When it comes to NFL predictions, it"s best to eliminate as many variables as possible, focusing on the one or two key ingredients vital to winning. In that chase to eliminate variables, nothing is harder to account for than the effect of injuries on the final score, since the availability or unavailability of one player can be the difference between a win or a loss, or the difference between a mauling and a relatively close game. As NFL predictions go, knowing the injury situation is paramount. Unfortunately for the Green Bay Packers, the first 6 weeks of the 2010 season have seen their Super Bowl hopes possibly derailed by several devastating injuries. Gone so far are Pro Bowl running back Ryan Grant (season-ending ankle surgery), Pro Bowl tight end Jermichael Finley (season-ending knee surgery), and long time starter at inside linebacker Nick Barnett (season-ending wrist surgery). Additionally, NFL sack leader Clay Matthews and run-stuffing defensive tackle Ryan Pickett are currently ailing with hamstring and ankle injuries respectfully. With the injuries to key playmakers on the offensive end, Green Bay"s once diversified attack has become decidedly one-dimensional, relying heavily on the Pro Bowl talents of Aaron Rodgers and the outside receiving threats of Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. While Rodgers can still win a game all by himself, he"s also become more turnover prone this season, attempting to do too much with the ball and in the process matching last season"s interception total in only 6 games. One can expect the Vikings to concentrate on the pass, attempt to get pressure on Rodgers, and hope they can force turnovers in the process. The Vikings have their own problems on the offensive end as well. After ranking second in the league in total points in 2009, the Vikings have been sputtering for the majority of 2010 and currently rank 29th. Favre was late to camp as usual, and lost valuable chemistry-building time with his receivers, a problem exasperated when leading receiver Sidney Rice was forced to undergo hip surgery at the start of the season. Favre himself has been hampered by minor injuries as well, from soreness in his surgically repaired ankle to lingering elbow tendonitis that has impacted his accuracy and arm strength. Lacking a competent passing game, the Vikings have had to rely on the super-human talents of Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson, who currently leads the league in yards per game. Super Prediction: Playing at home, the Green Bay Packers will try to get ahead early, pressuring the Viking defense on the edges and in the secondary where injuries to cornerback Cedric Griffin (ACL injury) and safety Husain Abdullah (concussion) leave them vulnerable to long pass play. On defense, the Packers will try to put pressure on Favre, and are hopeful that both Clay Matthews and Ryan Pickett will be available after missing last week"s game. Both players are crucial for Green Bay"s chances of stopping the run and punishing Favre in the pocket. On offense, Minnesota will protect Favre by featuring heavy doses of Peterson against Green Bay"s 21st ranked run defense. The fear of Peterson should lead to plenty of 8-in-the-box looks from the Packers, something that should leave them vulnerable to long pass plays off play action, provided Favre has the time to deliver the ball and the healthiness to put it on target. While Randy Moss is a big time talent, his re-acquisition has really opened things up for slot receiver Percy Harvin and look for Favre to find him across the middle for several long pass plays. On defense, the Vikings will look to do one thing""stop Rodgers. They"ve been disappointing in terms of pressuring the QB this year, but they"ve shown a great ability to bend but not break. If they can limit Rodgers to only a few big plays, they should be good enough. In the end, the Vikings will control the time of possession and with Peterson, Moss, Harvin, and Favre will make enough big plays to win the game with relative ease by the score of 28-17. By: Ryan Warner
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