4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Vikings’ Week 4 Matchup vs Packers

Minnesota Sports Fan has been having a lot of fun with our weekly Minnesota Vikings bold predictions for each upcoming matchup. Now it’s time to focus on the Week 4 rivalry against the Green Bay Packers. A trip to Lambeau Field in September means Kevin O’Connell’s passing attack gets to avoid a potential snow day, which could lead to some fireworks in Wisconsin.

But this week is particularly special for a few reasons. Every time the Vikings and Packers get together, there’s a different vibe in the air. That’s especially true as Aaron Jones gets his first chance at revenge on the team that ruthlessly released him after seven productive seasons. What bold predictions are in store for the Vikings’ Week 4 game versus the Packers?

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Aaron Jones starts new 100-yard streak, scores 3 TD vs Packers

The Packers have had some notable running backs in their storied history. No one has more rushing yards than Ahman Green, but did you know Aaron Jones is Green Bay’s third-most productive rusher in Packers history? It’s true.

The former fifth-round pick totaled just under 6,000 rushing yards (5,940) during his Packers tenure before they no longer deemed him valuable. That’s fine because the Vikings treasure their new running back.

Jones has helped a rushing offense with the NFL’s fourth-fewest rushing yards in 2023 morph into a unit that ranks 13th heading into Week 3. He has the 10th-most rushing yards in the NFL while averaging 76 YPG.

Only, this time, it’s personal. Jones will be eager to show the Packers what they’re missing out on and will get his vengeance by rumbling for over 100 rushing yards while combining for three touchdowns.

This prediction may not seem that bold, but considering the Packers have allowed the 10th-fewest rushing yards in the NFL, Jones having a big day would help tarnish their strong start. Plus, it would be just the fourth 3-TD game of the 29-year-old running back’s career.

Related: Aaron Jones Confirms: Minnesota > Green Bay

Minnesota Vikings keep Aaron Jones’ replacement under 50 yards

On the same day the Packers released Aaron Jones, they signed his replacement, Josh Jacobs, to a four-year, $48 million contract. This allowed the Vikings to sign Jones to a one-year contract worth $7 million. So far, Jacobs has been more productive, but only in total yardage, besting Jones 278 to 228 yards.

However, he also has 20 more carries than Jones and zero rushing touchdowns. In other words, when he gets the ball, Jones has been the more effective player through three weeks. Yet, the Packers have other rushers that have helped them head into Week 4 with the best rushing offense in the NFL, averaging 204 YPG.

The others (Emanuel Wilson and possibly Malik Willis) may help the Packers move the chains, but we’ll go out on a limb and say Jacobs will be held to fewer than 50 rushing yards on Sunday. Doing so would only help show the Packers that they made a mistake in moving on from Jones, believing Jacobs could be a more consistent threat.

Related: Cris Carter, Stephen A Smith Go at it Over Vikings’ Legitimacy

Dallas Turner gets two sacks in return to Vikings

Dallas Turner missed the Vikings’ 34-7 blowout win over the Texans due to a knee injury. But now the first-round rookie is healthy again, putting him on track to return on Sunday against Green Bay.

With pass-rushing studs like Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, Turner is relegated to backup duties, but that didn’t prevent him from getting a sack in his NFL debut. The 21-year-old has played just 38% of the team’s defensive snaps thus far.

But we’ll boldly predict Turner gets his first multi-sack game as he gets his first taste of a classic NFC North rivalry. Since Jordan Love will be playing at less than 100% with possibly limited mobility, we like Turner’s chances of having a big day.

Related: Kevin O’Connell NFL Coach of the Year Odds Skyrocketing

Brian Flores holds Packers to new season-low in points

How about that Brian Flores defense, huh? And to think everyone was concerned about the defensive linemen, whether Danielle Hunter’s absence would cause a pass-rush void, and the state of the secondary. Through three weeks, the Vikings’ defense has arguably been an even bigger story than Sam Darnold leading the NFL in passing touchdowns.

Last year, the Vikings allowed the 13th-fewest points in the NFL (21.3) while allowing the ninth-most passing yards. They also ranked 19th in forcing turnovers, allowing teams to score on 37.1% of their drives, the 13th-best mark in the NFL.

This year, the Vikings are allowing the second-fewest points in the NFL (10 PPG), while allowing the sixth-most passing yards, only this time, it’s because teams are always trailing. Big. They’re also forcing the fourth-most turnovers, while only allowing teams to score on 18.8% of their drives, the best scoring defense in the NFL.

Meanwhile, the Packers’ offense has been humming. Even without Jordan Love. Their $220-million quarterback helped Green Bay score 29 points in their season-opening loss. His replacement, Malik Willis, propelled the Packers to just 16 points in his debut as Green Bay’s starter but is coming off leading a 30-point performance in Week 3. Let’s see if Coach Flores can stifle their momentum in Week 4.

• Vikings vs Packers prediction: Vikings 31, Packers 13

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