Game-by-game 2021 record prediction for the Minnesota Vikings

Week 2

Arizona Cardinals (Away)

• Date: Sunday, September 19
• Time: 12 p.m. CT
• TV: FOX

This matchup is going to get a bunch of attention thanks to new Vikings Patrick Peterson facing his former team. Peterson hasn’t been afraid to express his displeasure with the Cardinals organization this offseason, so don’t be surprised if Arizona’s offense goes after the veteran corner early to see if he can walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

The Cardinals offense is full of high-level talent like quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. But it will be Arizona’s defense, specifically their pass rush, that ultimately gives them the edge in this matchup.

Prediction: Vikings lose (1-1)

Week 3

Seattle Seahawks (Home)

• Date: Sunday, September 26
• Time: 3:25 p.m. CT
• TV: FOX

Usually, the Vikings have to travel to the Pacific Northwest when they have their annual showdown with the Seahawks.

But this year will be different as Minnesota gets to face Seattle inside a raucous U.S. Bank Stadium. The deafening sound of the Vikings crowd will certainly play a part in who wins.

There will be no game-winning drives by Russell Wilson in this matchup as Minnesota’s new and improved defense will make life miserable for the Seahawks quarterback all afternoon long.

Prediction: Vikings win (2-1)

Week 4

Cleveland Browns (Home)

• Date: Sunday, October 3
• Time: 12 p.m. CT
• TV: CBS

It’s crazy to even think this after how the first two decades of this century have gone for the franchise, but the Browns have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL this year.

This contest, of course, will be the return of Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski to Minnesota for a regular-season game for the first time since he was on the Vikings coaching staff in 2019.

Expect a close matchup, but the Browns have the potential to compete for a Super Bowl spot this year, and they’ll prove why in this game against Minnesota.

Prediction: Vikings lose (2-2)

Week 5

Detroit Lions (Home)

• Date: Sunday, October 10
• Time: 12 p.m. CT
• TV: FOX

There are two scenarios that could play out for the Lions this season. They could either surprise a bunch of people and win more than a handful of games or they could just be terrible this year as most people are expecting.

The second scenario is the more likely of the two, so the Vikings will be coming away with a win in this early season matchup with Detroit.

Prediction: Vikings win (3-2)