3 Bold Predictions for Vikings-Colts
The Minnesota Vikings have remained in the league’s Top 10 Super Bowl odds, a totally wild circumstance after Minnesota was expected to win about six or seven games in 2024.
3 Bold Predictions for Vikings-Colts
That’s the benefit of a 5-2 start. Minnesota hopes to end a gross two-game losing streak on Sunday Night Football this weekend at home versus the Indianapolis Colts.
So, with that showdown around the bend, these are three bold predictions for Vikings-Colts.
1. The Tide Turns with Dallas Turner Taking Patrick Jones II’s Snaps
Although team-friendly about his role, Turner sounded slightly confused about his recent snap count this week. He told KSTP’s Darren Wolfson on Monday: “I mean, just, I don’t know either. Just working every day in practice, still getting better, still learning from my guys. Whatever works best for the team, I’m not really complaining.”
“I mean, any way I can help the team go out there and affect the quarterback, impact the game in any type of way, I’m up for it. Every day, I thank God just to be in the position I am today,” he added.
Last Thursday, the purple team faced the league’s second-to-worst offensive line per PFF pass-blocking grade and was eaten alive by the Rams. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted the Vikings’ pass rush as the biggest hole in the gameplan during Minnesota’s loss at Los Angeles. “The Vikings couldn’t find a way to get to Rams QB Matthew Stafford. They pressured him on only three of his 34 dropbacks; that 9% pressure rate was their lowest in a game since 2020,” he wrote.
“And even then, Stafford completed a pass against all three of those pressures, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to WR Cooper Kupp after eluding DT Harrison Phillips and LB Jonathan Greenard. The pass rush had been key to the Vikings’ hot start this season, and before Thursday they had posted at least a 24.6% pressure rate in every game.”
So, hoping to fix the ailing pass rush, defensive coordinator Brian Flores will deploy Turner, eating into some of Patrick Jones II’s snaps, a man who has been quite silent for the last few games.
2. Justin Jefferson Logs 150+ Receiving Yards
Jefferson is overdue for a monster game, and one just has to be around the bend.
The Colts showcase the league’s 15th-best defense per EPA/Play, so it’s not like the unit is porous. However, Jefferson can only be contained for so long.
Plus, Jefferson should become even deadlier with T.J. Hockenson back in the mix. JJets puts 150+ in the box score.
3. The Vikings Win by 14+ Points
Because Minnesota is at home and desperately due for a get-right game, Kevin O’Connell and friends will win by at least two scores, probably in the neighborhood of 30-14 or something similar.
Joe Flacco is a decently productive quarterback, but Minnesota’s pass rush will affect his Sunday evening. The Colts will also be without left tackle Bernhard Raimann.
Vikings win by 14-21 points.
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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