Predicting the 12 remaining games on the Vikings schedule following 1-4 start

Week 15 - at Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are almost certainly going to be in the thick of the AFC playoff race. Joe Burrow seems to be back to his previous self again, which spells trouble for the Vikings defense.

This game could go left really quickly for Minnesota if they continue playing the way they have been through the first five weeks of the season. Cincinnati's offense has too much firepower for the Vikings' defense to keep up.

This loss starts raising question marks around Kevin O'Connell's future as Minnesota's head coach.

Prediction: Vikings lose (3-11)

Week 16 - vs. Detroit Lions

There won't be any surprises in this game; The Lions are battling for playoff position, and Dan Campbell isn't the type of coach to take his foot off the gas.

At this point, the Vikings will try to play spoiler in this game, but this Lions team is just different.

Minnesota may have already packed it in for the season at this point, but Kevin O'Connell won't let this team lie down and get run over.

The Vikings have a chance in this game if their offense can stay in synch and avoid turnovers, and if Jaren Hall can use his legs when trouble presents itself, Minnesota can absolutely steal this game.

In the end, this team just doesn't have the horsepower to stay with Detroit, and they drop this game, keeping them in contention for a top-five pick in the 2024 draft.

Prediction: Vikings lose (3-12)