3 favorable matchups for the Vikings in Week 4 vs. the Browns
By Luke Parrish
Minnesota’s RBs and TEs vs. Cleveland’s LBs
Both of these teams are set up very similarly with a desire to run the ball and utilize their tight ends in both phases of the offense. Cleveland has three tight ends that currently rank in the top five on the team for targets which will keep Zimmer busy all afternoon.
Eric Kendricks and Nick Vigil have been strong this season and will need to keep that up when the Browns come to town. If Anthony Barr returns, he will bring a ton of needed experience to the middle of the defense but his absence has become far too common.
On the other side of the ball, Cleveland has shuffled a handful of linebackers into the mix and has a ton of speed in that unit. Malcolm Smith, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Anthony Walker, Mack Wilson, and Sione Takitaki have all started at least once this season.
They keep fresh legs by rotating their linebackers but the Vikings will be able to make plays regardless of who is in for Cleveland. Whether Mattison or Cook gets the start at running back, the offensive line should be able to open lanes and let them take defenders one-on-one, which benefits Minnesota.
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Tyler Conklin is also hitting his stride as a receiver. The Vikings may not have a better team on paper but controlling the middle of the field will help them in this matchup. Sunday’s battle between Zimmer and Stefanski is going to be a fun chess match to watch.