John from Stevens Point, WI

Is the fact the NFL flexed the Bears vs. Packers game on Dec. 7 to 3:25 p.m. CT telling us what we already know? That the game could well decide the NFC North champ this year?

There are 14 games left to be played in the NFC North this season and each one of them will have a massive impact on not only who wins the division but also advances to the playoffs.

Weston, living in enemy territory, I can tell you people around here do not have a lot of faith in their team this weekend. I’m hoping that translates to fewer people willing to spend their time and money traveling to the game. What’s the fan vibe in the promised land and the Inbox? Thanks for all your hard work.

I think vibes are high, but Packers fans still need to bring it regardless of whether there’s 35,000 Vikings at Lambeau Sunday or 35.

Greetings II! It appears that some team’s season ticket holders hold onto their tickets rather than putting them for sale, which means less tickets for visiting fans. I suspect there will be a large contingent of Viking fans Sunday as season ticket holders will put profit over team support. Is there any correlation or causation between small- and large-market teams? As always, appreciate all your hard work. GO PACK GO!

I think the biggest correlation is good football teams, specifically in the case of Detroit. Not everyone is like Packers fans, Noel. The NFC North travels well when its teams are playing well. At least, that’s been my experience.

Fourteen false starts in two games HAS to be a misprint. Did Mike not have enough coffee when doing his research?

The 14 false starts are jarring, but information is interesting, and data is mere detail. It’s up to the Packers to make something of it.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Hey Wes, I told a friend how I hate reality shows (“The Bachelor,” et.al.), but then realized, football is my reality show. Team rivalries, trades, injuries, contracts, matchups where guys have beef/history, coaches on short leashes, bad ref calls, upsets, Jerry Jones’ quotes, player and coach interviews, podcast content… the drama never stops. Here comes another weekend. After living in the MN for 15 years, the Vikings are the conniving, backstabbing girl I loathe. Let’s go guys! Rip out some hair.

Sports are the greatest reality show there’s ever been for all the reasons you mention. This upcoming stretch was tailormade for November sweeps.

Do you expect to see a healthy increase in snaps for Chris Brooks in the backfield this week given Minnesota’s blitz-happy D?

Not to give anything away, but Brooks is actually my guy to watch in this one regardless of whether Josh Jacobs plays Sunday. With Brian Flores’ penchant for pressure, Brooks is a good option to pick up blitzing linebackers and safeties on passing downs. He keeps defenses honest, too, as both a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Craig from Brookfield, WI

Yikes…Thursday’s injury report listed 18 Packers and five Vikings (three of the Vikings were full participation). I know there are NFL rules for reporting injuries. But how much of this might be gamesmanship in how the two organizations submit their report? I’m hoping it’s not as lopsided as the report shows!

I don’t know how other NFL teams handle their injury report, but I can tell you the Packers play it straight. If a player is being treated for an injury, the team is reporting it. Just look at how Green Bay handled Christian Watson last week.

What will be our biggest challenges against the Vikings?

Protecting the football and making the Vikings earn every yard and every point. Green Bay’s defense has done an excellent job of eliminating explosive plays, but Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are going to do whatever they can to blow the top of this secondary. Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams and the Packers’ cornerbacks must push back against that while bringing down a McCarthy pass or two of their own, as well.

My son bought tickets for the game as a present, which was very nice. What time do the teams normally hit the field for pregame warmups, drills, practice, etc.? We may want to get inside somewhat early to watch some of these activities.

Stadium doors open two hours before kickoff and there’s usually somebody out on the field.