MATT VENSEL: Teddy Bridgewater won't top 200 yards

The rookie quarterback will start tonight despite a sprained left ankle that figures to make him a game-time decision. The ankle injury, which should limit his mobility, is a concern, no doubt. But I expect Bridgewater to throw for significantly fewer yards than he did last week for a different reason. The Falcons defense, well, resembles a flaming dumpster right now, which is why Bridgewater was able to throw for 317 yards in the same game in which the Vikings also topped 200 rushing yards. The Packers pass defense is much better, and if the Packers offense hogs the ball like they did a week ago, Bridgewater and the Vikings won't get many possessions to work with.

MARK CRAIG: Ponder won't start but will finish again

Teddy Bridgewater will start, but the ankle will start barking at him after he gets scrunched a few times by Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers. Ponder will come on in a tie game and throw a go-ahead touchdown pass, but will also be intercepted in a narrow defeat.

MASTER TESFATSION: Anthony Barr records two sacks

Only five teams have allowed more sacks than the Packers offense. It'll have to account for defensive ends Everson Griffen and Brian Robison, who have seen constant double teams during the season. That'll free up other players to get a shot at quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rookie linebacker Anthony Barr took advantage of one of those opportunities on Sunday, receiving an unblocked sack on Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. He'll double up his sack total on Thursday with two sacks on Rodgers in a messy, rainy game.

CHRIS MILLER: Another overtime tie? Absolutely.

If the game is lopsided, the newspaper is easy to get ready. Stories can be formed, photos can be culled, opinions can be formed. A close game is fraught with peril for coverage, though. Which is why, with a tight deadline tonight, this game is destined for overtime. And just like last season in Green Bay, it will end in a tie.