Predicting the Vikings next five games after blistering 6-1 start in 2022
By Dean Jones
How could the Minnesota Vikings fare over their next five games following a blistering 6-1 start to the 2022 season?
Not even the brightest optimist would have put the Minnesota Vikings at 6-1 through the first eight weeks of the season. A new head coach coming on board left their fortunes hanging in the balance, although a different regime decided to keep their core intact which has played a leading role in a noticeable surge back to prominence.
It’s not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. However, the Vikings are finding different ways to win depending on the situation and if a few minor problems are worked out in the coming weeks, then a deep postseason run cannot be ruled out entirely.
Trading for stud tight end T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions indicates that influential figures within the organization also feel like something special could happen sooner than anticipated. Winning after the bye week was another step in the right direction, but it’s vital they build further momentum to tighten their grip on the NFC North and make a playoff return.
With this in mind, we predicted how the Vikings might get on over the next five weeks following their sensational start to the campaign.
Week 9
Minnesota Vikings at Commanders
Sunday’s game at the Washington Commanders bares special significance for quarterback Kirk Cousins. The former Michigan State standout spent the first six years of his pro career with the team before switching to the Vikings in 2018 free agency, so he won’t want his old employers denting Minnesota’s exceptional run of form in Week 9.
Ron Rivera’s squad currently sits bottom of the NFC East at 4-4. But this is a team that can hurt the Vikings if complacency creeps into their play on the road.
Prediction: Win (7-1)
It would be a major disappointment if the Vikings didn’t beat the Commanders. However, anyone thinking this will be a cakewalk might be out of luck.