After struggling a bit to start the season, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has found his rhythm and is playing with some real confidence heading into a Thursday night showdown with the Washington Redskins. The Redskins' defense has struggled a lot this year, which means there are high expectations surrounding the Vikings and Cousins for this game.

So will he live up to the expectations? Let's break down three bold predictions for Cousins.

3. Throws at least three touchdowns

Each of the last two games, Cousins has thrown four touchdowns and although he might not reach that number on Thursday, he should have no issue finding the end zone.

The Redskins defensive stats don't look as bad as they should because of the last couple of weeks. Two weeks ago they played the Miami Dolphins, who can't move the ball, and last game they played the San Francisco 49ers in a rainstorm.

Earlier this season Mitchell Trubisky threw three touchdowns against the Redskins. He has been terrible in every game outside that game, which tells you all you need to know about the defense.

I would predict Cousins to throw more touchdowns in this game, but it might be so ugly in the second half that the Vikings don't need to throw the ball at all.

2. Throws two touchdowns to someone not named Stefon Diggs

All signs are pointing towards Adam Thielen not playing in this game, but that shouldn't have much effect on the passing game. In the last game against the Lions, Cousins had touchdown passes to Thielen, Kyle Rudolph, Olabisi Johnson, and fullback C.J. Ham.

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Who will get the touchdowns is hard to predict exactly, but this feels like a game where Irv Smith Jr. could get his first NFL touchdown.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski has done a good job of getting everyone involved and they are going to be very creative to make sure that even without Thielen, everyone is getting involved.

1. Another big performance moves him up the MVP rankings

No one seems to be talking about it, but Kirk Cousins should be included in the MVP race. Cousins has thrown for 1,711 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.

He isn't the best quarterback in the league, but if he continues the strong play for the Vikings, he is one of the better guys in the league.

Winning the MVP is going to be hard for Cousins because of the notion that he doesn't win big games. This one is on national television and even against a bad team. A good game might open the eyes of some around the league.