Vikings Schedule Prediction: Where The Rubber Meets The Road
K. Joudry
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It’s the time in the offseason when a little more creativity is required to fill the football void. Indeed, news isn’t as abundant as it will be toward the end of July, so I’m taking this chance to offer up a schedule prediction for the Vikings. We’ll chop up the schedule, putting together bite-sized pieces rather than one gargantuan article. Shout out to Vikings.com for helping with the game details, PFR for the stats, and PFF for the roster info & grades.
Part 1 considered the opening three weeks, Part 2 considered the next three, Part 3 takes on the next trio, and Part 4 gets to the next triple. Minnesota sits at 7-5. Now, it’s time for Week 14-16.
Week 14 – @ Lions, Dec. 11, 12:00 p.m.
We’d be foolish to completely overlook the Lions. I don’t know if Dan Campbell will ever lead them to a Super Bowl, but he is getting them to compete.
We’re all interested in seeing how Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams do as rookies. By this point in the season, they’ll have accumulated some critical experience in the NFL. Detroit, of course, will need more than just strong play from their two first-round picks to pile up wins, but adding two weapons at critical positions will certainly help. They have talent along their lines, Amon-Ra St. Brown is a strong receiver, D’Andre Swift is underrated, and T.J. Hockenson is an ascending TE.
Minnesota will be looking to get out to an early lead so that they can control the game. Finding some early success can help Donatell’s defense to get after Jared Goff. If they’re able to get pressure on the former Rams QB, Minnesota will neutralize the Lions offense.
Prediction: MN 27 – DET 20
Week 15 – Colts, TBD
The Colts are an overlooked team.
I’m a believer in Frank Reich, so I think the Matt Ryan addition will work out. Their offensive line – led by Quenton Nelson – is impressive. Jonathan Taylor is coming off an All Pro season, meaning it’ll be a challenging day for Minnesota’s front seven. On defense, DeForest Buckner can overwhelm the Vikings’ iOL, and Darius Leonard will likely be able to slow down Dalvin Cook.
Minnesota has an advantage against Indy’s secondary. They have Stephon Gilmore at corner, though one wonders if the veteran can keep up with Justin Jefferson. I’d certainly lean toward the 3rd-year WR. Does this advantage offer enough of an edge for Minnesota to snag the win? The Colts will be a well-coached team that is strong on both lines. Toss in the formidable run game alongside some pass rushing talent and I’m a little nervous.
Prediction: IND 26 – MN 17
Week 16 – Giants, Dec. 24, 12:00 p.m.
The outcome of this game will contribute toward how merry Christmas is. I, for one, will be doing my utmost to ensure a loss doesn’t ruin Santa’s arrival, but I can’t make any promises.
Put simply, the Giants aren’t a very good football team. Saquon Barkley isn’t the RB he used to be, and Daniel Jones hasn’t lived up to his draft slot. It’s plausible that Tyrod Taylor is the starter by the time this game arrives. At receiver, there are some weapons – Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, & Darius Slayton – but it’s not a group that inspires fear in the same way that Jefferson, Thielen, and Osborn do.
Minnesota’s talented receivers are going to go against Adoree’ Jackson and Xavier McKinney, two young defenders with strong grades on PFF. Unless there is some unforeseen growth from plenty of the other Giants defenders, though, it ought to be an advantageous matchup for Minnesota’s offense.
Prediction: MN 33 – NY 19
Cumulative Record: 9-6
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