Minnesota Vikings game-by-game predictions through Week 17
By Ryan Palmer
The Minnesota Vikings are heading into tonight’s match up against the Chicago Bears with a record of 5-1. Here is a game-by-game prediction through Week 17.
Our beloved Minnesota Vikings are leading the NFC North through Week 8. We all know however that it’s not how you start, but how you finish. Can the Vikings keep up their winning ways even after losing so many player’s due to injury?
Let’s take a look at a game-by-game preview to finish out the regular season.
Week 8: @ Chicago Bears
We’ve all seen it. Good team’s losing to weaker opponents. Game’s like Monday nights separate good teams from great teams. Minnesota is a great team, Zimmer and his defense will destroy da’ Bears.
Jay Cutler should have taken one more week to rest. The Vikings have a bad taste in their mouth, and they are looking for a fight. Losing can do that to a team. Mike Zimmer will have his bunch ready to play.
The only obstacle I can see is the Vikings lack of a running game. Perhaps Ronnie Hillman gets his first extended look in purple. Somehow the offense finds a way to go along with a dominating defensive performance.
Vikings win 24-6
Overall Record: 6-1
Week 9: Detroit Lions
Detroit will be coming off a loss to Houston, who the Minnesota Vikings destroyed in Week 5. Matthew Stafford and the Lions had been playing fairly respectable football, but they are the Lions.
Stafford will get his first opportunity to experience what it’s like to play at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikes’ home turf has already become one of the loudest venues in the NFL, and the stadiums reputation will only grow. Look for our running game to pick up as the season progresses. It should start against Detroit. Jerick McKinnon returns to lead the team with a huge performance.
Vikings win 21-13
Overall Record: 7-1
Week 10: @ Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a team teetering on the mediocrity bubble. This will be a big game for the Redskins, as the Dallas Cowboys are running away with the NFC East.
It will be a fierce environment when the Minnesota Vikings visit FedEx Field. Look for the Minnesota Vikings to pounce early in an attempt to silence the crowd. Kirk Cousins has had an up-and-down season thus far, and he will struggle mightily against this defense. The Vikings match up well against the Skins’ receiving corps.
It will be the Minnesota Vikings biggest offensive output of the season. Sam Bradford gets back on track and lights-up our nation’s capitol.
Vikings win 33-17
Overall Record: 8-1
Week 11: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are shaping up to be one of the biggest disappointments of 2016. That’s great news for the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings will be hosting a team attempting to hover around .500 for the season. Carson Palmer looks like his better year’s may be behind him. Cardinals RB David Johnson has been one of the leagues best so far. Johnson has had his struggles against great defenses, and the Vikes’ have the best.
Vikings win 23-17
Overall Record: 9-1
Week 12: @ Detroit Lions
This is likely to be the Vikings second speed-block of the season. Minnesota gets caught looking ahead at the Dallas Cowboys. In a heart-breaker, the Vikings will lose a squeaker to the Lions. Mike Zimmer will burn the game film, and the team moves on.
Vikings lose 10-9
Overall Record: 9-2
Week 13: Dallas Cowboys
It will be the NFL’s redemption for Thursday Night Football. Critics have complained about poor on-field play on Thursday evenings, not this week.
This battle will have that playoff feel as these two clubs could see each other in January. Thursday night games have traditionally favored the home team, and Minnesota will look to stay unbeaten at U.S Bank Stadium. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott get introduced to SKOL nation.
The noise will fluster Prescott, while our run defense stymies Elliott. This will be the statement game of the season for Minnesota. People will be attempting to jump back on band-wagon. The Minnesota Vikings will be talked about as one of the NFL’s top teams again.
Vikings win 14-6
Overall Record: 10-2
Week 14: @ Jacksonville Jaguars
I’m not even going to waste your time, it’s the Jaguars.
Vikings win 31-13
Overall Record: 11-2
Week 15: Indianapolis Colts
Colts GM Ryan Grigson will be looking for a new job at season’s end. The Minnesota Vikings will expose a weak Indy offensive line. Grigson will learn first hand why you should spend some money to protect your $100- million dollar man. Luck will be running for his life, and the Vikings defense gets the respect it deserves. Grigson loses his job after the brutal loss. (Wishful thinking for our Colts’ fans out there)
Vikings win 27-24
Overall Record: 12-2
Week 16: @ Green Bay Packers
Will there be a race for the NFC North title, or will the Vikings already have things wrapped up? The way Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are playing, I’m guessing it will be the latter.
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The mighty Pack’ will be fighting for a wild-card spot, while the Vikings will be fighting for home field through out. It is tough to beat Green Bay twice in the regular season, but that’s exactly what we do. Minnesota shows that last year was no fluke, clinching the NFC North for the second year in a row.
Vikings win 14-13
Overall Record: 13-2
Week 17: Chicago Bears
In a change from season’s past, the Minnesota Vikings will already have clinched a playoff bye. Perhaps Mike Zimmer uses this game as a reason to rest his players, but he still expects to win. Could Shaun Hill get his second start of the season?
It will be a memorable regular season for Minnesota Viking’ fans. Could the Vikings defense break the 85′ Bears overall record? Minnesota will also be looking to go undefeated at home, which they do.
Next: Sunday's Results Help Minnesota Vikings
Vikings win 13-10
Final Record:14-2