Packers vs Vikings Game Online TV Coverage Info

The Green Bay Packers received discouraging news on wide receiver Allen Lazard on Friday ahead of their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Lazard did not practice and he is listed as questionable for the game. The wide receiver was asked about his status later on Friday, to which he gave a rather cryptic responseper Matt Schneidman.

Allen Lazard stated that he needs to “pray” in order to play on Sunday. He was later asked if his injury had any reason for long-term concern, and Schneidman reported that Lazard asked what long-term is. After responding by defining long-term as “Week 2,” Lazard stated that he does not look past tomorrow.

Lazard may simply have no desire to give a straight-forward answer to the media. But his response certainly leaves little room for optimism. Many players are quick to share hopeful answers in response to injury-related questions. But Allen Lazard’s cryptic answers will leave Packers fans guessing ahead of Week 1.

It was reported that star offensive lineman David Bakhtiari also missed Friday’s practice. His questionable status for Sunday leaves the Packers in a difficult spot. There will be a ton of pressure on quarterback Aaron Rodgers if both Allen Lazard and David Bakhtiari can’t play. They are both vital pieces of the Packers’ offensive attack.

However, nothing has been confirmed. Both players are questionable and still could suit up on Sunday against the Vikings. We will continue to monitor the Packers concerning injury situations ahead of their season opener in Minnesota.

Aaron Rodgers could be without his top wide receiver when the Green Bay Packers square off with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

The Packers have listed Allen Lazard as doubtful for their season opener. He has missed every practice session this week due to an ankle injury.

GREEN BAY – On the final practice before the Green Bay Packers’ first game of 2022, left tackle David Bakhtiari and receiver Allen Lazard did not participate. Offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins and tight end Robert Tonyan did.

What that means for their availability in Sunday’s opener at the Minnesota Vikings likely won’t be known until 90 minutes before the 3:25 p.m. kickoff, when teams release their inactives. Bakhtiari and Lazard could be getting additional rest Friday for their knee and ankle injuries before playing in a game. Jenkins and Tonyan could be shut down after practicing all week to allow more time for their knees to heal.

However, it’s a strong sign at least Bakhtiari and possibly Lazard could be unavailable Sunday. Bakhtiari practiced in team reps all week before being shut down Friday. He rode a stationary bike on the sideline as the team stretched. Lazard has not practiced in over a week since a teammate stepped on him during practice, injuring his ankle.

There’s no denying that confidence is a trait any NFL quarterback must possess. Competing at the highest level every week against the best in the world requires razor-sharp focus and self-belief. Aaron Rodgers has that, but his tone-deaf remarks may leave him exposed in 2022.

As the Minnesota Vikings prepare to host their divisional rival, the Green Bay Packers, on Sunday afternoon, the barbs have begun to fly back and forth between the two organizations. New Minnesota edge rusher Za’Darius Smith noted a change in interaction from his former team following an injury-laden 2021. Conversely, Aaron Rodgers stepped up to the mic yesterday and wasted no time announcing his presence as presider over the NFC North.

Rodgers said“All the other teams in the NFC North, it seems like every single year, I think their fanbase and their teams feel like, ‘This is our year to win the North.’ Hasn’t really been the case during my time, for the most part.”

He’s absolutely not wrong, as the Packers have reigned supreme. Since 2011, Green Bay has finished outside of first in the division just three times.

History aside, it’s clear where the comments from Green Bay’s quarterback are directed. No one in their right mind thinks the Detroit Lions are winning the NFC North, and the Chicago Bears biggest victory may be landing the number one overall draft pick. Coming into Minnesota, Rodgers is talking to a Vikings squad reinvigorated with a coaching staff that will look to exploit talent riddled throughout the locker room. It’s still fair for Rodgers to take a “show me” attitude, but this season could be his most challenging yet.

