Ali Siddiqui’s Prediction for Vikings-Steelers
The Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers will face off Sunday in Ireland. Both teams are 2-1. Minnesota leads the all-time series 10-9, including winning two out of the last three games.
The Minnesota Vikings face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, with both teams at 2-1. See Ali Siddiqui’s full prediction, keys to the game, and projected winner.
Minnesota got back in the win column last week with a big 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at home. It was Carson Wentz’s first game as the team’s starter. He threw two touchdowns and did not turn the ball over, but the biggest story was the historic play of Isaiah Rodgers. He became the first player in NFL history to force two fumbles, return a fumble for a touchdown, and return an interception for a touchdown in a game.
Pittsburgh won 21-14 on the road against the New England Patriots last week. These two teams last faced each other in 2021 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Ali Siddiqui Predicts Steelers-Vikings
Kirk Cousins went 14/31 for 216 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Dalvin Cook rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. K.J. Osborn caught three passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. Justin Jefferson caught seven passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Bashaud Breeland had a game-high eight tackles and also recorded an interception.
For Pittsburgh, Ben Roethlisberger went 28/40 for 308 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Najee Harris rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Chase Claypool caught eight passes for 93 yards. Diontae Johnson caught five passes for 76 yards.
On defense, Joe Schobert recorded a team-high seven tackles. Ahkello Witherspoon recorded two interceptions.
Minnesota won 36-28 to improve to 6-7 on the season. They finished with a record of 8-9, missing the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman were both relieved of their duties after the season.
Pittsburgh fell to 6-7-1 on the season. They finished at 9-7-1 and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Kansas City Chiefs on the road. Like every game this season so far, Minnesota has a great chance to win. Despite their injuries this season, especially against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, it was a shock that they played as poorly as they did in that game.
Given the toughness of the NFC North and the rest of the schedule ahead, Minnesota cannot afford to lose this week and next week in London against the Cleveland Browns. You can make a strong argument that winning these next two games is a must.
In addition to playing the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers twice, they also travel on the road to face the Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks. They face the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Washington Commanders at home. All good teams.
Minnesota has a better offense and defense than Pittsburgh. While it would not be a complete shock if Minnesota loses, they should be the favorites to win this game. Having Jordan Addison back this week from his three-game suspension will add another weapon to the offense. Last week, Christian Darrisaw made his season debut and made a huge impact. Both are key pieces to this offense.
Donovan Jackson is out this week, but Ryan Kelly should be back after missing last week with a concussion.
While it is unknown how much longer Wentz will be the starter, he should benefit more from playing another game or two with his new teammates.
Prediction: Minnesota wins 30-20
You must be logged in to post a comment.