6 reasons why the Vikings will beat the Giants in Week 5

Vikings know how to defend Shurmur’s offense

Following a successful season as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator in 2017, Pat Shurmur was hired to be the head coach of the New York Giants. Sunday will be the first time Shurmur has faced the Vikings since he left last year.

Many are going to think that Minnesota’s former offensive coordinator is going to have an advantage against his old team this week. But his time with the Vikings could actually end up being a disadvantage for Shurmur and the Giants.

Minnesota’s defense went against an offense led by the current New York head coach every day in practice for the entire 2017 season and a portion of 2016 as well. So the Vikings’ defenders are likely going to recognize a lot of the plays they see being called against them on Sunday.

Add in the fact that all 11 of Minnesota’s defensive starters were with the team in 2017 when Shurmur was running the offense and the edge in this week’s matchup should be given to the guys in purple and gold.