We have seen little indication as to whether number one wide receiver Allen Lazard will take the field on Sunday. Even if he does, and despite Rodgers suggesting there may be no drop-off, the difference between Lazard and the since-departed Davante Adams is canyon-like. Behind him, Sammy Watkins is hardly the talent he once was, and Randall Cobb is closer to receiving an NFL pension than continuing to catch footballs.

Obviously, one of the main bugaboos for Minnesota last year was their lack of ability in the secondary. This group of wide receivers should allow them a nice opportunity to settle in. They’ll be tested by one of the best quarterbacks ever to play the game, but the pass catchers should present little reason to assume a mismatch through the air.

While Rodgers is focused on winning the division for another season, someone may want to ask him how the competition has treated his efforts in getting to and winning a ring. The mushrooms this offseason have likely long worn off by now, but that can’t be something he’s forgotten.

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Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.

We are finally here. The week the season begins. A season full of hope for the Minnesota Vikings.

With Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell steering the ship for the first time, there is optimism for improvement on the last two bitterly disappointing seasons. Heading into last year, I was expecting 9-11 wins for the Vikings.

Of course, they won only eight games while finishing second in the division but missing out on the playoffs. Leading up to the start of this season, I’ve been thinking 10/11 wins — basically the same as last year but with a bit more belief that we will get at least 10 wins, which should be enough for the playoffs. My final win-loss prediction for the 2022 Vikings is 10-7.

Consequently, that won’t be enough to win the division. That honor will once again go to the Green Bay Packers. Unlike last season, it will be enough to get the Vikings into the playoffs. As a result, it will be a big step for this new look Vikings staff and a solid foundation to build from.

Positves and Question Marks

There is much to be optimistic about with the Vikings heading into the season. A new positive approach from the new coaching staff; an offense that is loaded with weapons and an offensive line that looks more solid than it has for a while; new faces and a healthy Danielle Hunter has the defense looking in better shape and people are even talking about Kirk Cousins as an MVP candidate.

On the flip side, there are a lot of question marks. Can Kevin O’Connell make the step up? Is Adam Thielen too old? What are the Vikings going to do about center? Can Hunter and Za’Darius Smith stay healthy? Are Harrison Smith and Patrick Peterson too old? Will any of this year’s rookies step up in Year 1? These are all valid questions that need answering during the course of the season.

So, where are these 10 wins coming from, and what are the seven games I predict the Vikings to fall short? This team needs a good start, and I think they will get one. Beginning with the six games leading up to the Week 7 bye, I have the Vikings going 4-2.

Weeks 1-7

Week 1: Win vs Packers – 1-0

Week 2: Lose at Eagles – 1-1

Week 3: Win vs Lions – 2-1

Week 4: Win at Saints – 3-1 (international)

Week 5: Win vs Bears – 4-1

Week 6: Lose at Dolphins – 4-2

Week 7: Bye

The season opener against Green Bay is huge. If that one goes the other way and is followed by defeat in Philadelphia, then the Vikings are in a difficult position and immediately find themselves playing catch.

I predict no such drama, and O’Connell starts his reign with a big win. Winning the other home games against the divisional foe is a must. Playing all the division home games in the first five weeks gives the Vikings a chance for a strong start, but it means all the road games are at the back end of the season. Early road trips to teams with playoff aspirations will be difficult. The Saints game in London takes away their home advantage and will help with a Vikings win. The other two are too big of an obstacle this early in the season for me.

Weeks 8-13

Week 8: Win vs Cardinals – 5-2

Week 9: Win at Commanders – 6-2

Week 10: Lose at Bills – 6-3

Week 11: Win vs Cowboys – 7-3

Week 12: Lose vs Patriots – 7-4

Week 13: Win vs Jets – 8-4

Next up, the Vikings come out of the bye week with a big game with wildcard implications against the Cardinals. It will be a close game, but I’m predicting the extra rest gives the Vikings the edge. Follow that up with a win against Washington, and the Vikings are flying. Then, they come back down to earth in Buffalo, which brings us to another game I think will have a big say in the wildcard rankings. Victory over Dallas is a must. The Patriots will come to Minnesota and grind out a result, but the Vikings beat the Jets to sit pretty at 8-4 with five games to go.

