Vikings 2015 Schedule: Game-By-Game Previews

Aug 16, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) tackles Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) for a fumble in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Week 14 – @ Arizona Cardinals (TNF)

This is the second primetime contest of the season for the Vikings as they’ll travel to Arizona to play the Cardinals on a Thursday night. Last season, the Cardinals emerged as one of the elite defenses in the NFL and they were able to earn themselves a playoff spot. The Vikings, much like their contest with Seattle, will have to find that balance on offense in order to move the ball against this stingy defense. However, the Cardinals did lose Daryl Washington and Darnell Dockett this offseason so that will make things easier. Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu are still lurking in the defensive backfield, though.

A healthy Carson Palmer will be the only threat the Cardinals have offensively unless they decide to draft either Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon in the NFL Draft to obtain a ground attack. Last season after Palmer went down, the Cardinals were absolutely brutal offensively. Expect the Vikings to be able to get pressure on Palmer and make it tough for the Cardinals to move the ball. I’ve mentioned the Vikings previous success, or lack thereof, in primetime games, and on a Thursday night after a tough home game with the Seahawks this game should be a tough one for the Vikings.

Prediction: Cardinals 17-13 (6-7)

Next: Week 15 - vs. Bears