5 Minnesota Vikings players to watch vs. the Washington Redskins

Irv Smith Jr. – TE

The Vikings finally utilized their tight ends in Week 7 in Detroit and had to be happy with the results. Irv Smith and Kyle Rudolph combined for 10 receptions 118 yards and a touchdown. They were a mismatch against Lions linebackers and made key receptions that kept drives alive. After the solid showing in Detroit, chances are high that Cousins looks to these playmakers again in Week 8.

Irv Smith is a fun player to watch. He’s got the body type of a receiver and is a fluid mover with great quickness and speed. There isn’t a linebacker in the league who can run with him and it is another area the Vikings should look to attack against the Redskins.

It just feels like one of these days Smith Jr. is going to explode for a multi-touchdown performance. With Adam Thielen potentially out, maybe this becomes the week for Smith to see an increased number of targets.

The Redskins have a weak group of linebackers and Smith should be wide open in the middle of the field or down the seam. If Cousins looks his way, Smith could have a primetime debut reminiscent of the old No. 84 for the Vikings.