If you look away from the 1-2 record, it actually hasn't been a bad start to the 2021 NFL season for the Minnesota Vikings. After a tight-knit overtime loss to the Bengals in Week 1 and a 1-point loss to the Cardinals in Week 2, Minnesota finally went out and got a win against the Seahawks, 30-17, in Week 3. Kirk Cousins had a magnificent game, throwing 30/38 with 323 yards and 3 touchdowns, while backup running back Alexander Mattison balled out with 171 scrimmage yards on 32 touches.
This week, the Vikings take on the Cleveland Browns, who look like one of the league's most fearsome teams in the early going of this season. Cleveland just lost in Week 1 to the Chiefs, took care of business against the Texans, and wiped the floor with the Bears offense in Week 3, limiting them to less than 50 yards of total offense.
Vikings Week 4 Predictions
Who will win this contest of contenders, both stacked on each side of the ball? It's sure to be a good one, filled with tons of scoring and electric defense as well. Here are 4 bold predictions for this week's matchup.
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
4. Justin Jefferson explodes f0r monster game
Jefferson has picked up right where he left off last year, as he's averaging better than 6 catches and 80 yards per game, while also snagging touchdowns in each of his last two games. He's an electric receiver that, like Tyreek Hill who scored 11 catches for 197 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, is capable of consistently winning intermediate routes against a Browns defense that boasts a great pass rush but average man coverage. This is Jefferson's golden opportunity to explode for a huge game.
3. Cook/Mattison combine for 150 yards from scrimmage
With Dalvin Cook's health in question this week but likely to play, there will likely be some sort of snap split more even than when Cook is fully healthy. Whatever the case, the Vikings will have to lean on their two feature backs quite a bit both on the ground and through the air, given how little time the Browns give opposing quarterbacks to get rid of the ball. In a high-scoring affair, the second-best backfield duo in the league will shine.
2. Everson Griffen turns the game with huge strip sack
After missing Week 2, Griffen got on the board this season with a sack in Week 3. As one of the late 2010s most fearsome pass rushers, Griffen will have to play a huge role in causing chaos if the Vikes want to pull out an upset. The Browns offense is dynamic, but certainly prone to making some mistakes. Griffen will pull out a big strip sack late in the second half to give the offense an opportunity to score.
1. Vikings win a stunner
The Browns have been scary this year, but the Vikings are hungry to get back to .500 and will have their rowdy home crowd behind them at US Bank Stadium. Coming out with guns blazing and a pass rush hungry to get after Baker Mayfield, they'll put the league on notice with a huge upset.
PREDICTION: Vikings 31, Browns 30
Follow Us
Subscribe