5 More Statistical Predictions for the 2023 Vikings
A few weeks back, K. Joudry authored an article that discussed a few oddly specific statistical predictions for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2023 season. You can check that article out here, but today, we are going to expand upon this list with a few more predictions of our own. Here is a list of five more statistical predictions for the 2023 Vikings.
Josh Oliver Doubles His Career Reception Total
Looking back on when Josh Oliver was coming out of San Jose State, the biggest knocks on him involved his blocking ability while he was viewed as a great pass-catcher at the tight end position. Now, ahead of the 2023 season, the reviews have completely flipped. Oliver has emerged as a terrific blocker while only tallying 26 receptions over the course of his career.
This season, though, expect Kevin O’Connell to get him much more involved in the passing game. Oliver still has soft receiver hands and can run efficient routes, so don’t be surprised if the tight end doubles his career receiving totals this season.
No Vikings RB Totals 250 Touches
Over the past four seasons, Dalvin Cook has been the bell cow in the Vikings backfield. From 2019-2022, the running back never dipped below 283 touches in a single season, making up most of Minnesota’s rushing production.
However, he’s no longer around, and Minnesota is going to into 2023 with a backfield featuring Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, and DeWayne McBride. It seems more likely that Minnesota will utilize an “RB by committee” approach this season, so this prediction entails that no Vikings running back will surpass 250 touches this season.
Patrick Jones Records 6+ Sacks
Patrick Jones was a third-round selection by the Vikings in the 2021 Draft, and after a rookie season where he hardly was able to see the field, the pass-rusher began showing signs of stardom with 4 sacks in 306 defensive snaps.
With Za’Darius Smith no longer in Minnesota, and Danielle Hunter potentially holding out of training camp with his ongoing contract situation, Jones should get loads of work in camp this summer and roll into the regular season on a high note. As a result of the extra opportunities, he will record at least 6 sacks in 2023.
Lewis Cine Totals 2+ INTs and 2+ Sacks
Lewis Cine was the Vikings first-round pick in 2022, but he never cemented himself a role on the defense last year. This was largely due to his season-ending leg injury, but even when the season began, he was buried on the depth chart.
That being said, especially in a Brian Flores scheme, Cine should be able to carve out a role for himself that allows him to take advantage of his high-flying, hard-hitting style of play. The safety will record his first two sacks and interceptions during the 2023 season.
Justin Jefferson Records Passing, Rushing, and Receiving TDs
In his first year as head coach, Kevin O’Connell dabbled in getting his star players involved with the offense in a number of different ways. Justin Jefferson may have led the league in receptions and receiving yards in 2022, but he also earned himself four carries in the running game, and he attempted a pair of passes.
The carries garnered 24 yards and a touchdown while the two passes were both completions that went for 34 yards. Thus, the final prediction for 2023 is that this role for Jefferson continues, and he records at least one passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown this season.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
