TVA Predictions: Will the Vikings get past the upset-minded Browns?

Adam Carlson:

Vikings win 30-10

As soon as the schedule came out, it is unlikely any fan of the Minnesota Vikings became concerned about their Week 8 game against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL’s annual International Series. Since then, the Browns have given little to no reason to fear them at all, struggling offensively and unable to find one quarterback to rally behind.

Offensively, the Vikings should be okay. The Browns will be without their top draft pick Myles Garrett, but still give up the ninth fewest yards per game. In addition, the Browns currently own the best yards per rushing attempt defense in the league, allowing 2.96 per carry. Sure, some of those are teams taking knees to run out the clock or run plays with a huge lead, but that is still something Minnesota should take seriously.

While I don’t expect any Minnesota running backs to reach or exceed 100 yards on the ground, the passing game will be huge. Cleveland allows a very generous 70% completion percentage and 10.18 yards per catch. Even though the Vikings aren’t known for having many explosive plays lately, their ability to pick up yards after the catch will allow them to break some big plays and get points on the board. Expect Adam Thielen to get over 100 yards and two other Vikings pass-catchers to have 60 or more.

On defense, the Vikings will have a great day. I anticipate them getting three turnovers from the Browns as well as Everson Griffen to continue his streak of sacks while the team racks up at least four in total. Like last week, I do expect the Browns to get one touchdown, but it won’t be until late in the game when it doesn’t really matter anymore.

The final score will be 30-10. And casual NFL fans will be changing the channel because the Browns won’t be worth checking out in this game.