Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by VikingsTerritory. Today is the November 7th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to DustinBakerNFL@gmail.com.
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.
Answer: It is trending that way, yes.
Minnesota listed Cashman as a limited practice participant on Wednesday and Thursday, a good omen for Week 10.
In previous weeks, Cashman logged DNPs (did not practice) during game lead-ups, so Wednesday + Thursday’s limited participation was noteworthy for onlookers. If Cashman plays this weekend, this is exactly how the process would start.
In five games this season, Cashman has logged 40 total tackles, 5 passes defended, 4 QB hits, 2 tackles for a loss, and a sack, along with a sweet 75.6 Pro Football Focus grade.
We predict “yes” on Cashman for Sunday.
Answer: Vikings win — 30-13.
The Jaguars have the NFL’s worst defense per EPA/Play and may utilize a backup quarterback (see below).
The only concern for Minnesota might be ball security, a problem that has quietly affected offensive operations all year. It’s just that nobody really cares because Brian Flores’ defense forces turnovers, too.
The Vikings, in theory, should have their highest scoring output of 2024 against these Jaguars, and Justin Jefferson should finally explode for a game with 150-200 yards.
Answer: Probably not.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted Thursday, just three days before Jaguars-Vikings: “As Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (left shoulder) continues to get treatment and weigh options for the future, sources say he’s considered unlikely to play Sunday vs the Vikings. Lawrence was limited in practice yesterday & coach Doug Pederson was noncommittal about his status.”
Another former 1st-Rounder, Mac Jones, would be the next man up if Lawrence sits.
Lawrence ranks 20th of 33 qualifying quarterbacks through Week 9, per EPA+CPOE, an efficiency metric measuring expected wins added. Once considered the Jaguars’ primary savior, Lawrence has fallen on harsh times amid the last two seasons, with some even starting to nibble at “bust” conversations for the underperforming signal-caller.
In Jones, well, the Vikings would face another former 1st-Rounder, though nobody classified him as a can’t-miss prospect like Lawrence. Minnesota actually lined up against Jones in a Thanksgiving primetime game in 2022 when he shredded the purple defense, then led by coordinator Ed Donatell, while Minnesota held on for a win, mostly due to a Kene Nwangwu kick return touchdown.
It’ll probably be Jones; Rapoport wouldn’t tweet that tidbit whimsically.
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.