The State of the Vikings: Week 16
Dustin Baker
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This is Episode 182 of VikesNow, a YouTube channel devoted to daily Minnesota Vikings analysis. This episode examines the state of the Vikings with Janik Eckardt, Josh Frey, and Dustin Baker.
Particularly, the Colts comeback, the Giants in Week 16, and Kirk Cousins are discussed.
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The State of the Vikings: Week 16 — Watch Below
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The Vikings defeated the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in Week 15, completing the largest comeback in NFL history after erasing a 33-0 deficit. Minnesota played like fools in the 1st Half and even to start the 3rd Quarter but roared back to make history thereafter.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson was fantastic, tallying 12 receptions, 123 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. Jefferson continues his quest for 2,000 receiving yards, the receiving yards crown over Tyreek Hill, and maybe some MVP votes. He is now on pace for 1,971 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022.
The Vikings are four-point favorites at home this weekend against the New York Giants in Week 16, a team that beat the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football in Week 15. New York is now in the driver’s seat to reach the postseason.
The Lions are nipping at NFC teams’ heels, tallying a 6-1 record since the T.J. Hockenson trade. Detroit actually has a very real shot at reaching the postseason, although Minnesota has clinched the NFC North. The Vikings are the No. 2 seed in the NFC behind the Eagles and would host a home playoff game versus the Commanders if the playoffs started today.
The Vikings could welcome back tight end Irv Smith before too long, while cornerback Cameron Dantzler and center Garrett Bradbury are also returning to health.
The next big playoff talker for Vikings football is whether Minnesota retains the No. 2 seed or gifts that to the San Francisco 49ers. If Minnesota loses a game while the 49ers win, San Francisco will surpass the Vikings for the second seed. But the Vikings can finish no worse than the No. 3 seed, thanks to defeating the Colts last weekend and the Tampa Buccaneers loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Giants haven’t beaten the Vikings since 2013 — the infamous Josh Freeman game.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).