April might be the most exciting month of the NFL outside of the actual season. With the NFL Draft less than a week away, mock drafts and scouting reports are being pumped onto the Internet like crazy. Additionally, the 2015 regular season schedule was released just a couple of days ago, which is always exciting for fans.
The Vikings’ 2015 slate, as always, boasts six division games against the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers. Also included on the schedule are games against the teams from the NFC West (Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams) and the AFC West (Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers). Two additional NFC battles against the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons round out the Vikings’ opponents.
While many things can change before the beginning of the season, it’s still fun to make predictions this early, right? We can also take a break from talking about Adrian Peterson for a little bit.
Here are my game-by-game predictions for the Vikings in 2015.
Next: Week 1 - @ 49ers
Aug 25, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks to pass the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Week 1 – @ San Francisco 49ers (MNF)
Would you look at that, the Vikings scored a primetime game for their first game of the season. In recent years, the Vikings have been pretty bad in primetime games so generally I would chalk this one up as a loss without hesitation. However, the 49ers might be the most unpredictable team in the league this year. They’ve had a bunch of key players sign elsewhere and are adjusting to new head coach Jim Tomsula.
The 49ers still have talent on both sides of the ball, but it will likely take a few games before that talent begins to gel under Tomsula. Mike Zimmer already used last year to get accustomed to the personnel he has, and there’s no doubt that he’ll have his team ready to go come Week 1.
Prediction: Vikings 23-17 (1-0)
Next: Week 2 - vs. Lions
Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Detroit won 16-14. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Week 2 – vs. Detroit Lions
The Detroit defense really burst onto the scene in 2014 as one of the best, if not the best, in the NFL. While Ndamukong Suh is no longer on the roster, this defense will still be very stingy in 2015. Last season, Teddy Bridgewater threw five interceptions in two games against Detroit. The Vikings were also held to just 17 points combined in two games last season against the Lions. Bridgewater will have his work cut out for him in this game after the struggles he encountered with this defense last season.
Defensively, the passing attack led by Matt Stafford is a wild card. Nobody really knows when Stafford will click with his receivers as he tends to be pretty inconsistent game-to-game. The matchup to watch in this game will be Xavier Rhodes trying to shut down Calvin Johnson. In the one contest that Johnson was healthy for last season, Rhodes held Johnson to 53 yards receiving on 4 catches. If Johnson and the Lions passing attack is contained and Bridgewater can put up some points against that defense, they’ll have a chance.
Prediction: Lions 20-13 (1-1)
Next: Week 3 - vs. Chargers
Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) in the huddle in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings win 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Week 3 – vs. San Diego Chargers
This is another game that’s tough to predict this early simply because of the Philip Rivers situation that’s unfolding. Regardless of how that situation turns out, the Vikings defense should be able to give the Chargers offense some trouble. The Chargers are lacking real threats at their skill positions and this will allow the Vikings to match up with them well. If Rivers is at the helm, the Vikings pass rush is generally pretty good against quarterbacks that aren’t particularly mobile, and Rivers is definitely NOT a “mobile” quarterback.
The Chargers defense actually has improved quite a bit in recent years. The secondary is somewhat underrated and the front seven includes a couple of guys in Corey Luiget and Melvin Ingram that could make an impact. However, Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner will be motivated and ready to stick it his old team, and I think he gets the job done at home.
Prediction: Vikings 27-20 (2-1)
Next: Week 4 - @ Broncos
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA;Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson (12) practices before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Week 4 – @ Denver Broncos
The last time these two teams played, Tim Tebow was leading the Broncos to the playoffs. Things are a little bit different now, and the Vikings will be faced with the tough task of trying to contain Peyton Manning. The one chance the Vikings have to contain Manning is if Everson Griffen and company can get some serious pressure and force Manning to move around in the pocket.
The Broncos defense can be exploited but with guys like Aqib Talib, DeMarcus Ware, and Von Miller it’s very tough to do so. The Broncos will match up with the Vikings well on both sides of the ball, and it could get ugly if Manning gets into a rhythm early on.
