The Green Bay Packers are heading into Week 2 with a 1-0 record after beating the Chicago Bears last Thursday by a final score of 10-3. Now, the Minnesota Vikings are next up on the schedule. Another NFC North showdown for the Packers and another chance to make a statement.
Matt LaFleur and company are looking to prove that they are the team to beat once again in the division. After two straight seasons of missing the playoffs, the Packers know that they cannot let this opportunity get past them.
Unfortunately, the Vikings look like a very good football team as well. They were able to start the season off with a 28-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Heading into Lambeau Field is never an easy task, but the Vikings feel confident that they can come through with a big-time rivalry win.
Green Bay soared up the power rankings after defeating the Bears. Their offense looked shaky, but with Aaron Rodgers at the helm they will always be dangerous. The defense, on the other hand, looked amazing with Mike Pettine pulling all the correct strings.
All of that being said, which four key players will need to step up for the Packers in Week 2 in order to pull off a big win against the Vikings?
4. Kevin King, Cornerback
Kirk Cousins is a dangerous quarterback and the Vikings have both Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Green Bay will have their hands full covering the Minnesota weapons.
Jaire Alexander is a shutdown cornerback, but they need a healthy Kevin King to step up this week. King almost came through with a big-time interception against the Bears and he looked good in limited action. If the Packers can get a big performance from King, the defense should be in good position to have another good performance.
3. Aaron Jones, Running Back
Green Bay did not receive much help on the ground in Week 1 against the Bears. He ended up with 13 carries for 39 yards. While it was not a great game, there are still sky-high expectations for the talented running back.
Things won't get much easier for Jones against the Vikings. Minnesota has a great defense in their own right, but the Packers need Jones to take some pressure off of the aerial attack. If he can pick up around 60 yards on the ground and a touchdown, the Green Bay offense will be much more dangerous.
2. Preston Smith, Edge Rusher
Next up, the Packers were thrilled with what they saw from one of their big free agency pickups. Preston Smith was given a big contract this offseason and he lived up to the hype last week. He ended up with 1.5 sacks and was a constant threat for Mitchell Trubisky to deal with.
Smith needs to have another big game. Getting pressure on Cousins will be key for the Green Bay defense and Smith will need to back up his big Packers' debut with another solid performance.
1. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback
Finally, the Packers need to see a much better game from their superstar quarterback. Rodgers ended up completing 18 of his 30 pass attempts for 203 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions.
Minnesota will be missing Mackensie Alexander next week after he was sidelined with an elbow injury in Week 1. Rodgers will still have to face both Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes. Green Bay will need a big performance from Rodgers and he will have some experience under his belt in the new offense and should be ready to go for a much bigger game.
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