Weeks 14-18

Week 14: Lose at Lions – 8-5

Week 15: Lose vs Colts – 8-6

Week 16: Win vs Giants – 9-6

Week 17: Lose at Packers – 9-7

Week 18: Win at Bears – 10-7

The Lions will surprise a few teams this season. Because of that, I have them beating the Vikings in Week 14. The Colts make it back-to-back defeats. As a result, the dream of a division title in his debut season for Kevin O’Connell will be over. It will be important for the Vikings to remain focused and get back to winning ways at this point.

Therefore, a home game against the Giants is the perfect opportunity to get back on track. A trip to Lambeau is a bridge too far as the Packers go in search of the number one sees, which leaves us with the Vikings heading to Soldier Field needing a win to make sure of a playoff place. They get the job done against a Bears team rooted at the bottom of the division.

As far as the regular season goes, that is my win-loss prediction for the 2022 Vikings. The playoffs? As they say, “any given Sunday.” Getting this far would be a great achievement for a head coach in his first year. Expectations shouldn’t go overboard, but if things have gone as I predict and this Vikings team does get this far. They will give anyone a game, but it’s too early to think Super Bowl.

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The Green Bay Packers will open the 2022 regular season on the road against the rival Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Matt LaFleur’s team, fresh off a third-straight 13-win season, are getting the first shot at the Vikings under the new leadership of coach Kevin O’Connell, who replaced Mike Zimmer after previously working under Sean McVay with the Rams.

The Packers are attempting to beat the Vikings in Minneapolis to open the season for the second time in three years. Will the short trip west conclude with a valuable victory over a top division rival?

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Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Sunday’s NFC North showdown:

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Minnesota Vikings have had months to come up with a game plan to beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

The Packers, on the other hand, have had months to guess at the Vikings’ game plan.

After the Vikings finished five games behind the Packers in the NFC North standings last season, they fired longtime coach Mike Zimmer and replaced him with 37-year-old Kevin O’Connell. O’Connell is the latest branch snapped off the Sean McVay coaching tree. To run the defense, he hired Ed Donatell, the latest disciple of venerable Vic Fangio.

The head coaching career of Matt LaFleur has gotten off to a historic beginning.  Three consecutive thirteen win seasons in his first three years at the helm is unprecedented.  But the Packers under LaFleur have one worrisome trend that they can’t seem to break.  They are notoriously slow starters.

In the 2021 regular season, Green Bay was outscored by its opponents in the first quarter by a collective total of 84 to 51.  The team failed to score in the first quarter in nine of its seventeen games.  They were either tied or trailing their opponent at the end of the first quarter in thirteen contests.

One reason for this is that the Packers are one of the elite teams in the NFL, which means opponents get particularly fired up to play them, and that adrenalin helps opponents start the game strong, especially in their own stadiums.  The games are often televised nationally, another incentive for opponents to want to make a statement against Green Bay.

Other times the team just seems to come out a bit lackadaisical, and doesn’t appear to wake up until they fall behind and feel some sort of urgency.  Usually, Aaron Rodgers and the coaches eventually figure out the problems and the team is able to come back and win.  But constantly relying on your ability to come from behind is a risky way to operate.

This will be especially true in the season opener Sunday against the rival Vikings.  The Vikings have beaten Green Bay at least once in six of the last seven seasons.  Sunday’s game is on Minnesota’s home turf, always a difficult assignment for the Pack.  New coach Kevin O’Donnell has made it clear Packer fans are not welcome at US Bank stadium.  Those Purple fans are going to be loud and rowdy, and their team will be sky high at the kickoff.  Green Bay will need to weather the storm by playing a strong first quarter.

