Predictions for the Vikings' Week 6 matchup against the Eagles
The Vikings are back at home this Sunday to host the Eagles after consecutive weeks on the road. Both teams are 3-2 on the season and are looking to get a leg up in a competitive NFC playoff picture.
We all know what happened the last time Philadelphia came to U.S. Bank Stadium but that was when the legend of Nick Foles was at its peak, and this time, it's a little different than the Super Bowl.
Here are three things to watch for, including staff predictions in the Vikings-Eagles game.
1. Vikings will have to pass
Even though Dalvin Cook has been a beast this season, the Eagles have the best run defense in the league allowing just 63 rushing yards per game.
So it might be a slower day for Dalvin Cook, who's averaging 108 yards rushing and an insane 5.9 yards per carry this season.
This means Kirk Cousins and the offense will likely have to rely on the pass if they want to come away with a victory.
Luckily, Cousins carved up the Eagles last season when these two met in Philadelphia. Cousins went 30-for-37 with 301 yards in a 23-21 Minnesota win.
Plus, the Eagles defense is allowing the fourth-most passing yards this season, so a repeat performance against the Eagles might be able to silence some of Cousins' critics.
2. U.S. Bank rattles Carson Wentz
North Dakota's prodigal son Carson Wentz is off to a nice start this season having thrown 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
It wouldn't be shocking one bit to hear some cheers when he's introduced, but Wentz is entering a difficult place to play.
Elite quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Matt Ryan have all struggled in the raucous environment where the Vikings have won 20 of their 27 games (.741 winning percentage) at U.S. Bank Stadium.
So unless the Vikings defense falls asleep at the wheel, it's probably going to be a long day for the former North Dakota State standout.
3. A season-defining win
The Vikings are in the midst of the easiest part of their schedule before things start to pick back up. They defeated a bad Giants team last week and have the lowly Redskins coming up in 12 days.
Philadelphia is no slouch but they are probably in the same tier as the Vikings right now as a bubble playoff team. A statement win on Sunday would put the Vikings at 4-2 with ton of confidence heading into Detroit next Sunday.
If they fall back to .500 it's going to be an uphill battle to stay in the playoff picture. So this Sunday is an opportunity to kick your opponent in the teeth and show the rest of the NFC that you plan to be playing football in January.
Staff predictions
Declan Goff, BMTN sports writer
The Eagles might be a better team than the Falcons and Raiders but I still think we'll get the same kind of result. Minnesota will jump out to a quick lead and opposing quarterbacks will be running for their lives. Cousins needs a big game against a contending team and I think he actually comes through with a big day.
Final score: 28-10, Vikings
Joe Nelson, BMTN sports director
Eagles linebacker Zach Brown fed Kirk Cousins a spoonful of motivation when on Friday he publicly ripped the QB by calling him the "weakest part" of Minnesota's offense. Dumb move, Zach. Cousins keeps a tube of stones on his deck as a countdown clock to his death, so if you don't think he's going to overanalyze those words to fuel up the "You like that!" version of himself, then you're mistaken. Plus, Philly's cornerbacks are out with injuries. This is going to be a passing display for the ages. I've got Cousins throwing for 400+ yards and four touchdowns in this one.
Final score: 38-23, Vikings
Adam Uren, BMTN Editor
Kirk Cousins enters the arena to the sound of 55,000 Vikings fans still laughing at having read Joe Nelson's prediction that he'll throw 400+ yards and for four touchdowns. No Eagles fans make it to the game as every single one of them is arrested outside the stadium having found a 93-year-old Vikings fan to verbally abuse. On the field, the Vikings unveil their secret weapon in a bid to stop North Dakotan Carson Wentz, deploying George Edwards and a handheld fan to waft the smell of hotdish towards him as he's about to throw. He throws zero touchdowns as a result and, overcome with frustration, the usually clean-mouthed QB offends delicate Midwestern sensibilities by uttering the loudest "GOSH DARN IT" you've ever heard. Faced with a dominant Eagles run defense, Dalvin Cook still manages to post 100-plus yards because he's just that good, and is later seen running up the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, hands aloft, to the tune of "Gonna Fly Now."
Final score: 24-18, Vikings
