The way, way too early Minnesota Vikings 2018 record prediction

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers (W)

In Kirk Cousins’ regular season debut with the Vikings, he’ll get to showcase his skills in front of the team’s home crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota is 3-1 in Week 1 games with Mike Zimmer as their head coach and 2018 will likely increase that win total to four.

The 49ers will present a tough matchup with quarterback Jimmy Garappolo, former Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon, and a talented young defense. But in the end, the Vikings should be able to come out of Week 1 with a victory.

Record after Week 1:

1-0

Week 2: at Green Bay Packers (W)

For the first time since 2008, Minnesota will be heading to Green Bay for a September showdown.

In the recent past, the Vikings and Packers have played in games at Lambeau Field with freezing cold temperatures. But this year, the weather should not even be a factor and that should benefit Minnesota.

In his first game against the Vikings since Anthony Barr broke his collarbone last year, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers will definitely be out for revenge. However, Zimmer’s defenses have a history of performing well against Rodgers in the past and that trend will continue for this matchup.

Record after Week 2:

2-0

Week 3: Buffalo Bills (W)

In their first of three straight matchups with 2017 playoff teams, the Bills should not be an easy win for Minnesota. While Buffalo’s quarterback situation is currently unknown at this point, it’s safe to assume that their defense should give the Vikings fits in this game.

But in the end, Minnesota’s own defensive talent should be enough for the Vikings to get a victory over the Bills and remain undefeated.

Record after Week 3:

3-0

Week 4: at Los Angeles Rams (L)

Thursday night games tend to favor the home team and this will likely be the case for this matchup. Not only do the Vikings have only four days to prepare for a game on the road, the contest will be up against a Rams team that should be even more improved from their 2017 squad that made the playoffs.

Because of the upgrades Los Angeles made this offseason and the short week, Week 4 will likely be where Minnesota suffers their first loss of the 2018 season.

Record after Week 4:

3-1