2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 2

Minnesota Vikings (0-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-0)

Sunday, September 19, 4:05PM ET

As a Minnesota Vikings fan, I hate to have to do this. But I can’t in good conscience pick them to take down the Arizona Cardinals on the road — especially after the Cardinals looked like one of the league’s top teams in Week 1.

Right now, it doesn’t appear as though there’s anything the Cardinals can’t do well. The offense was scorching hot this past Sunday, putting up points early and often as Kyler Murray appears ready to live up to the hype of being a No. 1 overall pick. It also helps having players like DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green and Christian Kirk to throw to.

Meanwhile, the Vikings were only able to get their offense going when it got to crunch time. While their defense stood its ground for the majority of its Week 1 matchup with the Bengals, it eventually faltered against an offense that isn’t exactly bursting with talent. There’s no way they’re going to be able to slow down Murray, Hopkins and the Cardinals passing attack.

The hope is the Vikings get Dalvin Cook going early, and can get enough pressure on Murray to force him into a mistake or two. More than likely, though, Chandler Jones and the Arizona defense will do more than enough damage to maintain a comfortable lead throughout this one.

Prediction: Cardinals win 32-17