The Viking Age
FanSided

Minnesota Vikings win-loss prediction for the 2016 season

By Jordan Wright

Jan 31, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Minnesota Vikings mascot Viktor watches cheerleaders perform during the 2016 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Minnesota Vikings mascot Viktor watches cheerleaders perform during the 2016 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 14

The Vikings will travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars in week 14. These two teams have met five times, with Minnesota winning four of them. Last season, the Jaguars finished with a record of 5-11.

Even with a losing record, the Jaguars turned a lot of heads in 2015, and a lot of that had to do with their offense (23.5 points per game, 14th in the NFL). However, defensively, the Jaguars were 31st in the NFL, allowing 28 ppg.

Jacksonville has lots of young talent on both sides of the ball and are definitely on the rise. However, they aren’t close to the Vikings’ level yet. Vikings will win this match-up, giving them 10 through the first 13 games of the season.

Week 15

The Indianapolis Colts will travel to Minnesota in week 15. The Colts have the second best winning percentage against the Vikings all-time, winning 16 of the 24 games these two teams have played (they’ve also tied once). Last season, the Colts went 8-8.

Losing Andrew Luck to injury was a huge blow to the Colt’s chances in 2015. The Colts scored 20.8 ppg (24th) while giving up 25.5 ppg (25th), but those offensive numbers should take a major jump with Luck coming back.

The defense will have its hands full against the Colts, but the Vikings should be able to have success against the Colts’ defense. Advantage, Minnesota.

Week 16

The Vikings will travel to Green Bay in week 16. After losing to the Vikings in week 2, Aaron Rodgers and company will defend their home turf to split the series with Minnesota.

Week 17

The Vikings will close out the regular season at home against the Chicago Bears, and just like the Packers in week 16, the Vikings will look to avenge an earlier loss to a divisional foe. And just like the Packers, Minnesota will win this one.

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (L) speaks with general manager Rick Spielman (R) prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (L) speaks with general manager Rick Spielman (R) prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

The crystal ball says the Vikings will end the 2016 regular season with a record of 12-4, which is a slight improvement from 2015.

Another year under Mike Zimmer should have the defense firmly in the “elite” tier. Add in another year of growth for Teddy Bridgewater, a returning Adrian Peterson and a (hopefully) improved offensive line, and the Vikings have the making for a special season.

While it’s entirely possible the Vikings lose a game or two they should win (maybe against the Colts or Cowboys), it’s also possible the Vikings win one they shouldn’t (I’m looking at you, Arizona).

Next: Vikings game-by-game 2016 season preview

Unless something goes seriously wrong, 2016 should give Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer plenty to smile about. However, this is the NFL and anything can happen on any given Sunday.

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