Our Prediction for the Vikings’ Starting QB This Week
Dustin Baker
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The Minnesota Vikings have an in-season quarterback debate for the first time in 10 years.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters last Tuesday about his thought process after the loss to Chicago, “I think the quarterback position needs to be evaluated to see what gives us the best chance to win. I don’t think there’s any particular timeline.”
Our Prediction for the Vikings’ Starting QB This Week
The choice is between Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall, and O’Connell should name the starter’s identity sometime this week.
You can read VikingsTerritory’s QB recommendations here.
Janik Eckardt: Joshua Dobbs
Prediction Maker: Janik Eckardt
Joshua Dobbs has shown enough high-end play in his first two games to deserve another chance under center, especially given the limitations of the other options. A couple of extra weeks in the offense will help him play with a quieter mind, resulting in fewer turnovers. The Vikings should also utilize his backyard football skills instead of trying to make him a pocket passer.
Wes Johnson: Joshua Dobbs
Prediction Maker: Wes Johnson
They should go with Hall to see what they have, but they will stick with Dobbs for at least another week.
Adam New: Joshua Dobbs
Prediction Maker: Adam New
Joshua Dobbs gets one more go. It seems to be pointing in that direction, and it makes sense. Try to rekindle the magic of the first couple of games with Justin Jefferson on the field. Dobbs gets a short leash, though, with mistakes leading to turnovers, and Kevin O’Connell has to make a switch — probably to Nick Mullens, who will be suited up as QB2.
Nate Powalie: Joshua Dobbs
Prediction Maker: Nate Powalie
Dobbs, even though he has his flaws (see the Monday night game against Chicago), still has a redemption story surrounding him. This is his first true chance to step in and prove his value as a starting quarterback. Every QB goes through a bad game, but it’s all about how you respond after it. Dobbs is due for redemption.
Ali Siddiqui: Joshua Dobbs
Prediction Maker: Ali Siddiqui
Given Dobbs did well in the first two games, it’ll be tough to imagine Kevin O’Connell already pulling the plug on him. Reports have said he’s expected to start, too. If Dobbs struggles in the first half, though, it won’t be a shock if he goes to Jaren Hall.
Ted Schwerzler: Joshua Dobbs
Prediction Maker: Ted Schwerzler
I’m going to hope that Kevin O’Connell is a well-reasoned individual. He understands his decisions against the Bears were also awful, so Josh Dobbs gets another start with a better game plan and playcalling. Nick Mullens can be the backup, but the next man up should be Jaren Hall.
Dustin Baker: Nick Mullens
Prediction Maker: Dustin Baker
The Vikings will start Nick Mullens, and here is the evidence:
- They had a chance to end any quarterback controversy and name Dobbs the starter after the loss to Chicago. They did not.
- Kevin O’Connell said he wants a quarterback who can protect the ball and get Justin Jefferson the rock. That is Mullens more so than Dobbs.
- QB2 was Mullens’ job not long ago. It’s not weird that he would start — at all.
Josh Frey: Nick Mullens
Prediction Maker: Josh Frey
Kevin O’Connell’s postgame comments following their Week 12 loss to the Bears were telling. There simply doesn’t seem to be a ton of confidence in Josh Dobbs right now, and with the Vikings likely needing to win at least three of their final five games to get into the playoffs, they need a player that the head coach trusts under center. Mullens has been in the organization for far longer than anyone else and can make plays with his arm to keep the Vikings in games.
Kyle Joudry: Nick Mullens
Prediction Maker: Kyle Joudry
Nick Mullens is going to get the call. The Vikings traded for him and then extended him for two years. They like him; a pair of meaningful transactions prove as much. And, quite likely, if there were no Mullens injury in the first place, there would have been no Dobbs trade. Minnesota would have rolled into Atlanta with Mullens and Jaren Hall as the main pair. With Dobbs stumbling, the Vikings will hand things over to Mullens.
Cole Smith: Nick Mullens
Prediction Maker: Cole Smith
I believe the Vikings will start Mullens. He knows KOC’s offense better than Dobbs or Hall and has starting experience. With him, the entire playbook is open. Although his physical ability limits what he can do with those plays, he also wouldn’t need KOC to hold his hand throughout the game.
Total Vote Count:
Joshua Dobbs = 6
Nick Mullens = 4
Jaren Hall = 0
VikingsTerritory formally predicts Dobbs as the Week 14 starter.
It Was a Sunday from Hell for Vikings.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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