Prediction: Broncos 38-24 (2-2)
Next: Week 6 - vs. Chiefs
Aug 23, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) eludes a tackle attempt from Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Nico Johnson (57) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Vikings won 30-12. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Week 6 – vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs boast one of the best pass rushing units in all of football and they’ll likely give the Vikings offensive line some trouble. Additionally, the Chiefs are solid in all phases on the defensive side and it could be tough for the Vikings to find a good balance against the athletic Chiefs defense.
Defensively, the Vikings will have a much easier time against Alex Smith than they will with Manning. Smith leads a Chiefs offense that features almost no downfield passing whatsoever, but sometimes it’s not needed when they have Jamaal Charles as their running back. Charles is arguably the best back in the league, and containing him will be difficult for the Vikings front seven. I expect Charles to bust a couple long runs and they could prove to be the difference in what will likely be a low-scoring contest.
Prediction: Chiefs 17-13 (2-3)
Next: Week 7 - @ Lions
Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) tackles Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Detroit won 16-14. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Week 7 – @ Detroit Lions
The Lions are the superior team in this matchup on both sides of the ball. While the Vikings will undoubtedly improve from the first matchup between the two teams, the Lions will still be too much to deal with especially on their home turf.
This game could be competitive if Bridgewater gets into a rhythm and doesn’t make many crucial errors. Minnesota had the game won last season in Detroit until Bridgewater threw two questionable throws that resulted in interceptions and points for Detroit. Hopefully, the Vikings can keep this one close again and even pull off the win. I just don’t see it.
Prediction: Lions 30-16 (2-4)
Next: Week 8 - @ Bears
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs against Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Week 8 – @ Chicago Bears
The Bears are already being disrespected by many as they are widely expected to finish with a below-.500 record. While the Bears do have some talented players on both sides, quarterback Jay Cutler just can never be trusted. However, Cutler has, for whatever reason, always played well against the Vikings at home. Last season, he absolutely tore apart Josh Robinson in the win at Soldier Field.
The Bears defense will be easily exploited by the Vikings offense this season in both games. Bridgewater initially had some troubles against Chicago last season at Soldier Field but he did figure it out in the second half. Both contests this season between these two teams should be high-scoring contests. In this case, I’ll give the advantage to the home team.
Prediction: Bears 30-28 (2-5)
Next: Week 9 - vs. Rams
Sep 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Chad Greenway (52) tackles St. Louis Rams running back Benny Cunningham (36) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Minnesota Vikings defeat St. Louis Rams 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Week 9 – vs. St. Louis Rams
The Rams are an interesting team entering the 2015 season. They swapped starting quarterbacks with the Philadelphia Eagles, sending Sam Bradford to Philly and receiving Nick Foles. In 2013, Foles lit up the Vikings for over 400 yards. However, he won’t have the weapons in St. Louis that he had in Philly. The Vikings should be able to contain this offense pretty well.
The Rams defense has arguably the most talented defensive line in the league that includes young studs Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn. Besides the defensive line, this defense isn’t that great. The Vikings should be able to sustain drives and put up points in this game behind Bridgewater and the ground attack that could still feature Adrian Peterson.
Prediction: Vikings 34-16 (3-5)
Next: Week 10 - @ Raiders
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Week 10 – @ Oakland Raiders
This game will have one interesting storyline, and that being that Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr will go head to head for the first time in the NFL. Moreover, a certain former Vikings quarterback is now a backup for the Raiders…I’ll let you “ponder” on that one for a while. Anyway, the Raiders are coming off yet another disappointing season and will look to improve in 2015.
Overall, the Raiders lack the talent on both sides of the ball to match up with really any NFL team well. The way it looks now, they will likely suffer another season will roughly four or five wins. As for this game in particular, the Vikings should be able to handle the Raiders in Oakland.
Prediction: Vikings 38-21 (4-5)
Next: Week 11 - vs. Packers
Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) passes against the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Green Bay Packers win 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Week 11 – vs. Green Bay Packers
Finally, Packer week. Most likely the most exciting two weeks for Vikings fans in the season are when the Vikings play the Packers. Historically, Aaron Rodgers has torn apart the Vikings defense and usually has had no problem putting up points against them. For the Vikings to stand a chance, they’ll have to stuff the Packers run game and force them to become one-dimensional. Containing Rodgers will be much more feasible if they can do that.
