S/P Pt. 3: Vikings Get their Chance to Go on a Run as Playoffs Lurk into View
On September 8th, the Vikings will venture over to New York to take on the Giants. The starter’s pistol will sound and the 2024 season will be underway. Will the Vikings get a chance to make a push for the postseason as the season develops?
There have been a pair of entries into the season prediction series (Exhibit A and Exhibit B). The end result of those predictions is a perfectly average 4-4 record. The eight games have also seen a bye week jammed into the mix — which is to say nothing of the London trip — so the next collection of games take place from Week 10-13.
Can the Vikings Get in a Spot to Push for the Playoffs?
Week 10 — at Jacksonville Jaguars (Noon)
Does Trevor Lawrence and his Jaguars have what it takes to have a bounce back season?
The quarterback is super talented and will likely become one of the NFL’s better passers before too long. On defense, the Jags are partnering Arik Armstead with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, potentially forming their own terrifying trifecta. Being able to run the ball will go a long way in this game since it’ll keep a talented QB sidelined and a potentially fearsome pass rush from getting too aggressive. Vikings pull off the road win.
Prediction: Vikings 23 — Jaguars 17
Week 11 — at Tennessee Titans (Noon)
Tennessee is rallying around Will Levis. Will the sophomore prove them right for doing so?
The collection of talent at receiver includes a lot of notable names but most are older: DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Tyler Boyd. In theory, those three could be difficult to corral, but we’ll need to see how the season plays out, especially since Derrick Henry is no longer in town to demand a ton of attention. Plus, their defense lost Denico Autry, so there will be a lot of pressure on Jeffery Simmons to produce. Minnesota makes it two in a row.
Prediction: Vikings 30 — Titans 12
Week 12 — at Chicago Bears (Noon)
Playing at Soldier Field never easy.
Caleb Williams looks like the real deal. The rookie passer is going to have the luxury of being supported by D.J. Moore, one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL, and then Keenan Allen alongside Rome Odunze. The Bears could thus have an offense that boasts three #1 options. D’Andre Swift and Khalil Herbert out of the backfield could be an issue and Montez Sweat is a handful coming off the edge. Not sure the Vikings have what it takes to make it three road wins in a row, especially in The Windy City.
Prediction: Bears 26 — Vikings 20
Week 13 — Arizona Cardinals (Noon)
Arizona could reasonably end up being one of the worst teams in the NFL. Kyler Murray is back and he’ll get the chance to lean on Marvin Harrison Jr., but there’s still a need for more talent.
The Cardinals will be travelling to U.S. Bank Stadium, which is bad news for Jonathan Gannon’s team but a welcome reprieve for Kevin O’Connell’s side of things. Minnesota, energized by the home fans, jumps out to an early lead and doesn’t look back. The Vikings appear ready to push for a Wild Card spot.
Prediction: Vikings 33 — Cardinals 23
Cumulative Record: 7-5
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.