Following back-to-back losses, the Minnesota Vikings look to get back on track in Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins and the experts believe it can happen.
After suffering two losses in a row, the Minnesota Vikings still hold on to the sixth seed in the NFC with three weeks left in the 2018 NFL season. However, holding on to that spot could prove to be a real challenge.
Their opponent in Week 15 is the Miami Dolphins, a squad coming off a miraculous victory against the New England Patriots who are hoping to make the playoffs, but are currently on the outside looking in.
But who will win the game on Sunday, Dec. 16? The experts have made their picks and they seem to have a favorite heading into the game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Picking the Minnesota Vikings
- Bleacher Report – Consensus: “with their playoff position hanging by a thread, the more talented Vikes need this badly, while the Dolphins feel like a team destined to fall back to earth. ” (27-17)
- CBS Sports – Pete Prisco, Will Brinson, Jared Dubin, Ryan Wilson, John Breech, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg
- CBS Sports – Pete Prisco: “It will be interesting to see how the Vikings play on offense after firing coordinator John DeFilippo.” (24-23)
- CBS Sports – Ryan Wilson: “Minnesota appears to be the only team interested in the NFC’s sixth seed.” (21-18)
- NFL.com – Elliot Harrison: “If Cook doesn’t get the football this week, then Minnesota should hire Les Steckel again.” (30-23)
- Pro Football Talk – MDS: “The Vikings should have a few new wrinkles in their offense this week, and I expect them to make some big plays in the passing game to beat the Dolphins.” (30-20)
- Pro Football Talk – Mike Florio: “Lose this one, and it’s likely over for Minnesota.” (23-14)
- SBNation – RVB, Stephen While, Geoff Schwartz, Charles McDonald, Adam Stites, Christian D’Andrea
- Sporting News – Vinny Iyer: “No prime-time game and a weaker opponent are good things for Kirk Cousins.” (28-20)
There are a lot of reasons to like Minnesota in this one. Home field advantage is huge for Minnesota because of the rowdy crowd and the team will be looking to move on from their struggles the last few weeks to prove they are still a team which can win more football games down the stretch.
Picking the Miami Dolphins
- CBS Sports – Jason LaCanfora
- SBNation – Gil Arcia
- Sporting News – David Steele: “The Vikings are cursed by … who knows, anymore?” (17-24)
- TwinCities.com – Kevin Cusick: “The Vikings dumped offensive coordinator John DeFilippo after nearly getting shut out by the all-lime-clad Seahawks on Monday night in Seattle” (MIA by 3)
After Miami’s big win last week over the New England Patriots, experts have to be a little confused about the Dolphins. The team looked like they were going to fade into oblivion after losing four of their five games from Week 7 to Week 12. Instead, the team has rattled off back to back wins and are fighting to earn a playoff spot.
It’s hard to know what to expect from the Vikings in Week 15, but they have to be considered the favorites in this game based on the talent on their rosters and the home field advantage. Still, Miami is a team to take seriously and will be fighting just as hard to
Do you think the experts are right to think the Minnesota Vikings will win their Week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium or will the road team win and push the Vikings to three consecutive losses? Let us know in the comments.