With a road victory in the books against the defending division champion Chicago Bears, the Packers now have their eyes set on their fiercest division rival in week 2, the Minnesota Vikings.  The Packers home opener has a lot of different storylines including honoring their fallen legend, Bart Starr, alumni week, and yes, the game on the field against the Vikings.  

I won't make any qualms about it, I absolutely detest the Vikings and everyone in their franchise.  I am bitter because they poach Packer players when they hit free agency, pay tribute to Anthony Barr's hit on Aaron Rodgers, and most importantly, because they put a stain on Brett Favre's legacy when he made the infamous deal with the devil to join them so he could stick it to Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy, and the rest of the Packers organization.

Now that I've told you some of the reasons for my hatred of the Vikings, let's discuss what the Packers need to do in order to beat their asses this Sunday in front of a sold-out Lambeau Field.

Key Battles:

1. The Battle of Special Teams Units:

The Packers play on special teams was a huge reason for their week 1 win against the Bears.  Mason Crosby made his one field goal and JK Scott pinned the Bears back in their own end of the field all night long.  Most importantly, the Packers did not make any catastrophic mistakes on special teams which put both their offense and defense in optimal situations to make plays throughout the game.  If you watched the Vikings on Sunday, you saw that their first big play of the day was a blocked punt on special teams which lead to their first touchdown.  In order for the Packers to win, they cannot allow their special teams to give up a big return or a blocked punt.  I will be keeping a close eye on the Packers punt protection in this contest.

2. Kenny Clark and the D-Line vs. Dalvin Cook:

Dalvin Cook accounted for over a hundred yards and two touchdowns on Sunday against the Falcons.  His production on the ground allowed the Vikings to control the pace of the game and take the pressure off of serial choker Kirk Cousins.  In order for the Packers to have a different outcome on Sunday, they will need to disrupt the Vikings offensive line at the point of attack.  I will be looking for Kenny Clark to plunge the A-gap and get to Dalvin Cook in the backfield.  If Kenny Clark and the D-Line can disrupt the point of attack, it will give the Packers linebacking core a legitimate chance to stop Dalvin Cook from consistently reaching the second level of their defense.

3. Adam Thielen vs. Tramon Williams:

Early on, Tramon Williams has been getting primary reps in the slot which will in all likelihood pair him against the Vikings most reliable receiver, Adam Thielen.  We all know how much Thielen kills the Packers year after year so this matchup is the key to slowing the Vikings offense down.  Tramon Williams needs to empty the tank on Sunday and show that he is still capable of shutting an elite receiver with minimal help.  Tramon's ability to match up with Thielen and shut him down one on one is critical to Mike Pettine being able to unleash a full arsenal of different looks at Kirk Cousins.

4. Everson Griffin and Danielle Hunter vs. Lane Taylor, Billy Turner, and Brian Bulaga:

Containing Everson Griffin and Danielle Hunter is the key to Matt LaFleur being able to deploy his optimal offensive game plan.  Last week there was too much disruption to the pocket and running lanes which did not allow the offense to get anything going.  If the Packers intend on pounding the rock and connecting on big play-action plays, they must keep the pocket and running lanes intact by containing Griffin and Hunter.  If the Packers hope to contain Griffin and Hunter then Bulaga, Taylor, and Turner had better be at their best because I envision the Vikings sending their two premium pass rushers at them.

5. Davante Adams vs. Xavier Rhodes:

One of the reasons for the Packers offense not being able to get much going in last Thursday's win was Davante Adams slow day.  Adams totaled just 4 receptions for 36 yards which put a strain on the rest of the passing attack.  In order for the Packers to move the ball downfield with their passing attack, Rodgers will have to get Adams involved early.  It is important to move Adams around and look to utilize him in the screen and slant game.  Davante will have to utilize his elite route-running skills to create openings against Rhodes.  I expect Rodgers will pick his spots to test Rhodes throughout the game.  In order for the Packers to win Rodgers and Adams will have to beat him at least once for a big play.

Prediction:

My gut says to take the Vikings at (+2.5) because this game will come down to a late touchdown in a 21-20 Packers win.  

My Six Pack of NFL Picks:

1. Vikings (+2.5)

2. Chiefs (-7)

3. Houston (-8.5)

4. Chicago (-2)

5. Rams (-1.5)

6. Colts (+3.5)