The Packers are a 3-3 team after three close losses to average teams.  The Packers are now playing a divisional game that puts a lot on the line.  If the Packers win, the Vikings are effectively eliminated from the post-season hunt, and the Packers may be back on track to win the division title in a very mediocre division.  If they lose, the Packers and Vikings share sub-.500 records and give the Bears a chance to create some distance with their lead.

The scariest thing about playing Minnesota is the potential for a third Aaron Rodgers sack fest.  Rodgers was sacked 14 times in their two matchups last year,  including a safety.  The consensus is that Rodgers was responsible for 6 of those sacks by holding the ball too long.   Shortly after the second game, the Packers galvanized.  The offensive line was bolstered with veteran tackles and a renewed determination, and Rodgers did a much better job of getting rid of the ball.

The Packers will need to put up points against the Vikings, and that burden rests mainly on Chad Clifton, Bryan Bulaga and Aaron Rodgers.  Chad Clifton has had two very good games in a row against the pass rush.  Besides his sack allowed in overtime to Brian Orakpo, he has not allowed any pressure on Aaron Rodgers.  This week he will face off against Jared Allen. While Allen is having a quiet season, he is an extremely dangerous pass rusher.  Bryan Bulaga, who will be playing for Mark Tausher, will face off against Ray Edwards.  Edwards is also a worrisome opponent, especially for a rookie left tackle filling in on the right side.    Aaron Rodgers has gone back to his habits of holding the ball too long and scrambling out of the pocket too early.  To score against this Vikings defense, the Packers will have to keep Aaron Rodgers’s jersey clean so that he can pick apart the weak Vikings secondary.  If Rodgers, Clifton and Bulaga play well and consistently, the Packers should put the points on the board that are needed for a win.