Offensively, Bridgewater showed in 2014 that he could move the ball a little bit against the Packers. He’ll have a better supporting cast this season and may even have Adrian Peterson in the backfield, so there’s no reason to think that Bridgewater won’t have more success leading this offense against the Packers. If the Vikings can establish a balance offensively to keep Rodgers on the sideline and then contain him enough when he is on the field, the Vikings can get this done.
Prediction: Vikings 33-30 (5-5)
Next: Week 12 - @ Falcons
Sep 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright (17) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Falcons 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Week 12 – @ Atlanta Falcons
When the Vikings hosted the Falcons last season, they destroyed them in Bridgewater’s first career start. In 2015, it won’t be that easy as former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn takes over as head coach. The Falcons have added a couple of solid veteran players on defense to help Quinn rebuild that defense. The Vikings should be able to sustain drives in this game and put up points in this game.
Defensively, the Vikings will have their work cut out for them. Matt Ryan is a dangerous quarterback to play against, especially when he’s at the Georgia Dome. Additionally, he still has Julio Jones and Roddy White to throw the ball to. Containing this offense may be a problem for the Vikings, but if they can manage it they’ll have a good chance to steal one from the Falcons.
Prediction: Vikings 27-24 (6-5)
Next: Week 13 - vs. Seahawks
Nov 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Week 13 – vs. Seattle Seahawks
The two-time defending NFC Champions visit TCF Bank Stadium in Week 13. The Seahawks boast arguably the most complete team in football, and the Vikings will have a tough go in this contest. Russell Wilson’s offense is always difficult to stop, especially when he can hand the ball to Marshawn Lynch. In recent years, the Vikings have had serious problems defending mobile quarterbacks, so containing Wilson may be a difficult task.
Offensively for the Vikings, finding a good balance early will be important. Establishing the run, whether it’s Peterson running the ball or not, will be most important to put up points against Seattle as it will then open up the pass a little bit. Regardless, it will be a struggle to match up with Seattle in this game on both sides of the ball.
Prediction: Seahawks 34-13 (6-6)
Next: Week 14 - @ Cardinals
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
Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Week 15 – vs. Chicago Bears
The Vikings will finish the 2015 season with three outdoor games late in December and early in January, with the first of these being at home against the Chicago Bears. At TCF last December, the Vikings were able to top the Bears in the frigid temperatures. Throughout the season, these teams should both improve but the Vikings should see more improvement with all of the youth on the team. Jay Cutler has struggled in Minnesota in years past, and this will likely continue.
The Vikings should be able to handle the Bears in this one given the home-field advantage. Hopefully, the Vikings defense can force a few mistakes from Cutler that make a difference in this one.
Prediction: Vikings 31-23 (7-7)
Next: Week 16 - vs. Giants
Oct 21, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive back Will Hill (25) dives to tackle Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Week 16 – vs. New York Giants
While the Giants weren’t all that great a season ago, they could surprise some people this season. Eli Manning has proven that with weapons he can be a pretty good quarterback. This season, if everyone stays healthy, he’ll have Odell Beckham Jr., Reuben Randle, and Victor Cruz at wide receiver. However, Manning has, for whatever reason, generally had trouble against the Vikings defense and tends to take a lot of hits in games against Minnesota. If the Vikings can do this again in this game, it should translate into success.
Defensively, the Giants should be relatively mediocre in all areas, although they can generate a pass rush. We’ve seen numerous times that Bridgewater has the ability to handle pressure well, and he should be able to lead the offense to enough points in this game.
Prediction: Vikings 27-14 (8-7)
Next: Week 17 - @ Packers
Oct 2, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) rushes with the football as Minnesota Vikings ss Robert Blanton (36) and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) defend during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Week 17 – @ Green Bay Packers
The final game of the season will take the Vikings to Lambeau Field in January and I hope they make sure to bring hand warmers for this one. Minnesota hasn’t won at Lambeau since Brett Favre got revenge against his former team, and hopefully the trend changes in 2015. Additionally, both of these teams could be fighting for playoff spots.
The face that this game is at Lambeau scares me. It will be a real test for this team to go into Lambeau Field for a Week 17 contest against the Packers that could have serious postseason implications on the line if they are able put themselves in that position. This young Vikings team will have quite the challenge in front of them. We know how solid the Packers are at home, and I expect them to take the season finale, unfortunately.
Prediction: Packers 27-20 (8-8)
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