5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Jets – Week 13
By Chris Schad
Dalvin Cook will be held under 100 yards rushing
It’s hard to know what to expect from the Vikings’ running game on a weekly basis. One week, Dalvin Cook is racing toward the end zone on a long touchdown run. The next, Cook has bottled up for two yards a carry. This has invoked memories of Adrian Peterson but also presents a wild card against the Jets.
The Jets’ defensive line has been the key to a defense that was graded 31st by PFF a year ago to No. 1 entering Week 13. Quinnen Williams has been particularly dominant as PFF’s No. 4 interior lineman. New York also has a strong pass rush, Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers, and Bryce Huff.
The biggest concern might be Eden Prairie native Jermaine Johnson. Johnson does not qualify for PFF’s run defense stats but has a 12.7 run stop percentage and 11 run stops in eight games this season.
If Minnesota can’t get their running game going, it could allow the Jets to pin their ears back in rushing Kirk Cousins, which could make for a long day for the Vikings’ offense.