By Dalton Del Don – Staff Writer
Minnesota (+3.5) at Green Bay, Thursday 8 p.m.
Comments: In what could possibly be Brett Favre’s final game at Lambeau Field, Tarvaris Jackson is set to make his first ever NFL start. Replacing an ineffective Brad Johnson (5.6 YPA), Jackson (knee, probable) was surprisingly competent last week, using his legs and arm strength to already provide an upgrade at the quarterback position. While impressive, Jackson is still very raw and now travels to cold weather Green Bay with limited preparation time. At least Chester Taylor (wrist, probable) looks ready to shoulder most of the offensive duties, as the back has been battling some maladies of late. Facing a Packers’ front seven that can be run on, the Vikings will focus their game plan around Taylor in an attempt to take some pressure off the rookie quarterback. Taylor is having a fine season, but all of those touches (315) have taken their toll. Troy Williamson has shown the ability to get open, but he might have the worst pair of hands in the league…If this truly is Favre’s last home game, you can bet the signal caller will want to go out in style. Since Minnesota comes in with one of the best run defenses a team has had in years (55.1 rushing yards allowed per contest), the Packers’ offense will rely on Favre’s arm. Although winners of two straight, Favre struggled last week, throwing three INTs and no TDs. While Favre has curtailed his interception rate compared to last season, he’s now thrown eight picks over the last four games. Still, Minnesota’s secondary is beatable and presents a favorable matchup for the Packers’ passing game. Donald Driver (shoulder, probable) is having a Pro Bowl caliber season at wide receiver and is on pace to surpass his career-highs in catches and yards. He torched Minnesota earlier this year, with six catches for 191 yards and a score. He should have another successful day this week. In a matchup between two NFC North squads sitting at 6-8, Green Bay keeps its slim playoff hopes alive with a victory…The Vikings list Cedric Griffin (neck, doubtful), Travis Taylor (ankle, questionable), Marcus Robinson (hip, probable), Pat Williams (knee, probable) and Kevin Williams (shoulder, probable) on the injury report, while the Packers list David Martin (ribs, questionable), Ahman Green (knee, probable), Chad Clifton (shoulder, probable), Aaron Kampman (illness, probable) and Charles Woodson (shoulder, probable).
Predictions: Tarvaris Jackson has an up and down first start, resulting in a couple of turnovers, with 180 yards passing, 30 yards rushing and a TD pass to Travis Taylor. Chester Taylor runs for 90 yards and a score as well, while Ahman Green is shut down by the stingy Vikings’ run defense. Brett Favre responds with a nice effort, throwing for 240 yards and two TD strikes to Donald Driver, who also reaches 100 yards receiving, as Green Bay wins it on a late field goal. Packers 20-17.
Leave a Reply