Vikings Schedule Prediction: Getting Back on Track Before Playoff Push
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, and Part 3 takes on the next trio. Minnesota sits at 5-4. Now, it’s time for Week 11-13.
Week 11 – Cowboys, Nov. 20, 3:25 p.m.
The Cowboys make me nervous. Like many others, I think they’re overrated, but Minnesota will likely struggle in this game. They took down the Cowboys 28-24 in 2019, but the more recent results haven’t been great. They lost 31-28 in 2020 and then 20-16 last year. Cooper Rush emerged triumphant in the most recent one.
Dak Prescott will be leaning on CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Tony Pollard as his main weapons. Ezekiel Elliott remains, but he isn’t as effective as he once was. On defense, Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence are a tremendous pair of pass rushers. Trevon Diggs may be overrated – he finished as the 80th corner in the PFF rankings – but he inspires fear due to all his interceptions.
Now, Minnesota isn’t without talent on their end. The concern, though, simply rests in some of the recent history and Minnesota’s tendency to stumble at key moments. I’m predicting a drop down to .500.
Prediction: DAL 27 – MN 21
Week 12 – Patriots, Nov. 24, 7:20 p.m.
This isn’t the same team we’ve grown accustomed to with Tom Brady.
Nevertheless, it won’t be an easy matchup. Bill Belichick is still a great head coach. Mac Jones had a nice rookie season, though one wonders how he’ll respond to losing his OC. Josh McDaniels is now in LV, so the sophomore will be looking to avoid a slump without a great play caller to help him.
Regardless, it’s notable that NE finished 6th last season in points scored (27.2 per game) and 2nd in points allowed (17.8 per game). Toss in the fact that this game snags the night slot on Thanksgiving and it’s easy to see how one might predict some Minnesota doom and gloom. I’m not going to do that, though. I need to see Jones replicate his success for another season before I become a believer. Give me the home team in this one.
Prediction: MN 32 – NE 22
Week 13 – Jets, Dec. 4, 12:00 p.m.
If things go as expected, the Jets will once again be among the worst teams in the NFL.
Zach Wilson struggled as a rookie, finishing 34th among 37 QBs on PFF. Braxton Berrios and Corey Davis are a pretty good pair at receiver, and Tyler Conklin is now at TE. Even still, Minnesota’s defense ought to have the edge. Can Mekhi Becton slow down one of Minnesota’s star edge rushers?
Defensively, they’ll likely struggle to keep up with all of Minnesota’s skill. Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Irv Smith Jr., and Dalvin Cook will be too much.
Prediction: MN 35 – NY 20
Cumulative Record: 7-5
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