Minnesota Vikings Schedule Prediction: The Purple Strike Back

Eric Kendricks
Dec 6, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) hits Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver D.J. Chark (17) during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

If things go as I predicted – an unlikely event – our Vikings will be sitting at a somewhat respectable 5-3 after eight games (the sort of humdrum record that NFL executives seem to expect from us). Things began reasonably well, but back-to-back losses against Dallas and Baltimore has Minnesota in a tricky spot. In the third installment of TVG‘s Minnesota Vikings schedule prediction, we see our friends in purple strike back. As per usual, the full Vikings schedule is included below for your convenience.

Game #9: Nov. 14, 3:05 p.m., at Chargers

I’m higher on the Chargers than most. Justin Herbert did far better than I anticipated, Austin Ekeler is underrated, and the Keenan Allen/Mike Williams pair is similarly overlooked. I’m also nervous about how we’ll slow down Joey Bosa, and our old friend Linval Joseph is their nose tackle. Even still, I think Minnesota ought to win this game. It’s on the road, but the Chargers don’t really have fans. It’s likely that there’s more purple in the stands than charger-blue. Zim’s rebuilt defense is going to get the best of the promising sophomore QB.

Prediction: Vikings 31 – Chargers 21

Game #10: Nov. 21, Noon, Peckers

Last season, Green Bay was the superior team (and there’s really no debating it). I’m not convinced, though, that Rodgers makes the Packers better than Minnesota. Minnesota’s defense is going to be considerably better, so they’ll be well-equipped to face the challenge Aaron “Voldemort” Rodgers presents. I think Minnesota gets on a roll around mid-season.

Prediction: Vikings 24 – Peckers 20

Game #11: Nov. 28, 3:25 p.m., at 49ers

Jimmy G or Trey Lance. I’m not particularly intimidated by either, but perhaps the rookie will prove me wrong. After all, I was wrong about Herbert last year. Even humdrum QB play, though, is enough for SF’s offense to be scary. Kyle Shanahan knows what he’s doing: George Kittle is going to be a tough cover even for the NFL’s most underrated player, Eric Kendricks. Partner Kittle with Deebo, Aiyuk, and their do-it-all FB and you’ve got a difficult offense to contain. The solution? Well, a ball-control offense will help. We’ll need Dalvin Cook to get the best of Fred Warner. It’d also be wise to make SF as one-dimensional as possible, shutting down the run to make one of those two QBs win it. From there, it’s going to be about slowing their various receiving weapons, a task that’s easier said than done.

Prediction: 49ers 27 – Vikings 24

Game #12: Dec. 5, Noon, at Lions

I know I should respect the Knee-Biters more. They’re a divisional opponent and Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit is right to suggest that Dan Campbell is bringing a different energy to that team (let us not forget the real lion). Nevertheless, I just can’t bring myself to actually see Detroit as a threat, even with the underrated talent on defense. I mean, who is Jared Goff going to throw to? Put simply, it’ll be embarrassing if we lose to them. Take the road team.

Prediction: Vikings 35 – Lions 17

Minnesota Vikings Schedule Prediction Recap: Minnesota sits at 8-4 after 12 games. The final five games present a real challenge.

This article originally appeared on one of our partner sites: VikingsGazette.com. Check out The Vikings Gazette and follow them on Twitter and on Facebook for more exclusive Minnesota Vikings content and analysis!

Share: