Packers look to exploit parity gap with the Vikings
The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings are as far apart in parity as they’ve ever been.
Monday night at Lambeau Field, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will work to further illustrate that divide when he tries to get the defending Super Bowl champions to 9-0.
In Las Vegas sports books, Green Bay is a record two-touchdown favorite over NFC North rival Minnesota, the largest point-spread advantage ever between the teams.
It was last season when Rodgers (2,619 yards passing with 24 touchdowns and three interceptions) finally surpassed the shadow of Packers-turned-Vikings quarterback Brett Favre.
Green Bay has won 14 consecutive games dating to Dec. 19, 2010, and has scored 115 points in three home victories.
In what could be a rainy evening, the Vikings are working rookie quarterback Christian Ponder into an offense anchored by star running back Adrian Peterson (795 yards rushing, nine touchdowns).
Ponder has used Peterson as a safety valve, connecting with him five times for 76 yards in the Vikings’ most recent game, a victory over Carolina.
“You see what happens,” Peterson said. “We can be productive in that area.”
The Vikings played the Packers tough Oct. 23 in Minnesota, losing, 33-27.
They used the open week to address weaknesses in a pass defense that ranks 30th in the NFL.
The Packers also seek to improve their defense after nearly blowing a 21-point lead at San Diego last week before winning, 45-38.
twitter.com/latimespugmire
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
