Vikings at Eagles: Preview, Predictions, and More

Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles

As we head into Week 7, the Minnesota Vikings head into The City of Brotherly Love to take on the Philadelphia Eagles. If you love storylines leading up to a game, this game is just for you.

Must Read: QB Power Rankings: Is Bradford higher than Wentz?

Unless you live under a rock, you know that the Eagles decided to trade their starting quarterback Sam Bradford to the Vikings nine days before the start of the 2016 season. This stemmed from two things: Vikings’ starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater tearing his ACL in practice and the Eagles’ trades to draft Carson Wentz number two overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

After playing a mediocre season in 2015, Bradford returns to Philly on the opposing team to try and flip the script. If you’re a betting man/woman, go all-in on the Philly faithful giving Bradford a warm welcome with boo-birds.

Bradford has played well this season and so have the Vikings. After six weeks, they are the only undefeated team in the NFL and their defense is regarded as the best in the NFL. Even after they lost Bridgewater before the year started and their star running back Adrian Peterson early in the season, the Vikings are a team that could win the Super Bowl. Their offense, behind Bradford, needs to get going, but remember defense wins championships.

If your defense doesn’t win you a championship, it will most likely be because of an elite quarterback. Luckily for the Eagles, they have found one with Wentz. He has shown all season that he is the real deal, and I would argue he is the best offensive player the Eagles have. He will need to play lights out if the Eagles are going to get off of their two-game losing streak.

The Eagles offense vs. the Vikings defense will be the big factor in this game. Although, the storyline to follow will be Bradford vs. Wentz.

Vikings Keys To Victory

Get after Carson Wentz: The Redskins were in the rookies face all game, sacking him five times. It did not allow him to get into rhythm and was the biggest factor for their win. Minnesota needs to do the same thing.

Score offensive points: Bradford and the Vikings offense have only scored nine touchdowns this season. They need to get into the end zone on Sunday and not depend on their defense and special teams to get the job done.

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Control the ball: The Eagles lead the NFL in time of possession (33:09). However, in their two losses this season, they lost that battle. Hence, another wrinkle in the Vikings blueprint to victory.

Eagles Keys To Victory

Catch the football: Tight end Zach Ertz dropped a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter last game, which played a huge factor in the loss. According to Pro Football Focus, “Wentz has suffered a dropped pass on 5.1 percent of his pass attempts.” That needs to change on Sunday.

Hit Sam Bradford: There is no debate that Bradford is a quarterback that gets rattled when he is hit. Philadelphia needs to make him uncomfortable all game and hit him any (legal) chance they get.

Understand this is Wentz’s team: 22 pass attempts isn’t going to get the job done. I understand establishing the run, but the Eagles need to understand that Wentz is their best weapon on offense. No matter how good the Vikings defense has been this season, the Eagles need to have the ball in Wentz’s hands if they are going to win.

Odds

Point Spread: Minnesota -2.5
Moneyline: Minnesota -140, Philadelphia +120
Over/Under: 40

Prediction

An undefeated team coming off of their bye week to take on a team that has lost two-straight—easy win, right? Wrong. I expect Wentz to shine on Sunday and show the Eagles that trading Bradford was a great move. Minnesota has been awesome this season, but they aren’t perfect. The Eagles hand the Vikings their first loss of the season with a big upset that shakes up the NFC.

Pick: Minnesota Vikings: 24, Philadelphia Eagles: 28

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