Prediction No. 5
The Vikings will win their first game of the season
There are a lot of negative thoughts surrounding the Vikings through the first three games, but there’s a good chance they can get on track against Carolina.
Sunday’s game should act as a last resort for Minnesota as they try to avoid an 0-4 start. There should be changes along the offensive line and in the backfield, and if the passing game can continue to click without the mid-and-late-game hiccups from Cousins, they should be able to move the ball against a Panthers defense that allowed 425 yards in the loss to Seattle.
If Justin Jefferson and the rest of the Vikings weapons can get going early, O’Connell should be able to lean on their running game to pick up their first win of the season.
Prediction: Vikings win 24-17