5 keys to victory: Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars in week 14

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) hands the ball off to running back Matt Asiata (44) in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) hands the ball off to running back Matt Asiata (44) in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws a pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws a pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

#1. Take advantage of Jacksonville’s gambles

There is a lot to like about Blake Bortles. He’s a big quarterback with a big arm who can make throws all over the field. However, the one big knock on the Jacksonville’s passer is that he can be a bit of a gambler.

Having a strong arm and a lot of confidence can be both a blessing and a curse. This season, it has resulted in 15 interceptions in just 12 games with 4 being returned by the defense for touchdowns.

Bortles will take more of those shots during this game. It will be up to the Vikings pass rush to pressure him into being off target and the secondary to make big plays on the football in when it is thrown.

And knowing the Vikings defense, their opportunity to get some points on the board to take pressure off the struggling offense could be a huge benefit to the team’s attempt to stay in the hunt in the NFC.

Schedule