The Vikings’ Toughest Game of 2022
Noah Moore
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The Minnesota Vikings schedule is officially out.
The recently released 2022 schedule has several games of significant intrigue, including a trip to London to play the Saints in Week 4 and a Thanksgiving game against the Patriots. However, one game stands out as particularly challenging compared to the rest of the schedule.
In Week 10, the NFL has scheduled the Vikings to travel to Buffalo to play the Buffalo Bills.
There are several connections between these two teams that will make for some entertaining storylines leading up to the game.
Vikings-Bills Connections
First off, this is Dalvin Cook’s first chance to play against his younger brother, James, who the Buffalo Bills selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft. While Dalvin and James are both tremendous football players, their skillsets vary slightly. Dalvin is the more explosive runner, while James is the better receiver. It will be fun to watch the Cook brothers playing on opposite teams, with both of them likely wearing the #4.
Another storyline to watch is Justin Jefferson against Stefon Diggs. The Minnesota Vikings selected Justin Jefferson with the #22 pick in the 1st round of the 2020 NFL draft, which the Vikings received from the Bills in exchange for Diggs.
Both players have seen great success with their respective teams, putting up elite numbers and earning trips to Pro Bowls. We know both will want to outduel the other, and they will likely be in their quarterbacks’ ears letting them know about it.
Why This Is the Toughest Game on the Vikings’ Schedule
This game includes some entertaining storylines, but it is also a great matchup on the football field. It’s likely the Vikings’ toughest challenge of the season.
Josh Allen threw for 4,400 yards and 36 touchdowns while Diggs also flourished, hauling in 103 receptions for 1,200+ yards and 10 touchdowns as their offense torched the AFC. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bills allowed less than 275 yards per game and only an average of 17 points per game. Both numbers were best in the NFL last year.
And, not only will the Vikings have to play one of the best teams in the league, but they will have to do it in Buffalo, in November, with freezing temperatures and broken tables everywhere. This is going to be a tough ask for first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell and definitively stands out to me as the most challenging matchup on the Vikings’ 2022 schedule.
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