Week 7 was ugly, with six teams on a bye and injuries at quarterback impacting several games. No teams are on a bye for Week 8, leaving us with a more appealing schedule and some important divisional games, including the Green Bay Packers hosting the Minnesota Vikings.
In terms of their records, this game doesn’t jump off the page with the Packers sitting at 2-4 and the Vikings at 3-4. However, the Vikings got back in the NFC North race last week with a win over the San Francisco 49ers, and the Detroit Lions fell to 5-2 after losing to the Baltimore Ravens.
Let’s dig into the betting options for this game and highlight some wagers to target.
Vikings vs Packers Odds
NFL odds used for this Minnesota vs Green Bay preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of October 24, 2023 at 2:00pm ET.
- Moneyline: Vikings (-112) • Packers (-108)
- Spread: Vikings -1 (-108) • Packers+1 (-112)
- Total Points: Over 43.5 (-110) • Under 42.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Vikings 22.5, Packers 21
Vikings vs Packers Predictions
Score Pick: Vikings 23, Packers 20
The Packers have played in a lot of close games. Three of their losses have come by four or fewer points, with one of their two wins being a one-point victory over the New Orleans Saints in Green Bay. They have only played two home games, a close victory over the Saints and a 14-point loss to the Lions.
After losing each of their first three games, the Vikings have gone 3-1 over their last four, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs. Their win over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night was impressive, especially with their defense holding them to 17 points.
A quick turnaround on the road isn’t ideal, but the Vikings are the hot team with a more dangerous offense. Look for them to find a way to pull out the victory.
Vikings vs Packers Best Bets & Props
Packers Under 2.5 Touchdowns (-150)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
After scoring 38 points in their first game of the season, the Packers have seen their offense cool off. They have scored 20 points or fewer in each of the last four games, two of which came against underwhelming defenses in the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos.
Jordan Love hasn’t been great, throwing for 190 yards or less in three of their six games this season. The Vikings have given up 17 points or fewer in three of their last four games, so expect the Packers to have difficulty reaching the end zone. Let’s make this our NFL bet of the day.
Packers First Drive Result: Punt (-105)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Outside of their Week 1 scoring explosion, the Packers have not started games well. Over their last five games, their first drive resulted in a punt three times. In one of the other two games, they failed to convert on fourth down, so they didn’t put up points there.
Initial forecasts are for colder temperatures and the potential for rain, which could lead to yet another first-drive punt for the Packers.
1H Under 20.5 (-115)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
As we’ve already highlighted, the Packers have had problems producing touchdowns. That has contributed to them combining for 20 points or fewer with their opponents in the first half of five of their six games.
In four of their games, they combined for 17 points or fewer, so they really haven’t come close to surpassing that threshold. Expect another slow start to lead to this first half under cashing.
Vikings vs Packers Same Game Parlay
Vikings vs Packers SGP (+122)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
- 1H Under 20.5 (-110)
- No Successful 2 Point Conversion (-400)
We have bet the first half under as a single wager already, and it’s appealing with how much the Packers have struggled early in games. The Vikings could also struggle early based on their short week and not playing indoors like they are accustomed to in Minnesota.
Pair that with neither team having a successful two-point conversion, and it gets us to plus odds. The Packers have attempted three two-point conversions this season, two of which they converted. All three attempts came over two games in which they had significant deficits and were trying to play catchup.
In what projects to be a close game, they might not need to attempt anything more than the standard extra points. The Vikings have yet to attempt a two-point conversion this season.
