Vikings vs Packers
Vikings vs Packers The Monday night opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field is one of week one's marquee match-ups. The Vikings hope to ride the coat-tails of RB Adrian Peterson and their number 1 ranked defense all the way to a division title. The Packers officially enter the post Brett Favre era and will try to defend their NFC North title with Aaron Rodgers at the helm.

The Packers were fantastic last season as they went 13-3 before they were upset at home against the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game. All of the pressure now falls QB Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2005 draft. Though Rodgers has impressed coaches in the pre-season, he as gone a total 35-of-59 for 329 yards, throwing for 1 touchdown and 1 interception in his NFL career.

"I haven't played on Monday night before, but I played Thursday night in Dallas on national TV. This is a big game and it obviously counts, but the pressure from people outside
this locker room isn't bigger than the pressure we put on ourselves as individual to perform," Rodgers said.

For the Vikings their biggest area of concern going into 2008 is their quarterback as well. Tarvaris Jackson's injured knee threatens to limit his mobility. He suffered a sprained ligament in his right knee in the Vikings preseason game on August 16th against Baltimore. The did not play in the Vikings final two preseason games. However, Tarvaris did practice this week.

Jackson said that his knee isn't 100%, but it's good enough to go. "I'm playing Monday regardless," the Vikings QB told reporters. The knee is not far off.

The Vikings will try to control the ground game with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor and they should be able to hold Aaron Rodgers in check as he makes his first start.

The Packers are 2 1/2 point favorites at home. Green Bay swept the Vikings last year and has won their last four meetings, but that was with Favre under center.

Look for Rodgers to struggle. Take the Vikings getting the 2/12.