Opponent Preview: Green Bay Packers face Minnesota Vikings in Week 13, Detroit Lions in Week 14
The last five games of the season will hold huge importance for the Green Bay Packers.
With four out of the five games against their National Football Conference (NFC) North Division rivals the Packers will have their work cut out.
However, the team will be up for the challenge and these games will make for exciting and fierce matchups.
After facing the New York Giants and Detroit Lions on the road in week 11 and 12, the Packers will once again return to Lambeau Field for two back-to-back fixtures against division rivals.
Starting with a week 13 clash with the Minnesota Vikings the Packers will next week face Detroit Lions for the second time in the season.
Let’s preview the two sides Green Bay will face.
Week 13: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings were trying to change things around in 2011 and this year too, the franchise is likely to continue its slow development.
Last season the Vikings ended up with a poor 3-13 regular season record matching their worst regular season record in history.
The franchise made rookie quarterback, Christian Ponder their starter earlier than they wished to after releasing veteran quarterback, Donovan McNabb.
Ponder struggled to cope with the responsibility and after what seemed a bright start to the season he faded considerably as the pressure of games started to get to him.
Star running back Adrian Peterson continued his brilliant performances and even though he was hampered by recurring injuries throughout the season, the Vikings star player once again delivered the best productivity on offence.
A struggling defence also did not make things easier for Minnesota as they ended up with another disappointing campaign.
This year though, the franchise’s performances are likely to improve.
Peterson will be back from injury and if he can stay healthy the Vikings will always have a shot at victory. Ponder will receive more protection after the franchise brought in offensive tackle Matt Kalil as the third overall pick in this year’s drafts.
Wide receiver, Percy Harvin’s mini protest during the team’s mandatory minicamp is also over and the franchise will provide a stern test to all their opponents.
Green Bay Packers on paper will remain the favourites for the win but the Vikings could spring a sneaky surprise if the Packers do not bring their A game to the field.
Head-to-Head
Both sides have faced each other 102 times. The Packers lead with 53 wins to the Vikings 48 with one game ending up as a draw.
Week 14: Detroit Lions
This matchup was already covered in the week 11 preview.
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