Vikings 2017: Part Two of Week-by-Week Predictions
Read part one here: http://cover32.com/2017/09/05/vikings-2017-part-one-of-week-by-week-predictions/
The Vikings go on bye week nine and then enter the second half facing one of the toughest road schedules in the NFL. After starting 5-3, the Vikes need to step up their game in order to make the postseason. This is how I believe they will fare in that endeavor.
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Week 10: Nov. 12 @ Washington
The Redskins inject some life into a disappointing season. Kirk Cousins does not light the Vikings defense up but he protects the football and keeps the Minnesota offense off the field. Teddy Bridgewater struggles to shake off the rust in his season debut.
Result: Redskins 20, Vikings 14
Week 11: Nov. 19 vs. Los Angeles (Rams)
It is a defensive battle from whistle to whistle but Bridgewater is able to break free for a go-ahead touchdown drive. A late pick-six seals the win at home.
Result: Vikings 24, Rams 14
Week 12: Nov. 23 @ Detroit (Thanksgiving)
This one is a bad break for the Vikes. They have to travel on a short week on the holiday and it shows with a lackluster defensive effort. Matthew Stafford lets it fly and gets his win back from week four.
Result: Lions 27, Vikings 21
Week 13: Dec. 3 @ Atlanta
It is arguably the Vikings’ finest defensive performance, holding Matt Ryan and the explosive Falcons offense in check. But the speed of the Atlanta defense proves too much, getting to Bridgewater five times and forcing three turnovers.
Result: Falcons 21, Vikings 20
Week 14: Dec. 10 @ Carolina
Another tough one to stomach for the Vikings. Good performances on both sides of the football go for naught as Carolina’s star power gives them the slightest edge down the stretch. Bridgewater has his best performance since coming back but it is not enough.
Result: Carolina 23, Vikings 21
Week 15: Dec. 17 vs. Cincinnati
The Vikings get back on track and snap their three-game losing streak. A lot of pent-up anger manifests itself in a big game for both offensive and defensive lines. Andy Dalton is sacked four times, Dalvin Cook runs for 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns and Bridgewater is kept clean.
Result: Vikings 34, Bengals 17
Week 16: Dec. 23 @ Green Bay
It is yet another short week. In the last road game of 2017, the Vikings are dealt a fatal blow to their playoff hopes. The freezing cold makes Aaron Rodgers look human for 58 minutes but he finds a way to lead a last minute touchdown drive. Cook has his best rushing game of the year with 160 yards and a touchdown.
Result: Packers 17, Vikings 14
Week 17: vs. Chicago
Neither team have playoff hopes but the Vikings supreme talent wins out. Mitchell Trubisky gets a taste of a legitimate defensive powerhouse and eats the turf more than once. The Vikings exit 2017 on a positive note but ultimately leave disappointed and out of the postseason.
Result: Vikings 31, Bears 17
Minnesota ends up 8-8. They are in the wild card race for 15 weeks but the road loss to the Packers puts an end to that. The Vikes have a silver lining, however. In several road games against playoff teams, the final score comes down to just one or two plays. They have weaknesses, sure, namely the offensive line. But they certainly are not far from being playoff and even Super Bowl contenders.
