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

Week 11

Green Bay Packers (Home)

• Date: Sunday, November 21
• Time: 12 p.m. CT
• TV: FOX

After coming away with wins in their first three matchups against the Packers inside U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings haven’t defeated their NFC North rival on their home field since 2018.

That will change this season when Minnesota sends Aaron Rodgers out of their home stadium in a Green Bay uniform for the last time with a loss.

Prediction: Vikings win (7-3)

Week 12

San Francisco 49ers (Away)

• Date: Sunday, November 28
• Time: 3:25 p.m. CT
• TV: FOX

There’s a pretty good chance that the 49ers will be starting rookie Trey Lance, a Minnesota native, under center for this matchup with the Vikings.

If this ends up being the case, Lance will have a long afternoon against a Minnesota defense that could be one of the best the rookie has to face in 2021.

The Vikings defense will be confusing Lance all day, forcing him to commit multiple turnovers, and that will prove to be enough for Minnesota to earn a victory.

Prediction: Vikings win (8-3)

Week 13

Detroit Lions (Away)

• Date: Sunday, December 5
• Time: 12 p.m. CT
• TV: CBS

At this point in the season, who knows if the Lions will still be starting Jared Goff under center. Goff is motivated to prove people wrong this year, but playing for Detroit isn’t going to make anything easy in 2021.

As for this matchup with the Vikings, it won’t matter who is starting at quarterback for the Lions because they’re not going win the game anyways.

Prediction: Vikings win (9-3)

Week 14

Pittsburgh Steelers (Home)

• Date: Thursday, December 9
• Time: 7:20 p.m. CT
• TV: FOX/NFLN/Amazon

Why does it seem like some are counting out the Steelers as a contender this season? Pittsburgh won 12 games in 2020 and a bunch of players from last year’s roster are returning this season. So what’s with the lack of optimism?

Well, Minnesota will get to experience just how good the Steelers are in 2021. Spoiler alert, Pittsburgh is going to contend in the AFC this year and the Vikings will find out why in this Thursday night meeting.

Prediction: Vikings lose (9-4)