Packers vs. Vikings, Week 1: How to watch, what to watch

These NFC North rivals both had mediocre offseasons. The Vikings lost a big chunk of their defensive line along with Stefon Diggs while the Packers drafted a quarterback and running back who won’t play much unless things go south quickly. But, both teams are coming off playoff appearances and still have good enough personnel to battle for a division title.

It will be interesting to see how run oriented these teams get, as both have strength in the run game while a weaker cast of receivers to work with. A receiver other than Adam Thielen or Davante Adams will likely have a breakout game, but figuring out who that is will be tricky.

TV Info

Date: September 13
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
Broadcast map

Notable Statistical rankings (Football Outsiders)

Packers (2019): 9th vs. Pass, 23rd vs. Rush
Vikings (2019): 7th vs. Pass, 8th vs. Rush

DraftKings Sportsbook odds

Packers: +2.5, +117
Vikings: -2.5. -141
Total: 46

Pick: Packers

Both of these teams had poor off seasons but the Vikings lead the way in futility. They lost Stefon Diggs and most of their defensive line. Add in the early loss of Danielle Hunter and I’m on board with the Packers and their running game controlling the pace.

Injury report

Packers

Wednesday

DNP: LB Randy Ramsey (groin), TE Marcedes Lewis

Limited: DE Montravius Adams (toe), S Raven Greene (quadricep), G Billy Turner (knee)

Full: LB Oren Burks (groin)

Vikings

Wednesday

None listed

Thursday

None listed

Fantasy football start/sit advice

Packers

Robert Tonyan, Tight end, $2,500

Tonyan is your super cheap punt at tight end this week, as he appears to have won the starting job and is the cheapest you can find at DraftKings. You likely have a tight end in re-draft who is safer though.

Aaron Jones, Running back, $6,900

The Packers and Matt LeFleur are keen on keeping Jones from becoming a safe fantasy play. They drafted A.J. Dillon and will continue to give Jamal Williams work, but Jones is still the lead back. He absolutely destroyed the Vikings last season, totaling 310 yards and three touchdowns in their two matchups. This off-season the Vikings also lost a good chunk of their defensive line.

Vikings

Irv Smith Jr., Tight end, $3,100

The Vikings are weak at the receiver position after Adam Thielen and I’m expecting a breakout this year by Smith Jr. But, it is still too early to get a good read on how he will be used, making this a risky pick. The risk is likely only tolerable in DFS tournaments.

Adam Thielen, Wide receiver, $6,700

Like Davante Adams, Thielen is the No. 1 target by a good margin on his team. Both are must starts with great PPR upside due to what should be a big target percentage, but Thielen comes at a slight discount in DFS.