Vikings vs. Dolphins: Preview and Prediction

Sunday’s matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins features two competitive teams likely out of the playoff picture. At 6-8, the Vikings are already out of the conversation. For the 7-7 Dolphins, absolutely everything would have to go right for them to sneak in the backdoor of the playoffs. However, like I said, these teams have been competitive for the most part all season and we can expect to see a great battle. There’s pride on the line and neither team has given up in their 2014 campaign.

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Coming off of a 41-13 shellacking to the Patriots,  Miami brings a stout passing defense to the table. They are currently fourth in the league in that category as they only allow 209.2 passing yards per game. They haven’t allowed a QB to throw over 300 yards all season. Their secondary is lead by all-world corner

, one of the best in the league. He’s third in the NFL in interceptions (5) and 14th in passes defensed (13). Defensive End

has also been disruptive, totaling 9.5 sacks on the season. If their 22nd ranked rushing defense steps up, it could be a long day for the Vikings.

Third year Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is starting to come into his own. He’s currently 6th in the NFL in completion percentage (66.3) and has thrown 22 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.

“We just haven’t played up to our potential,”  Tannehill said. “We haven’t played well. If you look at the last two games, we had opportunities. We started the games well and then, in the second half, as a full team, we didn’t play well. It’s not one side of the ball or the other, it’s the total team. And you can’t win when you do that.”

As for the Vikings, it would be great to end the season with a couple straight victories and finish .500, but the real story lies in the development of Teddy Bridgewater. This is a big week for him for more reason that one, as he’ll be returning to the city in which he grew up. His 76.5 completion percentage Sunday was the highest for a rookie in NFL history with at least 40 pass attempts in a game. There’s going to be a lot of pressure playing in a place he’s so adored.

“I’m pretty loved back home in Miami, and a lot of people tell me that I’m a role model in my community,” Bridgewater said. “So it’ll be amazing to see how many turn out there and get to see me play in person — for the first time for some people. … Being able to go back and play in front of, whether it’s fans, family or friends, just the little kids in the neighborhood, it just means a lot.”

I’m also excited to see how Wide Receiver Charles Johnson plays. In the last 5 weeks, he’s averaged 71 yards per game and scored 2 touchdowns. Not bad for a practice squad pick-up. He’s got the speed and size, now let’s see if he has the consistency.

Prediction: The Vikings and Dolphins are actually pretty similar teams by record and stats. Both defend the pass well but struggle against the run. Offensively, each team has had their struggles, especially in the passing game. It’s a toss up, so you know what that means. I’m giving this one to the home team by the slim margin of 24-21.

Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) drops back to pass during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Detroit won 16-14. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports