The Minnesota Vikings visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 15, in a matchup of NFC North contenders. Minnesota is 6-2 after Monday night's 23-6 loss to Buffalo, and Green Bay is 6-3 after beating New England 45-27. Kickoff at Lambeau Field is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Fox.

The game also brings the return of Kirk Cousins. He was traded from the Raiders just before Tuesday's deadline and has not yet been named the starter.

Vikings vs. Packers Odds

Vikings: +3 (-108)

Packers: -3 (-112)

Over: 42.5 (-105)

Under: 42.5 (-115)

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Vikings vs. Packers Key Injuries

Quarterback is the biggest question for Minnesota. Kyler Murray has a Grade 2 hamstring strain and is considered week-to-week. Carson Wentz started Monday night and is dealing with an ankle injury. Coach Kevin O'Connell said he wants Cousins to feel comfortable before committing, but Cousins and general manager Nolan Teasley both signaled he will start.

Linebacker Blake Cashman is in concussion protocol. Tight end T.J. Hockenson (wrist/chest), receiver Jauan Jennings (calf) and edge rusher Kyle Van Noy (calf) did not take part in Wednesday's estimated report. Safety Theo Jackson (quad) was a full participant.

Green Bay is thinner at running back. Josh Jacobs is out with a finger fracture. Sean Rhyan, who is dealing with a high ankle sprain, is also out. Linebacker Zaire Franklin has a hairline shin fracture and is listed as TBD. Edge rusher Lukas Van Ness (back) and safety Javon Bullard (ankle/knee) did not practice Wednesday. These are early-week listings, not final game designations.

Packers Betting Trends

Green Bay is 6-3 against the spread this season and 2-2 as the favorite. It is also 4-1 against the spread in its last five games. The Packers covered as three-point underdogs at New England in a 45-27 win, an outcome that explains why the market lays a field goal with them at home.

The offense is the reason for confidence. Green Bay scored 27 against Carolina and 45 against the Patriots, so it can score without much help. The concern is the backfield. Losing Jacobs puts more pressure on the passing game and on whoever takes carries behind him.

The Packers' totals are mixed. The under is 6-3 in their games this season.

Vikings Betting Trends

Minnesota is 4-4 against the spread and has failed to cover in its last three games. The under is 7-1 in Vikings games this season, which is why the total sits at only 42.5. The Vikings are 3-2 against the spread in the last five meetings between these teams.

Monday's loss to Buffalo exposed the offense, which managed six points. Minnesota has also shuffled through quarterbacks all year. Cousins has played at Lambeau before. His first stint in Minnesota ended there in 2023 with a torn Achilles. He now has only a few days to learn the details of the current offense.

Keys to the Matchup

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Minnesota must protect Cousins and keep the game manageable. A quarterback with a short week of preparation needs simple concepts, a run game that works and few negative plays. If the Vikings fall behind early, the plan gets difficult.

Green Bay needs to replace Jacobs' production without becoming predictable. A defense missing Franklin and possibly Van Ness and Bullard could give Minnesota openings. That matters most if Hockenson and Jennings play.

Cousins' availability could move the line. If Minnesota names a different starter, the Packers could become even bigger favorites. If Cousins is confirmed, the spread could tighten.

Vikings vs. Packers Prediction and Pick

Green Bay is the better-rested and healthier team at quarterback, and Lambeau gives it an edge. But Minnesota's defense and the 7-1 under trend point to a tight game. A 3-point cushion is meaningful with a total this low.

The Vikings plus the points looks like the better value.

Prediction: Packers 23, Vikings 20