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Packers vs. Vikings: 5 Players To Watch

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Packers vs. Vikings: 5 Players To Watch

Packers vs. Vikings
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The Green Bay Packers will try to continue their hot streak by going for their third straight win and seven of their last eight. However, the Minnesota Vikings are playing decent football as of late, which means they very well could give the Packers a game. Here’s a look at five players to watch during the Week 12 divisional matchup.

5. Clay Matthews

Clay Matthews
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5. Clay Matthews

Chicago Bears v Green Bay PackersClay Matthews
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Clay Matthews continues to show how the impact of one dominant player can raise the level of play of an entire defense. In general, Green Bay’s defense has rocked offenses this season. However, it is Matthews who is the motor that keeps the machine running. His numbers aren’t crazy off the charts, but the fact is he is getting better as each game passes. That is bad news for the competition going forward.

4. Harrison Smith

Harrison Smith
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4. Harrison Smith

Harrison Smith
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Harrison Smith is playing out of his mind this season. With 52 tackles, four interceptions, one sack and 11 passes defended, it’s hard to find any safety is who performing better. If the Vikings want to win, they will need him to keep his composure and not fall victim to Aaron Rodgers’ tactics, especially when the quarterback breaks the pocket. Also, they will need him to come up with a big play or two to change the momentum.

3. Jordy Nelson

Jordy Nelson
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3. Jordy Nelson

Jordy Nelson
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Jordy Nelson is right up there with the best wide receivers in the league. For that reason, he must always be accounted for. Opposing teams have tried several different strategies against him with none of them working. His underappreciated speed, route-running skills and hands make him a major threat every time he takes the field. He will have his hands full against a decent Minnesota secondary, but that shouldn’t keep him down.

2. Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater
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2. Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater
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The only way the Vikings can make it a game is if quarterback Teddy Bridgewater shows exactly why Minnesota was right to select him in the first round. I’m talking about a career game out of the 22-year-old, something to give Vikings fans hope. Bridgewater has struggled to find the end zone and hit receivers, hence one of the worst passing offenses in the NFL. Still, he has the quickness to beat the Packers.

1. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers
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1. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers
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One of the favorites for NFL MVP, Rodgers is playing on a different level than the competition in 2014. His 28 touchdowns to only three interceptions are right on pace in comparison to his MVP season in 2011. Minnesota’s pass defense has been good this year, but Rodgers can make even the best players look foolish. If he gets the deep ball going with his talented wide receivers, it’s game over.

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