Vikings vs. Jets: Preview and Prediction

Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan coaches against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not often a 5-7 team is favored by 5 points. That is the case for the Minnesota Vikings this weekend as they welcome the New York Jets into town with open arms. If I had to pick one word to describe the state of the Jets, it would be ‘defeated.’ They’re 2-10, coming off of a painful 16-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins in which they squandered a 10-point lead. After the game, Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan’s post-game press conference was tough to watch. Head down, he mumbled, “I can’t believe we’re 2-10. What a joke. … I feel sick. We can’t buy a win.”

So it seems like an easy win, right? Not exactly. Despite their struggles, the Jets boast a top-10 defense in the league. They’re 3rd in the league against the run, only allowing 85.2 yards per game. The Vikings offensive line has bounced back in the last few games and will need to continue that against the Jets strong defensive front, which has 30 sacks on the year.

A 2-10 record with a good defense says a lot about the offense. It’s one of the worst in the league. Sure, they can run the ball. But once that option is taken away, in comes the leagues worst passing game. They average just 163.3 pass yards per game. If you think the Vikings have struggled through the air, the Jets are even worse.

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No matter how bad their offense has been, former Viking Percy Harvin is always a threat to take it the distance. He loves to play against Minnesota. The Vikings will make every effort to shut him down and force Geno Smith to find other targets.

“I don’t think anything stands out other than it’s our next game,” Harvin said. “For me, it’ll be good just to go back out there and see some fans, some of my old teammates.”

For Minnesota, it’s time to see more offensive progress. When this team is at its best, it’s winning the field position battle. It will be key for Teddy Bridgewater to move this offense down the field consistently and avoid 3 & outs. You don’t have to score points on every drive. Moving the ball down the field and constantly pinning the opposition deep in their own territory wins games. We’ve seen the defense step up week-in and week-out. Now, I want to see the offense have a big game.

Prediction: Throughout the season, the Vikings have beaten the teams they should beat and lost to the teams they should lose to. This game falls into the ‘should win’ category. I think a confident Vikings team will set the tone early and ultimately prevail 28-13.

Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer talks into his headset during the game with the Carolina Panthers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports