The way, way too early Minnesota Vikings 2018 record prediction
By Adam Patrick
Week 5: at Philadelphia Eagles (W)
In a rematch of the 2017 NFC Championship, Mike Zimmer is going to make sure this season’s game turns out much differently. Plus, Zimmer is going to have three extra days to prepare for this year’s matchup due to the Vikings playing on Thursday night in Week 4.
Minnesota having former Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo as their offensive coordinator this season will definitely come into play for this Week 5 showdown. These factors combined with new Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins having previous success in his career against Philadelphia should result in Minnesota coming out with a win.
Record after Week 5:
4-1
Week 6: Arizona Cardinals (W)
Could this be a game that makes the Vikings regret letting quarterback Sam Bradford go this offseason? Probably not.
Bradford will likely be extra motivated for this matchup, but Minnesota’s defense should still be able to get the best of him. Even if running back David Johnson is out on the field for the Cardinals, the Vikings should be able to get the victory.
Record after Week 6:
5-1
Week 7: at New York Jets (W)
If Minnesota is able to defeat the Jets this season, it will be the Vikings’ first-ever road win over New York. In five previous matchups against the Jets in the Big Apple (well let’s be honest, New Jersey), Minnesota has never left the building with a victory.
There’s a decent chance that the Jets will be starting a rookie quarterback in this matchup (or even Teddy Bridgewater). But it won’t matter who New York starts under center as the Vikings’ defense will prove to be too much for the Jets’ offense to handle.
Record after Week 7:
6-1
Week 8: New Orleans Saints (W)
Hopefully, this season’s showdown with the Saints doesn’t come down to the last play like the last time these two teams met.
Expect this contest to still be a close one, but Minnesota usually gets the best of New Orleans in the Twin Cities (Vikings are 3-1 vs. the Saints at home since 2005). Kirk Cousins has seven touchdown passes in two career games against New Orleans, so look for that success to continue in this matchup and lead Minnesota to a win.
Record after Week 8:
7-1