The Minnesota Vikings were able to get back on track with a convincing victory over New York Giants and are now looking to stay in the win column as they get set to host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6.
The 2019 NFL season had seemingly taken a tumultuous turn when wide receiver Adam Thielen called out the shortcomings of quarterback Kirk Cousins after the offense struggled to find its footing to start the year. Fortunately, the duo was able to get back on track in the 28-10 win over the Giants and are hoping to keep that momentum going.
Although it is still early in the year, the Vikings find themselves in a must-win situation due to a tightly-contested NFC North division that still has yet to determine a top contender. It is safe to say that they have a chance to make quite a statement an Eagles team that has won back-to-back games.
Here are 3 bold predictions for Minnesota's offense versus Philadelphia's defense.
3. Dalvin Cook Will Become First 100-Yard Rusher Allowed By Eagles Defense This Season
The prospect of running back Dalvin Cook putting up a big performance is a safe bet on most weeks, however, this would not be one of them given how stout the Eagles have been against the run this season. In fact, they have given up the fewest yards per game on the ground heading into Week 6 (63.0).
Although the Chicago Bears defense was able to figure out the blueprint to slowing him down in Week 4, Cook is still the NFL's second-leading rusher behind Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey. Despite Philadelphia's prowess in the run department, they have not faced a running back of his caliber thus far.
Given the recent balance their offense has been able to establish, Cook may be poised to become the first running back to register 100 rushing yards in the Eagles' past eight games.
2. Kirk Cousins Will Throw For Three Touchdowns
Cousins received his fair share of flak for the Vikings' slow start to the 2019 campaign from both current and former teammates. While he was able to get this offense back on track with an efficient outing versus the Giants, linebacker Zach Brown was still not shy about declaring his old old teammate from the Washington Redskins as the ‘weakest part' of the offense.
Brown could end up eating his words if Cousins is able to find his rhythm early on. As stingy as Philadelphia's defense is against the run, they have been rather generous versus the pass and have been prone to engaging in shootouts this season.
If Minnesota is able to establish a balanced approach, this should open up plenty of opportunities to Cousins to finish off drives by finding his talented receiving duo in the end zone.
1. Offensive Line Allows No More Than Two Sacks
In order for Cousins to reach his bold prediction, the Vikings' offensive must first accomplish theirs. They will be tasked with fending off an Eagles pass rush that recorded a whopping 10 sacks versus the Jets in Week 5 without the help of starting guard Josh Kline after being ruled out with a foot injury.
Although Philadelphia is coming off a monster performance on defense, they are far from being considered an elite pass-rushing group after tallying just three sacks in the first four games of the season. This means their recent outburst could be attributed to the lackluster state of New York's offense.
Minnesota's offensive line has allowed 11 sacks this year to teams with much better edge rushers than what they are facing this week. While there will be some blunders on their part, Cousins should be able to work from a relatively clean pocket.
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