Minnesota Vikings vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Game Info, Preview, and Prediction
This Sunday, our Minnesota Vikings (2-2) return after their bye week to host the Kansas City Chiefs (1-4) in an effort to get back above .500. The Chiefs, meanwhile, appear to be heading in the wrong direction. Kansas City not only lost to the Chicago Bears at home last week, but they also lost their All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles for the season due to a torn ACL.
As Vikings fans, we know a little bit of what it’s like to lose a star running back for a season. Adrian Peterson played all of one game last season (and, of course, I drafted him first overall in my fantasy league), forcing Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata to lead the Vikings ground attack. For the Chiefs the rest of this season, it will be vital for the ground attack to stay formidable without Charles. I mean, let’s face it, Alex Smith isn’t going to lead an offense to many victories by himself.
Anyway, this is my first weekly game info, preview, and prediction post at Sporting Sota on the Vikings, so bear with me here.
Game Info
Location: TCF Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN
Time: 12:00 PM CST
TV: CBS, NFL RedZone
Standings: Vikings are 2nd in NFC North (2-2), Chiefs are 4th in AFC West (1-4)
Preview
An interesting stat I’ll plug in here from Adam Carlson over at The Viking Age illustrates just how bad the Vikings have been in recent years after their bye week. Not only have they lost their last five games coming off a bye week, but they’ve been outscored by an average of 19.6 points in those games.
The Chiefs are almost an idea opponent for the Vikings to snap this streak. After defeating Houston in Week 1, the Chiefs have lost their last four games with their most recent loss being at home to the 2-3 Chicago Bears.
Additionally, the Chiefs will be without All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles after he tore his ACL last week. Charles was undoubtedly the key piece to that offense all season for Kansas City, and losing him will surely have a huge effect on the team. Overall, I’d be shocked if the Chiefs offense moves the ball with much ease on Sunday against a Vikings defense that has been rock solid all season. Also, I’m starting the Vikings defense in my fantasy league this week, so that’s even more incentive for them to keep the Chiefs in check.
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The Viking Age
However, on the other side of the ball, there are areas where the Chiefs could exploit the Vikings. Anybody who watched the Vikings’ Week 4 in Denver contest saw an offensive line that mightily struggled to keep Teddy Bridgewater safe, albeit against two of the better pass rushers in the league. T.J. Clemmings and Matt Kalil both had their hands full against the Broncos, and that may be the same narrative this week. Tamba Hali and Justin Houston are both Pro Bowl type players and could have a field day if the Vikings offensive line doesn’t sure up some of the faults they had in Week 4.
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As long as Teddy Bridgewater stays upright, he should be able to maintain a solid passing attack against the Chiefs’ secondary that ranks 27th in passing yards allowed per game this season. Who Bridgewater winds up throwing to is yet to be seen, as
Charles Johnson,
Mike Wallace, and
Jarius Wrighthave all missed some practice time this week. In the Week 4 contest against Denver, Bridgewater displayed a solid connection with both
Adam Thielenand
Stefon Diggs. So, overall, I’m not terribly concerned about the Vikings passing game this week, even if one of the guys limited in practice this week does sit out.
Prediction
Considering everything that I’ve laid out already, it should be difficult for anyone to pick the Chiefs to upset the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium this Sunday. The Vikings’ pesky front-seven should rattle Alex Smith enough to force a couple of turnovers and also record a few sacks. Offensively, if Bridgewater can stay upright, he should have a pretty efficient day, especially if Adrian Peterson can get established on the ground.
At the end of the day, I’d be surprised if the Chiefs keep this one within two touchdowns. Vikings roll.
Vikings 31, Chiefs 13
Feel free to leave any predictions you may have in the comments section below. As always, continue to check in with Sporting Sota for news, opinions, and analysis on your favorite Minnesota sports teams.
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