There are enough storylines in Monday's big game to keep a room full of writers busy for months. We grabbed two of the lesser talented ones and got them to go over some of the main points bettors are talking about.
Who is the better quarterback right now: Aaron Rodgers or Brett Favre?
Ashton Grewal: It pains me to say this because I love to hate Brett Favre, but you have to be impressed with the way old Greybeard is playing.
Favre can still make all the throws and I’ll take his experience over Rodgers’ young legs any day of the week.
The truth hurts. Favre’s still got the edge on his former understudy. Now excuse me please, I think I’m going to throw up.
Dave Carey: It’s like asking if you are a legs or chest man: you can’t go wrong with either answer. Personally, I like Rodgers – and not just because of his fantastic beard. He has demonstrated plenty of toughness, is entering the prime of his career and doesn’t force ESPN into 24-hour coverage of his drama. He gets the most out of his receivers and has emerged as the leader of the offense, not a distraction.
Will Green Bay’s offensive line be able to hold off the Purple People Eaters’ front four?
Carey: Nope. Because even if the interior line of Green Bay can find a way to block the Wall of Williamses – Vikings defensive tackles and part-time bulldozers, Pat and Kevin Williams – there is a gaping hole at left tackle.
The biggest matchup in the game will be Vikings stud defensive end Jared Allen against backup left tackle Daryn Colledge who is filling in for the injured Chad Clifton. Allen is going to eat the former Boise State star alive and will spend so much time in the Green Bay backfield that squatting rights may apply by the fourth quarter.
Grewal: It’s hard to make an argument for Green Bay’s O-line. I’m certain Mike McCarthy made prepping his line the main focus of the week. He’s got a creative offensive mind and I’m sure he’ll come up with some ways to get the ball out of Rodgers’ hand faster.
Still, the Packers signal caller is going to see a lot of purple jerseys up close. Rodgers is going to get hurried and he’s going to get hit.
What’s the over/under on pass attempts for Favre in this game?
Grewal: I think the Vikes win on Monday and that means Favre won’t pass more than 28 times. Minny’s ground game will take over which means No. 4 won’t have to fling the ball around much.
That is, of course, as long as Favre doesn’t let his ego get the best of him. All bets are off if he goes Cheesehead and starts changing calls at the line of scrimmage.
Carey: I put the line at 30.5 and I take the under. The Green Bay defense can’t stop the run and even coach Brad Childress should know that when Adrian Peterson is in your backfield and you are facing the 23rd ranked rushing defense, you pound the rock.
These are two of the highest-scoring teams through the season’s first three weeks. Should we expect some fireworks?
Carey: Oddsmakers definitely think this one will have plenty of points, with the total set at 45.5. I think the brakes will be put on both offenses in this matchup. Green Bay won’t be able to run the ball and Rodgers will get hammered because of the hole at left tackle. They will have trouble scoring on drives and must rely on long plays or turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Vikings will be methodical and pound the ball down the field, content to control the clock and cruise to a dominating win on the legs of Peterson.
Grewal: There’s something about Monday nights that bring out the big plays. There are enough dynamic players on both teams to light up the scoreboard. I’d take the over early because you know the line’s only going to grow the closer we get to game time.
Final score prediction:
Carey: Vikings 27, Packers 16
Grewal: Vikings 31, Packers 20