2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 7

Minnesota Vikings (3-2-1) at New York Jets (3-3)

Sunday, October 21, 1PM ET

It hasn’t been a horrible season for the New York Jets, who have put together some quality performances through the first six weeks. A matchup with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7, though, promises little more than a setback for Gang Green.

Now I won’t pretend that the Vikings are a fearsome bunch right now. They’re coming off a solid-yet-unspectacular win over the Arizona Cardinals, and have failed to live up to expectations so far this season. While that may be the case, they’re the superior team in this one.

Look for the Vikings to get the best of New York’s average defense . Whether it’s Kirk Cousins dicing up the secondary or Latavius Murray picking up big yards on the ground, I’m expecting Minnesota’s offense to have a big day on Sunday. Even if the Jets manage to get significant pressure on Cousins, he’ll still find ways to put points on the board.

Despite the Vikings’ disappointing defensive play so far, they’ll get the best of Sam Darnold. The rookie will make a few big plays, but a couple of key turnovers keep New York from ever taking the lead. Minnesota gains back some momentum while the Jets fall further behind in the playoff race.

Prediction: Vikings win 26-18