Minnesota’s fans will have a major impact on the game
While every team missed their home crowd in 2020, few felt it worse than the Minnesota Vikings. Since U.S. Bank Stadium opened in 2016, the Vikings held a 24-9 record heading into last season. With no fans, the Vikings slumped to 3-5 and missed the playoffs.
It can be argued that the Vikings had some home-field advantage in their first two games as fans flocked to Cincinnati and Arizona, but few environments can replicate what will happen on Sunday.
With a 3:25 p.m. CT kickoff, fans will have extra time to prepare before heading into the stadium. Once inside, they’ll get their first look at Justin Jefferson, who took the league by storm in front of an empty stadium. With the added urgency following an 0-2 start, there should be an extra gear to will the Vikings to victory.
It seems like an easy prediction to make, but Sunday should feel good for the home team.