Predicting the 14 remaining games on the Vikings 2023 schedule

Week 16 - vs. Detroit Lions

U.S. Bank Stadium is going to be rocking for this game, but hopefully not when the offense is on the field, like at the end of the Chargers game.

With an opportunity to take control in the NFC North, expect Kevin O'Connell to pull out all the stops in this game.

At the time that this is being written, the Lions' defense still shouldn't impress anyone because they simply don't do anything special. Detroit has an above-average pass rush, but they are vulnerable everywhere else, and it seems like they are constantly bailed out by their offense.

The Vikings' offense will exploit the holes in the Lions' defense and win a shootout. Looking at the rest of the remaining games on Detroit and Green Bay's schedules, this Minnesota win could put them in the driver's seat in the NFC North with two huge divisional games on the horizon.

Prediction: Vikings win (9-6)

Week 17 - vs. Green Bay Packers

Typically, when the Vikings get a huge win like they did in week 16, they follow it up with an absolutely embarrassing performance, but not this season.

Minnesota's offense will be fully in synch as they have been throughout this predicted win streak, and the Vikings' defense will do just enough to stop Jordan Love from taking over this game.

Minnesota split the season series a year ago, with the home team winning both contests. 2020 was the last time either team had won a road game in this rivalry, and that streak continues in 2023.

This win sets up a winner-takes-all clash with the Lions for the NFC North crown in Week 18.

Prediction: Vikings win (10-6)

Week 18 - at Detroit Lions

When the Vikings' schedule was released, the final three games caught a majority of fans' eyes. Two of the final three games against the Lions, and you start getting the feeling this final game in Detroit is going to hold some significance.

The question for Minnesota is, can they win when it matters most? The Vikings haven't had the best luck when the spotlight is on them.

Just two weeks removed from defeating the Lions in Minnesota, it will be hard for the Vikings to repeat this feat twice in 14 days.

Prediction: Vikings lose (10-7)

Although they drop the NFC North title, expect the Vikings to land the seventh seed and a very favorable matchup against the NFC South winner in the NFC wild-card round.