Minnesota Vikings: 2017 Schedule Breakdown And Analysis
Week 14: at Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton should rebound this season along with the Carolina Panthers. The thought here is that Carolina and Atlanta will be neck-and-neck in the division while Tampa Bay and New Orleans are slightly behind. Believe it or not, once a weak division, the NFC South may become one of the strongest divisions in 2017.
The loss of Ted Ginn Jr. stings a little, but Cam Newton still has Kelvin Benjamin, Greg Olsen and Jonathan Stewart to help him produce. The question is, who will win the spot opposite of Benjamin? Devin Funchess has progressed slowly, though he may be forced into the lineup. Minnesota defeated the Panthers handily last year, and they know their strengths and weaknesses well having played Carolina it seems like every season. If Atlanta knocks off the Vikings the week before, a hungry purple and gold could come in and win again against the Panthers.
Week 15: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
To this point, Mike Zimmer has yet to play his former team since joining the Vikings during the regular season even though they played during the preseason last year. The Bengals haven’t changed the personnel too much. Like Minnesota, Cincinnati does a great job a re-signing their own talent.
Trying to analyze this game is difficult since the body of work from Zimmer hasn’t been on display versus the Bengals during the regular season before. Zimmer should know some tips and tricks to beat his old defense, while being able to slow down the Red Rocket. Andy Dalton.
Week 16: at Green Bay Packers
Back-to-back division rivalries to finish the season, and these games always come down to the wire — especially in December. The fact is, Minnesota has only beaten the Packers twice dating back to 2012, and just cannot seem to find that clutch factor against their most hated foe.
Unless Aaron Rodgers is hurt, the Vikings may be playing from behind in this one. Green Bay rarely loses in Lambeau Field, Minnesota is a meager 2-7-1 in their last 10 games in Wisconsin, not quite the recipe for success. How both teams are finishing may determine how exactly this game goes; but if Rodgers is playing, Minnesota is probably losing this one.
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Week 17: vs. Chicago Bears
Possibly a Wild Card or bust game for the Vikings against the Chicago Bears, a must-win matchup is much sweeter when the game is at home. Chicago’s defense could finally start to come around this season, and I love the prospect of Jordan Howard continuing to be the work-horse back for this team. However, their offensive weapons are still limited.
The Bears let Alshon Jeffery go, Kevin White has yet to play half a season (let alone a full one), and can Kendall Wright really be a difference maker in the slot after missing quite a bit of time? Minnesota’s defense should force Chicago to make poor decisions and dominate at home.