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Vikings vs. Packers: 5 Bold Predictions For Thursday Night Football

5 Bold Predictions For Thursday Night Football: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers (-7.5)

Minnesota Vikings v Green Bay Packers
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It's time for the first showdown of the year between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. America will certainly be watching this battle from Lambeau Field, as it takes place on TNF.

At this point it's unknown whether Teddy Bridgewater will play, but either way, it's a game Green Bay should win. The official/unofficial line is currently (-7.5) Packers.

Here are five bold predictions for this NFC North, TNF showdown:

5. Cordarrelle Patterson Will Have a Play of More Than 80 Yards

Cordarrelle Patterson Minnesota Vikings C
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5. Cordarrelle Patterson Will Have a Play of More Than 80 Yards

Cordarrelle Patterson Minnesota Vikings C
USA Today Sports

Patterson has cooled off substantially since his big performance in Week 1. Without AP, Minnesota needs Patterson to be a big play threat more than ever. Look for him to make an impact in the Vikings' return and passing games, with at least one play of 80 or more yards.

4. Aaron Rodgers Will Throw 4 TD Passes

Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers - Copy
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4. Aaron Rodgers Will Throw 4 TD Passes

Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers - Copy
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You could tell that Rodgers did not like people questioning the Packers' offense after the 1-2 start. He came out on fire in Week 4 against Chicago, and fans should look for that trend to continue in Week 5. A-Rodg will find a receiver in the end zone at least four times. You're welcome, Fantasy owners.

3. Rookie Jerick McKinnon Will Continue To Impress

Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings, NFL Week 5
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3. Rookie Jerick McKinnon Will Continue To Impress

Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings, NFL Week 5
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The former Georgia Southern star did a little bit of everything in college. From defense, to playing QB and RB, he was a big-time playmaker. He showed glimpses of becoming a regular playmaker in the NFL last week with an 18-carry, 135-yard performance against the Falcons.

Look for his stock to continue to rise in Week 5, and for Norv Turner to get him involved in the short passing game. No. 31 will get your attention.

2. Matt Asiata Will Score Two More TDs

Matt Asiata Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson
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2. Matt Asiata Will Score Two More TDs

Matt Asiata Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson
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Asiata has been pretty impressive since taking over for Adrian Peterson. He found the end zone three times in Week 4, and he'll find it twice more in Week 5. While he's not a speedster, he is a very solid goal line bulldozer. At this rate, Asiata is on pace to be the Fantasy sleeper star of the year.

1. Green Bay Will Win By At Least Two TDs

Detroit Lions v Green Bay Packers
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1. Green Bay Will Win By At Least Two TDs

Detroit Lions v Green Bay Packers
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Even though the Vikings should put up a decent amount of points against the Packers, they're not yet ready to compete with NFC North's reigning top dog. Green Bay is just a flat out more talented team, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. Even a vastly improved Vikings' defense under Mike Zimmer won't be able to slow down Rodgers and Co.

Packers win, 41-24.

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