5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – Week 14

There will be a hostile environment at U.S. Bank Stadium

For years, opposing teams have felt the wrath of the fans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings play better at home, and with this game holding playoff implications, the fans will be ready to go for a Thursday night matchup.

The only problem is that they may not be hostile toward their opponent.

Last week’s loss to the Lions was like a kick in the groin. Losing to a team that hadn’t won in nearly a calendar year and making Jared Goff look like Tom Brady is one way to upset the fans. But it was just the latest in a series of fireable offenses for a team fading out of the playoff picture.

The Vikings’ best way to avoid this is by getting off to a fast start. But their recent history suggests that chants of “Fire Zimmer” could fill the stadium. That could create an interesting dynamic for a team that seems to tense up when the going gets tough.