Pre-game chatter

— It’s really going to be a tough break for receiver Allen Lazard if he can’t play against the Vikings.  He is nursing what is described as an ankle injury after getting “stepped on” in practice last week.  The former Iowa State star has been held out of practices this week.  This couldn’t happen at a worse time for number 13.  Someone is going to step forward and lay claim to being Green Bay’s new number one receiver in this game, and no doubt Lazard has long envisioned it would be him.

— Much has been made of how critical it will be for the Packers to have David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins available for Sunday’s game.  But the sneaky injury that could also have a huge impact is the hamstring problem safety Darnell Savage is dealing with.  The Packers are not deep at safety, and they will be facing a strong set of receivers in Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and newly acquired Jalen Reagor.  Green Bay’s reserve safeties are Rudy Ford, Dallin Leavitt and rookie Tariq Carpenter.  Savage says he feels fine but hammies can be very fickle.

— In a way, I’m kind of glad that Viking linebacker Za’Darius Smith has been popping off about how he can’t wait to play against his former team Sunday.  Surely the Green Bay offensive linemen have had an earful of it, and perhaps it is they who will be highly motivated to play against him on opening day.  Another former Packer, Chandon Sullivan, appears to be Minnesota’s starting nickel back on Sunday.  I always felt Sullivan was the weak link in Green Bay’s secondary when he was here.  I feel good about playing against him.

— Of course the Packers’ traditional arch rival has been the Bears for more than a century.  But over the last ten to twenty years I find myself wanting to beat the Vikings worse.  I think it’s because they have demonstrated time and again that they are Packer wannabees.  They have signed so many of our discarded players over the years, including Darren Sharper, Ryan Longwell, Greg Jennings, and most blatantly, Brett Favre.  Now they’re even signing our coaches.  Kevin O’Donnell’s newly hired staff includes former Green Bay coaches Mike Pettine, Ed Donatell and Mike Smith.    I enjoy nothing more than showing the Vikes and their fans they will never rise to the level of the Green and Gold.

Game Prediction: Packers 28 Vikings 24

Surprise hero of the game: Sammy Watkins

NFL Upset of the week: Lions over Eagles

Crossing the St. Croix River from Wisconsin into Minnesota is referred to as coming from “the other side” in the Vikings locker room at TCO Performance Center.

Za’Darius Smith says he “came to” the other side by joining the Vikings this offseason after 33 games in three Packers seasons. Danielle Hunter asserts Smith actually “came from” the other side in Green Bay, where the Packers set up the Vikings’ next potentially potent pass-rushing pair by cutting Smith in March.

Hunter and Smith have agreed on pretty much everything else while quickly forming a bond this summer under new outside linebackers coach Mike Smith, who also defected from the Packers.

“They came from the other side, but they’re good people,” Hunter said. “They taught the room a lot of things, like new pass rushing things and all that stuff — and I’m always eager to learn.”

Smith, who turned 30 on Thursday, was quick to note the potential of another strong purple pass rush during his free-agent visit to Eagan this spring, when he posted “Meet at the Quarterback 2.0” on social media while touring the Vikings museum before signing a three-year, $42 million contract.

The nod to the Purple People Eaters’ motto set a lofty bar that Hunter and Smith are committed to reaching as both return from injuries and they learn to play together. Neither played in a preseason game, so fans will get their first look at the duo in action in Sunday’s season opener against the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Smith, who missed all but one regular-season game in 2021 due to a back injury, is especially anxious to make his Vikings debut. That acknowledgement came with a grin when asked about playing against the Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

“I’ve been preparing for this time to come for a while now,” Smith said. “Hopefully we get a chance to take him down a couple times.”

The Vikings have a better chance to do that with Hunter and Smith, who strengthened their bond during training camp in vacant corners of the TCO practice fields.

They were inseparable when younger players ran through special teams or position drills at the beginning of practices. They refined on-field technique with their position coach, Mike Smith, or shared off-field laughs that are viewed as a critical ingredient to their chemistry.

