Predicting the Vikings 2020 record with half a season left to go
By Adam Patrick
Week 16
New Orleans Saints (Away)
- Date: Friday, December 25
- Time: 3:30 p.m. CT
- TV: FOX
Nothing would be sweeter than the Vikings ruining the Saints’ Christmas. But Minnesota leaving New Orleans with a win this year will be easier said than done.
Coming off a game where they demolished Tom Brady and the Buccaneers 38-3, the 6-2 Saints currently have one of the best records in the NFL. New Orleans has still shown their vulnerability at times this season though, as three of their last four wins have been by three points or less.
With Mike Zimmer leading the way, the Vikings will definitely have a chance in this game. But will Minnesota have enough in the tank to hold off the Saints and the payback they’ve had planned since the Vikings handed them a loss in last season’s playoffs?
Prediction: Vikings lose (8-7)
Week 17
Detroit Lions (Away)
- Date: Sunday, January 3
- Time: 12 p.m. CT
- TV: FOX
There’s a very, very (emphasis on the very) good chance that the Lions will step on the field for this matchup with an interim head coach. With Detroit heading toward another disappointing season, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team showed head coach Matt Patricia the door before their final game of the year against the Vikings.
No matter what sort of state Detroit is in for this season finale, Minnesota will probably need a victory to clinch a spot in the playoffs. If the Vikings are smart, they’ll call the Lions ownership and tell them to wait until after Week 17 to fire Patricia since Detroit is winless against Minnesota with him as their head coach.
Whether the Lions fire their head coach or not before the final game of the year, the Vikings should still be able to end their regular season with a win.
Prediction: Vikings win (9-7)