Vikings Schedule Prediction: Tough Tests Following the Bye
It’s the time in the offseason when a little more creativity is required to fill the football void. Indeed, news isn’t as abundant as it will be toward the end of July, so I’m taking this chance to offer up a schedule prediction for the Vikings. We’ll chop up the schedule, putting together bite-sized pieces rather than one gargantuan article. Shout out to Vikings.com for helping with the game details, PFR for the stats, and PFF for the roster info & grades.
Part 1 considered the opening three weeks and Part 2 considered the next three. Now, it’s time for Week 4-6.
Week 8 – Cardinals, Oct. 30, 12:00 p.m.
Admittedly, I didn’t expect the Cardinals to be as good as they were last season. Can they replicate that same level of play? I’m skeptical.
Nevertheless, the concern is that Kyler Murray presents some challenges for the new (and hopefully improved) Vikings defense. My time spent watching Denver’s games from last season suggests that QBs who can run present some challenges. With the secondary commonly in man coverage – and therefore with their backs turned to the QB – there can be open grass for a QB to run toward if no receiver is open.
While the Cardinals likely aren’t as talented as the 2021 version of themselves (Chandler Jones stands out as the main subtraction), I’m nervous about Minnesota’s chances in this one.
Prediction: AZ 27 – MN 24
Week 9 – @ Commanders, Nov. 6, 12:00 p.m.
There is going to be a lot written about this game given the Kirk Cousins connection.
If contract negotiations had gone differently for Cousins and the Commanders, it’s fair to say that Minnesota would be in a very different position. Instead, he’s been the purple QB1 for several years. His greatest challenge, as far as I can tell, will rest in overcoming a tremendous defensive line. Daron Payne, Montez Sweat, Chase Young, and Jonathan Allen are going to be a problem.
Despite these concerns, I think Minnesota has the edge. Terry McLaurin is excellent and J.D. McKissic is underrated. Even still, their offense isn’t particularly intimidating. The Donatell defense should be able to get by.
Prediction: MN 23 – WSH 13
Week 10 – @ Bills, Nov. 13, 12:00 p.m.
Unless something unforeseen happens, the Bills will be one of the AFC’s top teams. They’ve built an impressive roster.
On defense, they’ll feature Von Miller, Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, and Matt Milano. Their offense, of course, will be leaning heavily on Stefon Diggs and Josh Allen. The high-end talent will make them tough to corral. Making matters worse is the mere fact that the game will be played in Buffalo.
To be successful, the Vikings will need to ensure Allen doesn’t have a dominant day on the ground and through the air (easier said than done). Can Cousins consistently get the offense to pile up first downs? Doing so keeps Allen on the bench, but the aforementioned defensive talent will make it tough.
Prediction: BUF 27 – MN 14
Cumulative Record: 5-4
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