Vikings Wire staff predictions: Previewing Minnesota’s tilt vs. the Carolina Panthers

Believe it or not, the Vikings still have the capability to turn their season around.

However, the team is not in a great position for the postseason at 4-6. Minnesota has to start beating teams like the Cowboys, and maybe even pull off some unlikely victories over teams like the Buccaneers and the Saints towards the end of the year.

It all starts against the Panthers, though. Teddy Bridgewater, drafted by the Vikings in the first round, will go against his former team, barring anything unexpected. Bridgewater was dealing with an injury last week, but is not on the Panthers’ injury report for Week 12.

So it’s Bridgewater on the opposite sideline in a game the Vikings need to win. Here are Vikings Wire’s staff predictions for the matchup:

Jack White — Vikings Wire

Photo: Jim Mone/AP Photo

The Vikings have entered the easier part of their schedule. The constant wins have given this team the confidence to beat even a talented team like the Panthers. Bridgewater has a big day against his former team, but it’s not enough. Vikings 31, Panthers, 27.

Kyle Ratke — Vikings Wire

Photo; Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports

I have no idea what to think of this Vikings team and you probably don't, either. The Vikings still have a chance at the playoffs and I think they'll stay alive for a little longer with a win here. Vikings 27, Panthers 23

Jack Day — Vikings Wire

Photo: Brian Blanco/AP Photo

Teddy Bridgewater returns to Minnesota to start against his former team for the first time since leaving the Vikings in 2018. Both teams have four wins on the season and need to win this game if they want any chance at a playoff spot. The Vikings struggled to stop a Dallas team that just got destroyed on their annual Thanksgiving game by a bad Washington Football Team. The Vikings young stars have shown some promise, but I don’t love their chances against some talented skilled players on Carolina. Panthers 34, Vikings 31