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The Minnesota Vikings enter Week 5 after finally breaking through with a win against the Carolina Panthers last week. The Vikings didn't look extremely impressive, but a win is a win. And for a team that lost its first three assignments, getting one over the proverbial hump must have felt very good. Consequently, the Vikings enter Week 5 carrying a 1-3 record facing a very strong Kansas City Chiefs squad. Not surprisingly, the Vikings are the absolute underdogs in this one. The Minnesota Vikings want to build on their momentum and pull off an upset against the Chiefs. However, that would be much easier said than done. As the Vikings prepare to face the Chiefs, here are four bold predictions for the game that could lead to another defeat for Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings Broke Through in Week 4
The Vikings secured their first win of the 2023 NFL season by defeating the Panthers 21-13 in Week 4. The Panthers led 13-7 at halftime, but the Vikings responded with a defensive touchdown in the second half. Vikings' defensive end DJ Wonnum returned a Bryce Young fumble 51 yards for a touchdown. That shifted the momentum of the game in favor of the Vikings. Quarterback Kirk Cousins had an okay game, throwing for two touchdowns and just 139 yards. Running back Alexander Mattison also had a strong performance, rushing for 95 yards on 17 carries.
The Vikings' defense played a crucial role in the win, holding the Panthers to just 13 points and forcing two turnovers. Safety Harrison Smith finished the game with three sacks, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. The Vikings' defense recorded six sacks and four interceptions in the first four games of the season. Against the Panthers, they recorded five sacks. The Vikings' defense will need to have another big game in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs if they want to pull off the upset.
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Here are our four bold predictions for the Minnesota Vikings as they face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5.
1. Kirk Cousins Finds His Groove
In their recent victory against the Panthers, Kirk Cousins had a rollercoaster performance. Despite a rocky start, with an interception returned for a 99-yard touchdown in the first quarter, Cousins managed to connect with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson for two crucial touchdowns. While his yardage fell below his earlier season standards, Cousins' resilience contributed to Minnesota's first win. Although Week 4 saw Cousins struggle a bit, he had impressive outings in the previous two games against the Eagles and Chargers. Therefore, expect Cousins to rebound against the Chiefs. Minnesota is likely to be playing catch-up, making him a potential top-five quarterback in Week 5. So far, only Zach Wilson in Week 4 has really played well against Kansas City this season. However, Cousins is poised to do better than Wilson. We have Cousins going over 300 yards in this one.
#NFL Touchdown Leaders ⬇️
Kirk Cousins → 11
Russell Wilson → 9
Josh Allen → 9
Tua Tagovailoa → 9
Patrick Mahomes → 8
Jordan Love → 8
Baker Mayfield → 7
Justin Herbert → 7
Justin Fields → 7
Jared Goff → 6
CJ Stroud → 6#SKOL pic.twitter.com/OqLfni7bRM— Vikings Nation (@vikingsnationmn) October 3, 2023
2. Justin Jefferson's Brilliance
Justin Jefferson was a standout in the Vikings' Week 4 victory over the Panthers. He secured six of nine targets for 85 yards and two touchdowns. He led Minnesota in all key receiving categories and played a pivotal role in securing their first win of the season. Jefferson scored his touchdowns with a four-yard reception during the second quarter and an impressive 30-yard jump-ball catch in the third. Although his streak of three consecutive 145-plus-yard games was snapped, Jefferson's remarkable performance this season continues. This makes him a standout choice for projections in a home game where Minnesota is likely to be chasing the score against the Chiefs. With Jefferson's exceptional skills, he stands as the top wide receiver in the game. Put him down for over 135 yards and one touchdown.
3. Tenacious Vikings' Defense
The Vikings' defense has been strong this season. They have tallied six sacks and four interceptions in their first four games. In Week 5, they will play against a Chiefs offensive line that has struggled to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes. As such, the Vikings are poised to apply pressure and force turnovers. Keep an eye on defensive end Danielle Hunter. He has been off to a blazing start in the 2023 season with five sacks. Expect Hunter to have ample opportunities to rush the passer in Week 5 against Kansas City.
4. Vikings Show Ferocity But Fall Short
Both of these high-octane offenses have the potential to put up big numbers. It's not surprising to see a total score projection above 50 points. This could be a shootout, though the Chiefs are still heavily favored. While the Vikings may put up a fight, they are still expected to come up short in this matchup.
Looking Ahead
In conclusion, as the Minnesota Vikings prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5, our four bold predictions paint an intriguing picture of what may unfold on the gridiron. Kirk Cousins aims to bounce back from a mixed performance, and Justin Jefferson continues to shine as a premier wide receiver. The Vikings' defense also appears poised for a strong showing against a vulnerable Chiefs' offensive line. While the game promises offensive fireworks, the historical trends suggest that this matchup may see the Chiefs prevail. The Vikings, though competitive, may ultimately fall short. Football fans can anticipate an action-packed clash with the potential for surprises as these two dynamic teams face off in what could be a game to remember.
