TVA Predictions: Will it be five wins in a row for the Vikings this week?

Spencer Suckow:

Redskins win 23-21

The Vikings are only 1-2 under Mike Zimmer after bye weeks, and for some reason, I feel like that record will be 1-3 after this week.

Minnesota quarterback Case Keenum hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire as of late, and it seems like he’s due to cost the Vikings a game at some point.  The Washington Redskins have an underrated defense that’s in the upper half of the NFL in sacks and interceptions, and they’ve been battle-tested this season against some of the best offenses in the league.

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has also quietly had a good start to the season despite the loss of offensive coordinator Sean McVay.  Cousins and the Washington offense gave the Vikings’ defense fits last season, and are just starting to get healthy once again.

Additionally, the game will be played in Washington, where Minnesota has lost their last two contests against the Redskins.

The key to the game will be getting pressure on Cousins and stopping versatile Washington running back Chris Thompson.  On paper, the Vikings have the speed and coverage ability at linebacker to be able to keep up with Thompson, but consistency with open-field tackling has been a struggle at times with both Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks.

Next: 4 bold predictions for the rest of the Vikings' season

If Keenum can take care of the ball and Minnesota can take advantage of a beat up Redskins offensive line, they’ll have a good shot at winning.  However, I think rust from the bye week and a crucial mistake from Keenum will ultimately make the difference in a close game.