Questions Answered: A Vikings Trade We’d Make, Bo Richter, Top Game to Watch in Week 6

Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images.

The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by VikingsTerritory. Today is the October 10th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].

Questions Answered: A Vikings Trade We’d Make, Bo Richter, Top Game to Watch in Week 6

Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.

Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans react during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Q: Is there a specific Vikings trade you’d make right now if it were up to you?

Trade
Oct 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) celebrates his rushing touchdown with fullback Michael Burton (20) and tight end Adam Trautman (82) in the third quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.

Answer: Probably one for an extra running back.

The Denver Broncos have about four for the long haul, including Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Audric Estime. We’d endorse a swap of assets for Williams or McLaughlin, mainly to hedge the bet against Aaron Jones’ current injury and any future RB injury.

Other candidates like Miles Sanders (Carolina Panthers) would make sense, though his contract is unusually expensive. The Houston Texans have a few extra running backs, as well.

Get a running back for a late-round pick to ensure the offense doesn’t become one-dimensional.

Q: When will Bo Richter get more playing time?

Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Bo Richter (98) attempts to intercept the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports

Answer: Probably 2025, if ever.

Minnesota has enough productive pass rushers in Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Patrick Jones II, and Jihad Ward. Richter isn’t receiving much playing time because the EDGE room is deep.

However, Richter could have a role in 2025 and beyond. He played impressively in the preseason.

Q: What’s the crucial non-Vikings game to watch this weekend?

Oct 28, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs with the ball against Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas (29) at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

Answer: Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers or Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears.

We already know that the Detroit Lions will be there at the top of the NFC North in December and January, but we don’t know if the Packers and Bears will compete with Minnesota and Detroit.

Both teams are 3-2 right now — there are no losing teams in the NFC North — and reaching 4-2 for either team would help it keep pace with the Vikings and Lions. Then, remember, Minnesota and Detroit will do battle in 10 days to determine an NFC frontrunner through seven weeks.

The Packers and Bears have played well this season, so let’s find out if both are the real deal.


Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.

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