Prediction: Green Bay 34, Vikings 16 Green Bay has trailed for less than 14 minutes after halftime this season. So maybe, just maybe, if the Vikings can deliver one of their dominant Mall of America Field first halves, they can put the Pack in an unfamiliar state of anxiety. More likely, Aaron Rodgers and a loaded Green Bay receiving corps will run up Xbox-style numbers on a shaken Vikings defense.
Just throwing it out there Christian Ponder can have success in his starting debut if he can withstand the pressure from a Green Bay defense that likely will blitz often. The Packers rank 31st in the NFL in pass defense, allowing 299.7 yards per game. They also have three key injuries in their secondary. Cornerback Tramon Williams still is working back into form after a shoulder injury. Safety Morgan Burnett has a broken right hand that's requiring him to play with a giant club cast. And corner Sam Shields is questionable for today after suffering a concussion last week.
Everybody gets a turn Of all the things to love about Aaron Rodgers, his ability to spread the ball around might top the list. In six games, four different Packers -- Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley, Jordy Nelson and James Jones -- have led the team in receiving yardage. Two weeks ago in Atlanta, Rodgers completed passes to 12 different players. No wonder the lovefest between Rodgers and coach Mike McCarthy continues. Said Rodgers: "It's a good situation to play with a coach who's aggressive and allows you some freedom within the offense if you're making the right decisions."
Doleman will ring it up At halftime, Chris Doleman will become the 19th Viking inducted into the Ring of Honor during an on-field ceremony. Doleman played 10 of his 15 NFL seasons with the Vikings and still holds the team's single-season sacks record; he had 21 in 1989. The sleek defensive end also made six of his eight Pro Bowl appearances with the Vikings. During his time in Minnesota, Doleman played in 19 Vikings-Packers games. He recorded 11 1/2 sacks in those contests and helped the Vikings win 10 times.
MANO-A-MANO: A MATCHUP TO WATCH
Vikings defensive end Jared Allen vs. Packers left tackle Marshall Newhouse
About Allen He has recorded a sack in eight consecutive games, tying a franchise record. Allen is on pace to get 25 sacks this season.
About Newhouse He replaced injured veteran Chad Clifton (hamstring) in the starting lineup two weeks ago and hasn't given up a sack yet.Who has the edge? One-on-one, it's Allen. Even in a subpar game in Chicago, the Pro Bowl player had a sack and forced and recovered a fumble. Green Bay might need to dedicate additional help from a tight end or a back to help Newhouse.
