5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. New England Patriots – Week 12

Bad things will continue to happen when Belichick comes to town

Last week, we predicted that Kirk Cousins would be pressured on 40 percent against the Cowboys. It was a modest goal considering the Vikings had allowed a 40 percent pressure rate in four of their last five games and the Cowboys were toward the top of the league with a pressure rate of just over 40 percent.

It turned out that it was way too low.

The Cowboys terrorized Cousins throughout Sunday’s game – logging a 63 percent pressure rate. To make matters worse, the Vikings lost Christian Darrisaw to his second concussion in the past two weeks, and the floodgates were open for Micah Parsons and the rest of the Dallas defense.

This week’s matchup is more bad news as the Vikings will go against Belichick’s defense. According to Pro Football Reference, the Patriots are second in the NFL with a 29.8 percent pressure rate. The Patriots also have two top-tier pass rushers in Matthew Judon, who leads the NFL with 13 sacks, and Deatrich Wise Jr., who ranks 13th with 38 pressures this season.

Meanwhile, Ed Ingram continues to lead all offensive linemen with 40 pressures allowed, and Ezra Cleveland ranks eighth with 29 pressures. With Garrett Bradbury ranking second among NFL centers with 25 pressures allowed and Blake Brandel allowing a pair of sacks against Dallas, this should be a field day for the Patriots to get after Cousins.