It could possibly be the coldest Packers/Vikings game in the history of the rivalry. Rodgers says bring on the cold:
“I like it colder, the better,” Rodgers said. “For the most part, the colder it is, the slower the (pass) rush and the offense can have an advantage, especially on a field that could be slick based on the elements.”
Once again, the Packers will need a win to claim the number one NFC seed and a bye week with homefield advantage. While it wasn’t enough last season fend off the Bucs, this is particularly useful for the Packers as Lambeau Field during the playoffs can be a very miserable place to play as the away team.
The Vikings are the only NFC North team to take down the LaFleur-led Packers with the coach at 14-2 within the division.
Something worth mentioning prior to the game is the fact that WR Davante Adams could receive the franchise tag. This could possibly entice Aaron Rodgers to stick around Green Bay longer, but I honestly have my doubts about that. Rodgers did indicate recently that he would let his intentions be known soon after the 2021 season.
While CB Jaire Alexander was removed from injured reserve recently, he has now been placed on the COVID reserve. Either way, he probably was not likely to play tonight. Also on the COVID list, and saving his ass in the process, is Vikings’ QB Kirk Cousins. Cousins will be replaced by Sean Mannion.
P Corey Bojorquez, TE Marcedes Lewis, TE Tyler Davis, OL Ben Braden, and LB Oren Burks have all cleared COVID protocols to play.
Stopping RB Dalvin Cook will be the biggest hurdle of the game, just as it has been in recent meetings between the teams. If Packers can keep interim QB Sean Mannion off of a rhythm, this will become much more likely. Meanwhile, Vikings WR Adam Thielen will also not be playing.
Game Information
Who: Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers
When: 7:20 PM – Central Time
Where: Lambeau Field – Green Bay, Wisconsin
TV: Sunday Night Football on NBC
Radio: WTMJ – Listen Live
Vikings vs Packers Injury Report
#Packers inactives vs. Vikings:
LT David Bakhtiari
RT Billy Turner
S Shawn Davis
S Vernon Scott
DL Jack Heflin— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 2, 2022
RIP John Madden and Betty White. One was a big, bad mofo and the other was an iconic coach and commentator.