The Minnesota Vikings are underdogs heading into Sunday's afternoon game with the Kansas City Chiefs but there is no reason they can't come away with a win and move to 7-2 on the season. There is no doubt the Chiefs are talented but there are some key areas that the Vikings actually have an advantage. Let's breakdown four reasons the Vikings will defeat the Chiefs in Week 9.

4. Vikings pass rush

The Chiefs haven't announced who is starting at quarterback, but either way, they will probably be under a lot of pressure. Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter, and Linval Joseph are all forces on the defensive line and won't be giving Matt Moore or Patrick Mahomes much time. If it's Mahomes starting his mobility could be affected, and that will spell bad things for the Chiefs offense.

3. Mike Zimmer

Andy Reid is one of the best coaches in football, but the Vikings have the coaching advantage on Sunday. Mike Zimmer is one of the best defensive coaches in all of football and he is going to have some exotic looks that the Chiefs offense is going to have to try and figure out.

Even if the Vikings defense struggles in the first half, Kirk Cousins and the offense should keep them in it. At halftime, Zimmer is going to be able to make some adjustments, and the second half will be a clinic.

The Vikings defense against the Chiefs offense will be a fascinating battle, but the Vikings are going to get the upper hand.

2. Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook has stayed healthy up to this point and is proving why he is one of the best running backs in all of football. On the season the Chiefs defense has had all kinds of issues against the run, giving up 145 yards per game on the ground, which is 30th in football.

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It doesn't matter if the Chiefs stack the box, he is still going to run wild against them. On the season Cook has rushed for 823 yards and nine touchdowns.

1. Kirk Cousins

Who would have thought after Kirk Cousins performance in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears that heading into Week 9 he would be the team's biggest strength. Cousins is playing some of the best football of his career and he should have some good chances to throw the ball deep against the Chiefs.

It's not fair to compare Cousins to Aaron Rodgers, but this feels like a game where Cousins can do what Rodgers did on Monday night against the Chiefs. Rodgers threw for 305 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski has done a great job of scheming to get receivers and the hope is Cousins will have Adam Thielen to throw the ball to.

Before it would have to be the defense that was strong, to keep Cousins and the offense afloat. Cousins has proven the last month that even if the defense struggles, they can still win.

Kirk Cousins will lead the Vikings to their fifth win in a row.