5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers – Week 10
By Chris Schad
Austin Ekeler will have over 160 total yards
Earlier in the season, Zimmer defended his rushing defense by saying that all people look at are the stats. But judging by last week’s effort in Baltimore, his defense has a serious problem stopping teams from slapping them with his own playbook.
Last week’s effort against the Ravens was a nightmare for the Vikings as they allowed 247 yards on the ground. While giving up 120 yards to Lamar Jackson is understandable, they also allowed 79 yards to Devonta Freeman and 48 yards to Le’Veon Bell. Both running backs weren’t even on the team at the beginning of the year and things could get worse against the Chargers.
Austin Ekeler has become one of the league’s most multi-dimensional backs, topping over 100 total yards in five of eight games this season. With Anthony Barr missing the first two days of practice this week, the Vikings could not only lose one of their best tacklers but one of their best coverage linebackers as well.
We haven’t even mentioned that Michael Pierce continues to sit out with an elbow injury but with a gaping hole in the middle, Ekeler figures to eat.