Minnesota Vikings Schedule Prediction: The Vikes Hit a Snag
K. Joudry
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It’s now time to turn our attention to Part II. Keep in mind that after four weeks, I’ve got our friends in purple at a very respectable 3-1. Heck, I even included a win against the Seahawks, a prediction I’m almost certainly going to regret. Let’s see how the next four games go.
Game #5: Oct. 10, Noon, Detroit
I really enjoyed the recent interview series with various writers who cover the other NFC North teams. Jeremy Reisman from Pride of Detroit was excellent. He offered a really balanced, well-informed take on those Detroit Knee Biters. While I think Detroit may deserve more respect than they’re getting, I just can’t see them being successful. I expect Mike Zimmer to fully commit to shutting down D’Andre Swift. After that, it’s going to be a lot of Jared Goff. Minnesota wins.
Prediction: Vikings 27 – Lions 13
Game #6: Oct. 17, Noon, at Carolina
Carolina has some nice talent on offense. If Christian McCaffrey is healthy, Zim’s rebuilt defense will have a tough time containing D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson. Those three offensive weapons combine to form one of the best trios in the league. That being said, there’s a reason why PFF recently ranked Carolina as the 27th-best roster in the NFL. Sam Darnold may do significantly better than he did with the Jets (who wouldn’t?), but he still doesn’t inspire any fear. Also, don’t forget that our old friend Pat Elflein is one of their starting guards. I give it about three plays before either Michael Pierce or Dalvin Tomlinson pushes Elflein into Darnold’s lap.
Prediction: Vikings 31 – Panthers 21
Game #7: Oct. 31, 7:20 p.m., Dallas
This is where our Minnesota Vikings schedule prediction gets a little scary. Look, I agree that the Cowboys are overrated. I also agree that Mike McCarthy isn’t a great coach. Minnesota should beat Dallas. Our Vikings have never been bound by what they should be able to accomplish, though. It’s Halloween, it’s a Prime Time game, and we’re coming off a bye. Put all these factors together and you’ve got a perfect purple storm. Minnesota makes it close, but this is loss #2.
Prediction: Cowboys 33 – Vikings 27
Game #8: Nov. 7, Noon, at Baltimore
The Baltimore game will present a true test for Minnesota. Everyone will be focusing on Lamar Jackson (for good reason), but their overall roster is strong. Our path to victory is going to involve limiting Jackson’s ability to scramble and our ability to have long, extended drives on offense. The Minnesota offense will need to be methodical, possessing the ball for long stretches of time to keep Jackson off the field. If Baltimore can generate pressure on Cousins – they blitz a ton – Minnesota will be in trouble.
Prediction: Ravens 24 – Vikings 14
Minnesota Vikings Schedule Prediction Recap: Minnesota sits at 5-3 after 8 games.
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