Chicago.
With Rodgers promising to run the table, it’s hard to bet against the Packers at Lambeau. Given the way the Vikings played last week, taking Green Bay shouldn’t be a hard decision.
Heavy’s Pick: Packers 38 Vikings 24. Packers -7. Over on the Point Total. (43)