Minnesota Vikings vs. New England Patriots: 3 Bold predictions for Week 13

The Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots face off in a crucial Week 13 matchup for both teams, and we’ve got bold predictions for the contest.

The Minnesota Vikings came into the 2018 NFL season thinking that they’d be among the favorites in the NFC. After 12 weeks of action, however, they’re not even in the lead in the NFC North, trailing the Chicago Bears in the division. Now they go on the road to Gillette Stadium in Week 13 to face a New England Patriots team that’s also looking to firmly find their footing.

Tom Brady has seemed a bit lesser at over 40 years old this season, and the Patriots have ultimately suffered for it. Make no mistake, they’re still the class of the AFC East and should be considered a contender, but they have come off less dangerous than one might think when it comes to this game.

The same can be said of Kirk Cousins and the Vikings though. The quarterback has shined at times in his first season with Minnesota, but not consistently due to issues elsewhere on the roster. As the Vikings push for a playoff spot, though, the defense has been coming on in a big way. Thus, this matchup is critical for the home stretch for each team.

And with that, let’s make some bold predictions for the Minnesota Vikings vs. New England Patriots matchup in Week 13.

3. Kirk Cousins throws all over Pats defense

There have been plenty of shortcomings for the Patriots defense throughout this season. Though they still maintain a great overall record, their defense has been anything but consistent through the first 12 weeks of the campaign. Meanwhile, the Vikings offense has shown flashes with Kirk Cousins at the helm, but has failed to be consistent, largely because of issues up front on the offensive line.

Having said that, the New England defense doesn’t exactly seem like they’re capable of taking advantage of that. They have an anemic pass rush incapable of really getting after anyone, no matter the quality of the offensive line that they’re facing. With limited pressure slowing him down and with Stefon Diggs set to go on Sunday, the Vikings should be able to have success and Cousins will throw for a minimum of 350 yards on the day.

2. Tom Brady returns the favor

Though the Vikings are still trying to make up ground in the NFC North as the Bears have a commanding lead, the Minnesota defense has been really hitting their stride of late. And, when you consider the rollercoaster ride that has been the New England offense this season, that might seem like a troubling proposition for Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. However, I don’t think the situation on Sunday lends itself to that.

With Vikings star cornerback Xavier Rhodes listed as a game-time decision coming into this Week 13 matchup, there are two options really. Either he doesn’t play, or he plays and is likely less than 100 percent in terms of health when he’s on the field. Whichever happens, that’s going to open up the field for the likes of Josh Gordon on the outside. With that, Brady is going to feats and match Cousins’ offensive outburst with one of his own.

1. Patriots win shootout late

Yes, the Vikings defense has been coming on strong of late, but they are getting a bit banged up right now. And, after all, this is the Patriots in Gillette Stadium that we’re talking about. Thus, I think we’re going to get an offensive-minded affair from both sidelines. The result will be a ton of points and, in essence, a race to who can score the final touchdown.

Though Cousins has been impressive given the circumstances in Minnesota — specifically the line in front of him — it’s hard not to trust Brady more than him in this type of situation. That’s what I’m going to do here as the old man will come through in the final moments of the game on Sunday afternoon and pick up the win for the Patriots.