“When all those guys up front are a family and they work together,” Mike Smith said, “that’s when it clicks. I’ve been fortunate to be part of a lot of good teams with a lot of good rushers, and there ain’t no doubt about it, they’re one of the top [duos] in the league.”

There’s a natural kinship as the 2015 mid-round draft picks — Hunter a third-rounder out of LSU and Smith a fourth-rounder out of Kentucky — shared similar paths and attitudes. They first met at the Pro Bowl after the 2019 season, a connection that left Hunter signing a premonition on a Vikings jersey for Smith: “Hopefully we’ll be on the same team one day.”

They complement each other off the field, too.

“They mesh so well because they’re night and day,” said Vikings cornerback Chandon Sullivan, Smith’s former Packers teammate who has a locker between Hunter and Smith. “Danielle, he’s real quiet and reserved and everybody knows ‘Z,’ he’s enthusiastic, outgoing, loud.”

The Vikings defense, ranked 30th last season, is banking on Hunter and Smith to return to their Pro Bowl forms in a refurbished scheme under coordinator Ed Donatell.

Smith isn’t just a prized free-agent acquisition, but a pivotal instructor to Vikings teammates. He has years of experience in similar defenses in Green Bay and Baltimore. In addition to the money and playing the Packers twice per season, Smith said he was drawn to Minnesota by a chance to lead a turnaround.

“It was a big part of the recruitment,” Smith said. “You’re going to be the guy who’s basically moving around the defense and helping the younger guys.”

Leader has been one of many new roles for Hunter, who turns 28 next month and itches to play after being limited to seven of 33 games the past two years due to neck and pectoral injuries.

The Vikings’ depth chart is young and inexperienced with four edge rushers — D.J. Wonnum, Patrick Jones, Luiji Vilain and Janarius Robinson — who are 24 years old or younger. Hunter and Smith frequently led the group in sprints after camp practices.

“Mentoring them now,” Hunter said. “I’m in that phase of my life. But everything has been pretty good. I’m just eager to play ball again. Had some long days, longer nights, but I’m ready to go.”

Hunter is also learning how to play versatile roles as a stand-up outside linebacker after seven seasons as a 4-3 defensive end for the Vikings. He’s adjusting his vision and thought process at the line of scrimmage to account for additional duties, including pass coverage, for a defense that will move him around.

Smith has helped Hunter with everything from big-picture playbook concepts to small-scale pass rushing moves.

“He’s shown me things that I’ve never known or been able to use before,” Hunter said. “I’m able to show him things that I know and share to the group. So it’s kind of like I’m helping him out, he’s helping me out. Us coming together, we’ll be able to do a lot of damage on the field.”

Vikings coaches plan to deploy Hunter and Smith around the formation — on opposite ends, or both in the middle, or both on the same side. That is another adjustment for Hunter, who primarily aligned on the defense’s left side (vs. right tackles) under former head coach Mike Zimmer.

When Smith moves inside against guards and the center, Hunter has closely watched how he processes the offense’s formation and what to do after the snap. Hunter spent this offseason learning more about interior protection assignments for offensive linemen. If Hunter can better understand how interior protections are set, he can attack their weaknesses.

“I’m starting to see things about being on the inside and rushing against guards, the center,” Hunter said. “Being able to see things faster with him telling me what he knows.”

Mike Smith, the position coach, believes Hunter’s learning curve should be hastened by Za’Darius Smith’s assistance and Hunter’s off-the-charts athleticism that could thrive with more room to operate.

They’re already planning celebrations. Throughout camp, the pair were spotted refining handshakes and sack dances during down moments in practices. They were outed in a video on the team website practicing the Kid ‘n Play kick-step dance, which Hunter would not confirm was in their plans.

Teammates hope Hunter and Smith will be dancing frequently, reviving a dormant pass rush and writing their own chapter in the franchise’s illustrious defensive history.

“We haven’t had those big guys around here in a while,” running back Dalvin Cook said. “Get some more sacks out there. Danielle doing his dance with him and ‘Z.’ It’s going to be fun for us.”