NFL 2018: Top 3 NFL Matchups for Week 2

#2 Minnesota Vikings (1-0) at Green Bay Packers (1-0)

Green Bay Packers came back from death last week against the division rivals in Chicago Bears to start their 100th season in a dramatic fashion, all thanks to an amazing one-legged comeback performance by the best in the position -- Aaron Rodgers. This game marks the first time these two play since Rodgers was injured on the tackle by Anthony Barr, which forced the league to create a new Helmet rule, that play would now be a penalty.

Packers Uncertainty

Green Bay Packers are one of the toughest teams to predict this year, but easiest to analyze. The code in Green Bay is simple. With Aaron Rodgers they are tough, they are relentless, but with almost anyone else at quarterback, they are a very easy team to beat.

They do not have a good running game or good offensive line, but what they have and majority of other teams, except for the Patriots do not, is they have the Best Quarterback playing the position and they do not need the aforementioned running game or O-line. It was clearly evident in Week 1, when Rodgers threw for 3 TDs and 24 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to lead the team back to win against the Khalil Mack-led Chicago Bears Defense.

Packers and Rodgers will be facing another tough defense in Minnesota Vikings. If there is any quarterback who can dissect this defense, it is Rodgers. But, is he healthy enough to play? Rodgers did say after the game in Week 1 that he is playing, but he is yet to practice this week. But, Rodgers doesn't need to practice after all these years in the league. A film study session of the Minnesota Defense could be all enough for the two-time MVP.

The receivers led by Devante Adams and Randall Cobb will be good enough for the Packers to keep them in the game, but the difference-maker could be the third receiver Geronimo Allison, who caught one of the three TDs. Also look out for Jimmy Graham in the red zone who had a quiet Week 1.

The running backs are going to be the key for the Packers. This is the week for Jamaal Williams to step up and lock the starting job before Aaron Jones comes back from suspension next week.

The Defense needs to step up and create turnovers. As good as the Vikings Defense is, they also have a very dynamic offensive attack led by the running back, Dalvin Cook. The defensive line needs to block the running game and flush the quarterback Kirk Cousins out of the pocket and bring pressure onto him. Cousins' decision-making under pressure is erratic, and Packers defense needs to create that in order to win the game for the Packers.

Virtuous Vikings

Kirk Cousins had a very good debut as the quarterback for Minnesota Vikings. He was consistent and found Thielen, Cook and Diggs in regular intervals to help the team win. Even though quarterbacks face opposing defenses, this week Cousins will also be facing the opposing quarterback Rodgers and a very, very loud Lambeau crowd.

When you play against the Packers, you not only play against the Defense you also play against their quarterback. Rodgers will always find a way to keep his team in winning position. Cousins needs to pace himself with Rodgers and maintain that through out the game. The Packers defense and the weapons he has around him should most certainly make that happen.

Dalvin Cook needs to continue his Week 1 performance. In Week 1, he was great catching the passes, but had a measly yards per carry. He needs to improve his running game and create holes and help set up the passing game.

With Thielen, Diggs and a big red-zone target in TE Kyle Rudolph, the Vikings have amazing group of pass catchers if the offensive line could hold up and give Cousins ample time to get the ball to his play makers.

The defense, as good as they are, they are never good enough against Rodgers.They need to block the passing game as much as they can and create pressure on Rodgers, which is not an easy task. If Rodgers could escape Khalil Mack with the porous offensive line he had, he can escape anyone. Vikings do not have a single player of the caliber of Mack, but they do have an entire defensive unit as a whole who can generate turnovers.

Xavier Rhodes, is going to be the key for the Vikings, blocking the big play receiver Adams, forcing Rodgers to go to either Cobb or Allison. In order to beat a Rodgers-led Packers, you need a group effort from the whole defense, if there is any team that can do it, that is the Minnesota Vikings.

Fantasy Outlook

Must Start

Aaron Rodgers: If healthy, especially with momentum on his side and in Lambeau Field, he should be a must-start.

All skill position players of Vikings: They have second straight week against a weak defense and they could repeat their Week 1 success

Under the radar

Geronimo Allison, Packers WR: He will be seeing some targets come his way, especially with Xavier Rhodes covering Adams and Cobb. Jimmy Graham could also be a huge Red-zone Target. Look out for him every time the Packers take a Red-Zone trip.

Kyle Rudolph, Vikings TE: He had a quiet Week 1, with just one catch for 10 yards and a Touchdown. Same like Graham, look out for Rudolph in Red Zone scenarios for Vikings.

Caution

Randall Cobb and Devante Adams: They could see less targets come their way with a stout defensive back that they will be facing in Vikings.

Kirk Cousins: Though having a favorable matchup, the Lambeau crowd could be overwhelming making him miss reads and play calls.

Minnesota Defense: Any defense facing Rodger will always be in Caution zone.

Prediction

This is going to be a very tough game to predict. As a team on any given day, the Vikings are better and should beat a team like the Packers. But, with momentum on their side and playing in their home in a historic Lambeau Field, the Packers have the slight edge.

Packers 24, Vikings 20.