Vikings vs. Eagles Predictions
This is a big one.
The Vikings and Eagles both sit at 3-2 heading into what is arguably the best game of Week 6, a crucial clash for both teams as they look to cement their places in the NFC playoff picture early on.
It will be another opportunity for Kirk Cousins to get a win against a good team, but he'll have his hands full with the Eagles' defensive line.
Courtney Cronin, ESPN: Vikings 30, Eagles 28
"Philadelphia scheming to stop Dalvin Cook and the run while Minnesota's pass rush aims to force Carson Wentz into a tough spot is a matchup of two stalwarts."
Tim McManus, ESPN: Vikings 26, Eagles 24
"Vikings receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs will be happier with the direction of the offense under QB Kirk Cousins after this one. They will combine for 160 yards and a pair of touchdowns against a patchwork Eagles secondary."
Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com: Eagles 20, Vikings 17
Rosenthal calls this the toughest game to pick of the week. "The Vikings will have to call plays against type offensively because the best way to beat the Eagles' defense is to throw over the top while using the running game as a side dish. Minnesota's coaches displayed the confidence to pull off that strategy against the Giants last week, but will they show the same faith in Kirk Cousins against a slowly awakening Philly pass rush? There are fewer questions about the Eagles, who are growing healthier and more like the team everyone expected them to be."
Tadd Haislop, Sporting News: Vikings 26, Eagles 24
"The key to this game will be whether Minnesota can generate space for Dalvin Cook against the NFL's best rush defense in terms of yards allowed. The Vikings failed a similar test against the Bears a couple weeks ago, but that was before they rediscovered their passing groove. Kirk Cousins, Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs and Co. will earn just enough attention for Cook to keep Minnesota's offense balanced."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Eagles 27, Vikings 24
"Is this a big game? It seems like it. That's not good news for Kirk Cousins. The Vikings and Cousins impressed last week against the Giants, but not this week. The Eagles have found themselves and they are getting right. That continues here. Eagles win in an upset."
Bleacher Report: Eagles 24, Vikings 21
"I don't buy that the Vikings passing game is suddenly all puppies and rainbows because it lit up a terrible New York Giants secondary. The Eagles are better at throwing the ball, and it's going to take throwing the ball to win this game."
Mark Craig, Minneapolis Star Tribune: Vikings 23, Eagles 20
"Home-noise advantage propels the Vikings’ pass rush, Kirk Cousins (insert unsure voice here) and the passing game find holes in a beat-up Eagles secondary, Andrew Sendejo doesn’t decapitate any former teammates, and Dan Bailey boots a game-winner at the buzzer."
Zack Rosenblatt, NJ.com: Eagles 21, Vikings 17
"Ultimately, this game might come down to which version of Cousins the Eagles are up against. He’s been bad most of this season and if he is again on Sunday — that might come down to pressure, or lack thereof — the Eagles should win this game."
VikingMaven's Pick: Eagles 16, Vikings 13
I think it helps that the Vikings are at home, and that the Eagles are missing a number of key contributors. But I just can't pick Cousins winning a big game until I see it happen. I think the Vikings O-line – especially without Josh Kline –is significantly outmatched by Fletcher Cox and the Eagles' D-line, which will make life very difficult for Cousins and Dalvin Cook. The Eagles win a defensive battle.
