Predicting the Vikings 2020 record with half a season left to go

Week 12

Carolina Panthers (Home)

• Date: Sunday, November 29
• Time: 12 p.m. CT
• TV: FOX

For the first time ever, Teddy Bridgewater will start a regular-season game inside U.S. Bank Stadium. The former Vikings quarterback will certainly be motivated to hand his old team a loss in this matchup.

At 3-6 after nine games, the Panthers are coming off a game in Week 9 where they almost handed the Kansas City Chiefs their second loss of the season. So this contest against Carolina is going to be far from an easy win for Minnesota.

Interestingly enough, Bridgewater is the last quarterback to lead the Vikings to a win on their home field over the Panthers (in 2014). Unfortunately for him, he won’t be celebrating a victory in his return to Minnesota.

Prediction: Vikings win (6-5)

Week 13

Jacksonville Jaguars (Home)

• Date: Sunday, December 6
• Time: 12 p.m. CT
• TV: CBS

If the Vikings actually head into this matchup against the Jaguars with five straight wins, this has trap game written all over it.

Currently 1-7, there is no reason to believe Jacksonville should leave U.S. Bank Stadium with a victory over Minnesota in Week 13. Still, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer must make sure his locker room doesn’t slack on their preparation during the week leading up to this game in order to avoid an embarrassing loss.

Prediction: Vikings win (7-5)