The Minnesota Vikings kick off their regular season on Sunday. Their Week 1 matchup is with the Atlanta Falcons and it promises to be an interesting one, to say the least.
Although the Vikings come into the game as slight favorites (likely in part due to their home field advantage), they didn't live up to expectations last season. They must reprove themselves.
Here are four bold predictions for the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.
Dalvin Cook Hits His Stride
Dalvin Cook has shown all the potential in the world since being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings back in 2017. However, the running back has had issues staying on the field.
In 2017, he played in just four games. Meanwhile, last season saw him appear in 11. Although he had some nice moments, it's hard to get going when you aren't on the field.
That will change this year, and it starts in Week 1. Cook will prove he's the elite prospect many believe he is.
The Vikings will go to him early and often, and Cook's numbers will be absolutely fantastic. I'm talking over 100 yards on the ground, and another 50-plus in the air on a handful of catches. He'll add a touchdown or two.
Even when the Minnesota offense falters, Cook will be a consistently strong presence in the lineup all game.
Kirk Cousins Struggles
Kirk Cousins is difficult to unpack. Never have I seen a quarterback who actually divides fans as much as he does. Sure, there are people who think Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are overrated, but for the most part, fans recognize the greatness. Even the haters will concede they aren't terrible.
Cousins is different. You could ask 100 fans and get 100 different answers about him. Some believe he's absolutely terrible. Some think he's elite. Others believe he's a stat-padder. A few feel he has no help around him. NFL fans literally have no idea how to feel about him.
Last year made a few more people lean to the “overrated” side. He took over at quarterback for a team that went 13-3; it didn't even make the playoffs. Cousins was called out by fans for stat padding quite often; fans got tired of short passes in long-distance scenarios.
Kirk Cousins will get back on track in 2019, but things will start poorly.
The quarterback will be hassled all game and play from behind. Due to that, he'll force a few throws which will become interceptions.
Josh Doctson Will Show Promise
The Minnesota Vikings recently signed Washington Redskins former first-round draft pick Josh Doctson. The receiver was cut at the end of the preseason despite having a career year in 2018.
In Washington's defense, that career year still wasn't anything special, certainly a lot less than you'd want from a first-round pick.
That being said, there were marked improvements in his game. More importantly, he was doing so with a terrible quarterback situation. Yes, Alex Smith was the QB for the first half of the year, but the Redskins ended the season with Josh Johnson at signal caller.
Can you really blame a receiver for not putting up elite numbers in those circumstances?
Doctson's back with his old QB, Kirk Cousins. Although he isn't the starter, he should get some time in Week 1. He'll use that time well and flash his big play potential.
There's still more than enough time to turn his career around, and Doctson will take the first step forward on Sunday. Needless to say, Redskins fans won't be too happy about it.
Vikings Lose a Close One
The Minnesota Vikings enter the game as favorites. Despite that, they'll lose.
However, it won't be a blowout. The game will always be close, and Minnesota will lose by one score when the clock runs out.
The defense is going up against an extremely loaded Falcons offense, so there's no room for error.
When that error happens, the Atlanta Falcons will pounce. Kirk Cousins and the Vikings will rebound, but they'll leave Week 1 with an 0-1 record.
Follow Us
Subscribe