3 Bold Calls for Vikings at Steelers
For the first time in four years, the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers will square off, this time taking the Super Bowl IX rematch to Ireland, the NFL’s first regular season game in that country.
The Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers do battle early Sunday morning, and these are three bold predictions for that event.
Last week, this article series posted its best prediction set ever. That can be read here.
Let’s see if the streak will remain alive.
Bold Predictions for Vikings at Steelers
The out-there takes for the showdown in Dublin.
1. Vikings Sack Aaron Rodgers 5+ Times
In the past, mostly with the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings defeated teams led by Aaron Rodgers when they put his buttocks on the grass. At times, during the Green Bay heyday, that was the only way to beat the Rodgers-led Packers, as Rodgers was so deadly in his prime.
Well, the Steelers’ offensive line isn’t elite — or anywhere close — so Minnesota’s suddenly ferocious-again defense will pester Rodgers to the utmost, resulting in at least five sacks. Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel won’t play (out with a neck injury), but Brian Flores‘ pass rushers will still fluster the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer.
This week, Pro Football Focus ranked Pittsburgh’s offensive line at No. 22 in the NFL per its grading system, and Zoltan Buday noted, “Left guard Isaac Seumalo earned an 88.9 PFF run-blocking grade in Week 3, fueling his 90.7 PFF overall grade — the third-best mark among guards. Left tackle Broderick Jones was at fault for three pressures and three more losses against the Patriots, leading to a 36.7 PFF pass-blocking grade.”
“He has allowed four sacks this season, which is tied for the most among all players. Best player: Zach Frazier. Frazier’s 70.8 PFF pass-blocking grade ranks eighth among centers this season.”
The sacks?
- Jonathan Greenard
- Dallas Turner
- Jonathan Allen
- Javon Hargrave
- Ivan Pace Jr.
Book it.
2. Isaiah Rodgers Intercepts Aaron Rodgers
Coming off the steam of one of the best individual performances in Vikings history — that’s not an exaggeration — Isaiah Rodgers will pick off the other Rodgers for an “ordinary” interception.
Rodgers scored two defensive touchdowns last weekend, along with two forced fumbles and flawless pass coverage on Ja’Marr Chase and others. He’ll continue the hot streak across the ocean and begin to solidify himself as a household name among Vikings fans.
Another pick for Rodgers. Rodgers to Rodgers. But no touchdown this time. Let’s not get too greedy.
Vikings.com‘s Rob Kleifield on Isaiah Rodgers‘ showing last weekend: “He flipped the Bengals offense on its back. He brought to life a cheat code in a video game, all but guaranteeing his 76 rating in Madden 25 will rocket like he did along the home and visitor sidelines.”
“Really, there is no better way to describe the game Rodgers enjoyed Sunday against Cincinnati. He intercepted a pass inside Minnesota’s 30 and sprinted 87 yards for defensive touchdown No. 1 in his career. A few series later, he forced and recovered a fumble before bolting 66 yards to the opposite end zone for touchdown No. 2.”
It’s worth noting that Rodgers was Minnesota’s very first free-agent signing back in March, and now the masses know why.
Kleifield added, “In the same first half, Rodgers rejected a deep ball on an island against Tee Higgins, who has a 6-inch height advantage, and caused Ja’Marr Chase to fumble after a 15-yard catch. Rodgers’ final stat line – 1 INT TD, 1 FR TD, 2 PBU, 3 TKL — was unbelievable indeed.”
“Based on available records, he’s the first NFL player with a pick six, scoop-and-score and pair of forced fumbles in one game. He accomplished the above in approximately 20 minutes of game time.”
3. The Vikings Win by 10+ Points
Listen, the Steelers, through three games of the 2025 regular season, don’t really do anything at an elite level. The offense and defense have pulled down mediocre marks. The special teams are Top 12. Rodgers is old. And the RB1, Jaylen Warren, is questionable for Sunday.
Of course, Minnesota isn’t a huge juggernaut. However, Brian Flores’ defense will cause damage to Pittsburgh, Carson Wentz will continue to play steadily as the team’s point guard, and Jordan Addison is back.
As a bold prediction, Minnesota will win this one by 10 or more points. If Mike Tomlin were not in charge, we’d shove that forecast closer to 14.
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