Ali Siddiqui’s Prediction for Vikings-Cardinals + Flashback
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The Minnesota Vikings (9-2) and the Arizona Cardinals (6-5) will face off on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota won its fourth straight game last week, 30-27, in overtime on the road to the Chicago Bears, while Arizona lost 16-6 on the road to the Seattle Seahawks.
Ali Siddiqui’s Prediction for Vikings-Cardinals + Flashback
Minnesota leads the all-time series 18-12.
The last time these two teams faced each other was in 2022. Kirk Cousins went 24/36 for 232 yards and two touchdowns, including a touchdown run. Dalvin Cook rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Justin Jefferson caught six passes for 98 yards.
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On defense, Cam Dantzler recorded a team-high nine tackles. Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum each recorded an interception, and Za’Darius Smith recorded three sacks.
“It feels good. I just hate that people still are not talking about us, but it’s OK,” Za’Darius Smith said. “We’ll continue to be the underdogs.”
Minnesota won 34-26 and improved to 6-1 with the win. They finished the season at 13-4 – winning the division for the first time since 2017. Arizona fell to 3-5 with the loss, falling to 4-13 on the season – missing the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons.
For Arizona, Kyler Murray went 31/44 for 326 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. DeAndre Hopkins caught 12 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown. Rondale Moore caught seven passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) takes a photo with fans during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 28, 2024. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK.
On defense, Budda Baker recorded a game-high 10 tackles.
This will not be an easy game, but it is another game Minnesota has a great shot at winning. While this is a home game, some of their wins this season, including last week, were far from impressive. Whether they win or lose, it should not be a shock. It would be a little more shocking, though, if they lose rather than win.
Four out of the final six games at home will be very beneficial, especially since the Green Bay Packers are just one game behind them in the loss column. The Detroit Lions currently have the best chance to win the division, but if Minnesota keeps winning, too, it will make things more interesting and keep pressure on Detroit.
Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images.
Minnesota’s 9-2 start has been a huge surprise, to say the least. Many did not expect them to win that many games the whole season.
Prediction: Vikings win 27-20
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