The Final Prediction on Vikings at Browns from the Masses
Week 5 for the Minnesota Vikings features a somewhat pivotal contest against Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns. And per the weekly tradition, fans have weighed in with their predictions.
We always take the pulse of the Vikings fan base heading into a regular season, and here’s their verdict this week on the London game against CLE.
Stefanski’s Browns took down the then-unbeaten Green Bay Packers a couple of weeks ago, so purple fans are on high alert just a bit this week, as Cleveland’s defense is especially ferocious.
Here’s where our fan panel landed on a winner and score.
The Folks Predict Vikings at Browns in London
The group had no hesitation in picking Minnesota.
Scores and Winners from the People | Week 5
Unanimously, fans have chosen Minnesota to prevail in London, a city where the Vikings have never lost.
Bruce Johnson | @sachikojohnson: MIN Wins, 24-17
Chris | @skol227: MIN Wins, 20-17
Eric Horstman | @ehorstman23, MIN Wins, 13-10
Ivan the Czar | @up4discussion_7: MIN Wins, 34-13
Jens | @rednpurple77: MIN Wins, 17-3
Skol Tom | @SkolFrom WI: MIN Wins, 17-10
Steve Berglund | @VikesIn18: MIN Wins, 31-13
Tadd | @ST7CUbs: MIN Wins, 17-10
The group picked Minnesota over Pittsburgh last week in a wholesale format — and then the Steelers won the damn thing. Let’s hope the group avoids the dreaded jinx this time.
In Week 4, a couple of our panelists picked Minnesota to narrowly win by three. The score margin was correct, but Aaron Rodgers and Co. came out right-side up.
The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis noted the Browns’ defensive line as his primary concern and wrote: “Cleveland’s defensive line. This is one of the best position groups in the NFL, going up against a depleted Minnesota offensive line that might be starting an undrafted rookie in Joe Huber. Myles Garrett needs no introduction. You can chip him and try to limit his impact, but he’ll still affect the quarterback at a level that has no comparison.”
“He’s not the only force up front, either. The Browns signed defensive tackle Maliek Collins this spring in free agency, and he has the highest pass-rush win rate among NFL interior defenders. Mason Graham, the team’s first-round pick, is capable.”
Cleveland’s defense ranks ninth in the NFL per EPA/Play.
“Edge rusher Isaiah McGuire and the team’s backups are more dynamic than you’d think. This unit flies off the line of scrimmage. It stops the run, too. The Browns defense has hit the ball carrier before the line of scrimmage on 62.5 percent of opposing rush attempts, the highest rate of any team through four weeks since 2017,” Lewis concluded.
2025 Standings
Jens: 3-1
Eric Horstman: 2-2
Ivan, the Czar: 2-2
Skol Tom: 2-2
Steve Berglund: 2-2
Tadd: 2-2
Bruce Johnson: 2-2
Chris: 1-3
Jens from Norway carried an undefeated streak into Week 4, but that badboy was snapped by Mike Tomlin. Time for another streak.
The Collective Score and Winner Pick
Taking into account each individual’s winner and score prognostication, the masses believe Minnesota will defeat Cleveland by a score of 22-12.
What about NFL Experts?
Bleacher Report‘s Moe Moton picked Minnesota to cover the 3.5 spread and explained: “On Wednesday, the Cleveland Browns benched Joe Flacco for Dillon Gabriel, who will make his first NFL start in London, which is a tough curveball for a rookie. With Gabriel under center, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will make it difficult for Cleveland to establish its rhythm in the passing game.
“The Browns’ only hope of covering or pulling off a victory is if rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has a strong outing against the Vikings’ 24th-ranked run defense. Minnesota should be prepared for him.”
His coworker, Brent Sobleski, took Cleveland to cover: “Myles Garrett probably entered this week’s preparation licking his chops because the Vikings’ offensive line isn’t healthy enough to hold up against the Browns’ defense.”
“With left guard Donovan Jackson on injured reserve, center Ryan Kelly in the league’s concussion protocol and right tackle Brian O’Neill dealing with a knee issue, Minnesota’s front five will almost certainly be overwhelmed by the No. 1 defense’s ferocious front. Garrett will be deployed to find the weak link and feast throughout the afternoon, of course.”
Minnesota needs a dub to keep pace in a crowded NFC playoff picture already dominated by the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams.
A loss would send the Vikings’ playoff hopes closer to life support, at least per early-season signals.
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