Minnesota Vikings: 3 Bold predictions for Week 1 vs. 49ers
By Joe Kipp
The Minnesota Vikings open their 2018 season on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Here are three bold predictions for the game.
Heading into their first game of the 2018 season, the Minnesota Vikings are 6.5-point favorites against the San Francisco 49ers, according to OddsShark. The Vikings unquestionably have the more complete roster from top to bottom, but complacency could let victory slip from their grasp.
The biggest storyline entering the game is obviously the regular season debut of Kirk Cousins, but the X-factor for Minnesota lies farther beneath the surface. The offensive line will be the most crucial part to the Vikings’ overall success, especially since the 49ers’ defensive line may be their strongest asset. During the preseason, Minnesota’s O-line looked extremely suspect.
The defensive side of the ball tells another story. A strong defense led by a stout defensive line should lead the Vikings to victory, but San Francisco’s head coach and offensive mastermind Kyle Shanahan is bound to have a few tricks up his sleeve.
Buckle up, because here’s three bold predictions for the game:
Bold prediction No. 1: The Vikings defense outscores the offense
Minnesota’s defense has been the strong suit of the team for the past few seasons. They return 10-of-11 starters from last year, and only added more talent to complement with the acquisitions of Sheldon Richardson, Mike Hughes, Holton Hill and George Iloka.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Because the offense is going through changes with Cousins playing in his first regular season game, the perceived struggles on the offensive line, and a new scheme under John DeFilipo, it may take a few games to find their groove. It wouldn’t be surprising to see one or more of a special teams touchdown, scoop-and-score or a pick-six from the defense. Expect a low-scoring game due to stellar defensive-play from both sides.
Bold prediction No. 2: Harrison Smith records one sack, one interception and five tackles
The Vikings’ do-it-all safety was Pro Football Focus’ (subscription required) No. 1 overall safety in 2017, so it should be no surprise at this point to predict stats like these. That said, any time a safety gets a sack it’s a big deal, and combined with an interception Harrison Smith could land himself in the way-too-early consideration for defensive player of the year.
The late signing of Iloka makes for even more reliable safety depth, which could allow Mike Zimmer to move Smith wherever he fits best on any given play. ‘Harry Hitman’ has slowly become the Vikings’ chess piece on defense, and there’s been no indication that anything should change that anytime soon.
Bold prediction No. 3: Stefon Diggs records 100+ receiving yards
Stefon Diggs is one of the most purely-gifted wide receivers in the NFL. The Cousins to Diggs connection looked extremely lethal during the preseason, most notably on a play against the Denver Broncos in which Cousins fit the ball in a tight window up the right sideline as Diggs dove for a spectacular grab right in front of the end zone.
Next. 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks ruling in Week 1. dark
The Vikings’ other reliable receiver, fan favorite Adam Thielen, had a minor ankle injury but looks to be ready to go for Week 1. Still, Diggs looked like Cousins’ go-to guy early on, and he has the ability to gain yards after the catch on any given play.
For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.