2024 NFL odds indicate that the Vikings-Packers matchup is a pick ’em, as Minnesota aims for the NFC’s top seed. Last February, shortly after Super Bowl LVIII concluded, the FOX Sports editorial team enlisted Geoff Schwartz, Jason McIntyre, and another analyst to forecast the Super Bowl champion for the upcoming season.
Geoff confidently selected the Kansas City Chiefs, while J-Mac backed the San Francisco 49ers. The other analyst took a calculated risk, opting for the Green Bay Packers and quarterback Jordan Love at 20-1 odds.
The rationale was straightforward: steer clear of high-profile quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson, and instead choose a less popular pick from the NFC. The Packers appeared to be a logical choice after teams like Detroit, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, making them a more appealing option than the trendier Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles.
The Minnesota Vikings, however, were overlooked.
That was a miscalculation.
According to Andy Molitor, director of content at Betsperts and a seasoned NFL bettor, “Minnesota is one of the biggest upgrades in power ratings.” He noted the importance of starting low with a quarterback situation that was uncertain and trending downward. With Sam Darnold’s lackluster performance and the Vikings planning to start rookie J.J. McCarthy, the outlook seemed grim.
Molitor drew a parallel to last year’s San Francisco team, highlighting the abundance of talent on the roster and a solid defense. However, he emphasized that none of that matters if the quarterback struggles. “You start low and keep upgrading if the guy plays well, and that’s exactly what’s happened with Minnesota,” he concluded.
Fast forward to late December, and Minnesota is now in control of its path to the NFC’s No. 1 overall seed. The Packers stand as the next hurdle in this storied rivalry, set to clash on Sunday in what is being billed as America’s Game of the Week.
Fans can catch the action live on FOX Sports and the FOX Sports App.
Initially, Las Vegas bookmakers listed Minnesota as a 1.5-point favorite at home. However, sharp money has shifted the line to a near pick ‘em (PK), with some sportsbooks even favoring Green Bay by a point. It’s rare to see a team with a 13-2 record considered an underdog in its own stadium.
“It’s the best game of the week, and we’ll probably sit out,” remarked one seasoned bookmaker, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the matchup.
Discipline in betting is always commendable.
The analyst believes that Minnesota transforms into a formidable force at The Death Star. Observations from several games reveal an underrated home-field advantage, where fans, often indulging in vodka from horns, create an electrifying atmosphere.
On opposing third downs, the noise can be overwhelming.
“As of now, we’ll need the Vikings to win,” shared a veteran Las Vegas bookmaker with FOX Sports. “That means Green Bay will probably get the money. It’s been a tough season for us, with consistent losses.”
“We’ll definitely need it to stay ‘Under’ 48, too.”
