Vikings Schedule Prediction: Taking Down Division Rivals on 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.
Folks can find Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5 right here on Purple PTSD. It’s now time for the final two games, which take place in Week 17 and 18.
Week 17 – @ Packers, Jan. 1, 3:25 p.m.
As I’ve said before, it’s the GB defense rather than the GB QB that makes me the most concerned.
A team’s roster can look very by the 17th week. If they’re mostly healthy, though, the Packers will put forth a really strong defensive group. Unless there’s a signing, I don’t foresee the Vikings’ iOL being able to slow Kenny Clark. It’ll also be worth monitoring if Rodgers is able to adjust to the WR transition by this point in this season. It’s plausible that the offense has figured out life without the NFL’s best receiver, allowing them to be hitting their stride as the regular season comes to a close.
Minnesota’s best chance comes through a ball-control offense and opportunistic defense. A massive day from Dalvin Cook – who has previously done incredible at Lambeau – would certainly make life easier. A great way to undermine an elite pass rush is to avoid needing to throw the football. Defensively, the team will be hoping that their elite edge rusher pair is fully healthy and living up to its potential. Creating a turnover or two, especially in critical moments, can be enough to upset a rival. I may regret this, but I’m rolling with our purple friends.
Prediction: MN 26 – GB 20
Week 18 – @ Bears, TBD
The final game of the season takes place in Chicago against the Bears. The fact that the time is yet to be determined causes even greater concern. A night game would only increase the pressure.
To be clear, Chicago shouldn’t be able to beat Minnesota. The Vikings have a much better roster, one that has strong talent at critical positions. Even still, the Bears are a legit threat. Division games can often be unusually competitive and the Bears always find a way to hang around against Minnesota.
The surest way for Minnesota to succeed is to have a super efficient offense, one that moves the ball with ease while draining the clock and scoring points. In the past, we’ve seen Minnesota struggle to accomplish this goal at Soldier Field. Too often, the team has failed to find any rhythm on offense, dooming the team to a defensive battle against an inferior foe. I’ll admit I’m nervous that we’ll see the Bears be a difficult team to overcome.
Prediction: CH 17 – MN 15
Cumulative Record: 10-7
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