Its All In The Numbers

 

 Mid Week Statistical Analysis Of Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings (hence the picture)

 First Of All:  The Past Is The Past.  Anybody who follows the Vikings already knows that the Vikes are 0-5 in their last five meetings with the Pack.  If you want a excellent run down of what went wrong in those last five meetings check this out.  I am not worried about yesterday, only worried about Sunday.  Today I am only looking at 2008 stats, I know they have played one game already but I want to compare league rankings and stats.  Then hopefully we can make a scientific decision on Sunday’s huge match up, with a little help from our friend above.  Shall we call him Aaron? OK we will. 

 Stat:                                   Vikings        Packers               Advantage

Record:                                 4-4               4-4                  Even

Div. Record:                          1-2               2-0                  Packers

Pts For:                                 182               210                  Packers

Pts Against:                          188               178                  Packers

Streak:                                  Won 1           Lost 1               Vikings

Total Offense Rank:               13                14                    Vikings

Total Defense Rank:              11               20                     Vikings

Offense Passing Rank:            17               9                       Packers

Defense Passing Rank:          23                5                      Packers

Offense Rushing Rank:           6                  21                    Vikings

Defense Rushing Rank:           2                 27                    Vikings

 Starting QB Rating:                22                5                      Packers

Home/Road Records:         (H) 3-1        (A) 2-2                  Vikings

3rd Down Conversions:        34.2%           44.1%                 Packers         

Opponent 3rd Down Conv.:  35.6%           38.7%                 Vikings

Tally this all up and the score is Vikings 7- Packers 7.  That was alot of work for nothing right?  Well we all know that there is alot more to a game than statistics.  For instance, injuries and potential suspensions can and will play a big part in this game.  All we can do is hope that the Williams(s) suspensions (if they happen <<being optimistic), won’t happen until after this packers game.  The whole Jared Allen thing, well its way too early in the week to know anything.  My gut feeling on Allen is that he will want to play, but the team won’t want to risk further injury.  Even though the odds are stacked against them, I think the vikings can win the game for the following reasons:

1.)  The Vikings are at home.  They will play better and with more confidence at home.

2.)  Adrian Peterson.  If he has a big day, and it looks like he could considering the Packers tend to give up a lot of yards on the ground, he will run all over the Pack.

3.)  The Vikings secondary must have a big game.  It is no secret that the Packers will go to the air and this would be a perfect time for Sharper to get his first INT of the year.  This is not a new idea, there are several people calling this already.

Well thats about it for tonight.  I’ll try to give you three reasons the Packers will win tomorrow, even though I don’t want to.  But hey we have to explore all the possibilities.  Meanwhile, lets hope Jared Allen’s shoulder magically heals and Marty and Doc take the Williams(s) back in time in (a rather large) Delorean to fix this whole steroid / supplement thing.  Without further ado, your daily anti-packer sentiment: