3 Bold Predictions for Vikings-Cardinals
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings remain in the leagueâs Top 10 Super Bowl odds, a totally bizarre ordeal after Minnesota was expected to win about six or seven games in 2024.
3 Bold Predictions for Vikings-Cardinals
Thatâs the benefit of a 9-2 start. Minnesota has won four straight after a two-game, post-bye losing skid and appears to be back on track.
Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images.
So, with the Vikingsâ contest against the Arizona Cardinals just around the bend, these are three bold predictions for Vikings-Cardinals.
1. T.J. Hockenson Scores at Least Once
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The Vikings have gradually ramped up Hockensonâs snap count since his return in Week 9, and it seems heâs ready for a full TE1 workload. The proof was in the pudding last week when the veteran pass-catcher grabbed a couple of Sam Darnoldâs passes late in a win over the Chicago Bears.
Hockensonâs snap count is approaching his pre-injury norm.
Next, Hockenson will begin finding the endzone. Heâll get off the schneid at home versus the Bears, scoring at least one touchdown. Heâs due â overdue.
2. Dallas Turner Finally Banks a Sack
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
A theme so far in 2024, the Vikings have âtoo manyâ effective EDGE rushers. Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Patrick Jones II are feasting on opposing quarterbacks, and when men like that are cooking, they canât really be benched for a 21-year-old rookie.
Still, Minnesotaâs coaching staff has hinted for weeks its desire to mix Dallas Turner more into the defensive game plan, and we believe theyâll fulfill their word before too long. So, on Sunday against the Cardinals, Turner will notch a sack on Kyler Murray, his second of the season and first since Week 1. Itâs time.
3. The Vikings Win by 7 Points or More
Minnesota running back Cam Akers (27) lands in the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Listen, the Cardinals are a fairly good football team. Donât make the mistake of assuming Minnesota is waltzing into Week 13 playing against last yearâs Cardinals, an underwhelming squad mostly without Kyler Murray.
Arizonaâs defense is suspect, though, and the Vikings have the playmakers and scheme to torment the Cardinalsâ 11th-worst defense per EPA/Play. Most already understand that the Vikingsâ defense is a competent bunch.
Therefore, Minnesota will hop out to an early 21-7 lead or something of the sort, and end up winning 27-20, enriching the 2024 win-loss standing to 10-2.
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, âThe Sopranos,â Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.Â
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
