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Vikings vs. Packers predictions, picks: Kirk Cousins won’t have a pleasant return in Week 10
Green Bay hosts Minnesota in a pivotal NFC North game, with both teams having won six of their first nine games. The article predicts the Packers to win by at least three points, arguing that Kirk Cousins may struggle to settle into Minnesota’s offence before his first game back against his former team.
Cousins knows coach Kevin O’Connell’s system after six seasons together, but he has had little time to build connections with his new teammates. Green Bay has won five of its past six games and forced multiple turnovers in six straight; quarterback Jordan Love threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns against New England, while Christian Watson and Matthew Golden combined for 335 receiving yards. The Packers are favoured by three points at Lambeau Field.
In short
- Green Bay is tipped to cover a three-point spread.
- Cousins faces a quick adjustment to Minnesota’s offence.
- The Packers arrive in strong form on both sides of the ball.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The case for a Packers win is that Green Bay arrives in strong form, with a productive passing game and a defence that has consistently created turnovers. Cousins may understand O’Connell’s system, but limited time with new teammates could make it harder for Minnesota to execute smoothly in a high-stakes road game.
The case against
Minnesota can counter that Cousins already knows O’Connell’s offence from six seasons together, which may help him adjust faster than a typical newcomer despite the short preparation time. The teams have identical records, and a close divisional game could turn on a few plays, so Green Bay’s recent form and home advantage do not make a Packers win certain.
Explained simply
The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers are long-standing rivals in the NFC North, one of the National Football League’s divisions. Both teams began the season with six wins from nine games, making their meeting relevant to their position in the division and the wider race for a playoff place.
Kirk Cousins is Minnesota’s quarterback and previously played for the Vikings under coach Kevin O’Connell, so he knows the coach’s offensive system. Green Bay’s quarterback is Jordan Love, and the Packers play at Lambeau Field. The teams’ recent form and their quarterbacks’ performances are part of the context for assessing how closely matched they may be.