Questions Answered: Vikings-Packers Prediction, Vikings’ Top Surprise, Ambry Thomas

The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by VikingsTerritory. Today is the December 27th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to DustinBakerNFL@gmail.com.

Questions Answered: Vikings-Packers Prediction, Vikings’ Top Surprise, Ambry Thomas

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.

Q: What is your prediction for Packers at Vikings?

Answer: We have a Vikings victory by a score of 24-21.

Others have predicted a higher-scoring game — and that’s fine — but Minnesota and Green Bay’s defenses are quite good in peak form.

We won’t be surprised one bit if the Packers pull off the dub, mainly because the Vikings rarely beat them twice in the same season. But let’s roll with Minnesota via game-winning field goal.

Q: What’s the Vikings’ top surprise this season?

Answer: Well, there are several.

1. The team was “supposed” to win about six or seven games, so a 13-2 record through 15 games is absolutely remarkable.
2. Many believed Sam Darnold could be effective in Minnesota, but few forecasted his current MVP conversation status.
3. On defense, folks didn’t think Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard would be “too good” that Dallas Turner wouldn’t see much playing time.
4. Jalen Redmond has been a revelation on defense, so much so that it doesn’t feel like a fluke or a couple of good games.

Q: Is Ambry Thomas — the cornerback signed by Minnesota — a long-term solution or just a practice squad guy?

Answer: Definitely a practice squad guy at the moment. However, Thomas played rather well last year.

Here’s Thomas’ Pro Football Focus resume to date:

2023: 71.5
2022: 59.0
2021: 46.1

Thomas was part of the 49ers’ roster until late summer when he hit injured reserve. He stayed there until one week ago, but San Francisco released him. The Indianapolis Colts immediately claimed him from waivers, followed by a failed physical.

He’s a player to keep in mind for 2025 as a CB4 type.

Cutting Akayleb Evans created a roster spot now and for the future.

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.