Vikings @ Cardinals prediction
What I like:
Dalvin Cook v. Cardinals run defense
Cardinals finished as a bottom third run defense last year and didn't do a lot to improve that this year, favoring instead their pass rush by adding JJ Watt. Watt isn't what he used to be, but ironically, he might be their best run defender. Heads up to Bradbury: they have a fatty in Leki Fotu. Problem is, he just isn't very good. Neither is the other guy inside. Vikings should find some success on the ground. They did OK against the Titans last week, but that was about game script. With the Cardinals up 24-6 at the half, Henry was a non-factor. Vikings can't let that happen. Cook has to break a few. This is one of their few paths to victory. If the Vikings can get up early, they can pull this off against what just might be the greatest team of our generation--at least according to most Viking fans.
Vikings receivers v. Cardinals corners
Vikings should win this matchup. Question is, though, will Cousins have enough time to find them? In order to take advantage of this matchup Vikings will first have to win a matchup that doesn't favor them: Vikings pass pro v. Cards pass rush.
What I don't like:
Chandler Jones v. Vikings OL
Will Chandler Jones break the NFL season sack record after only two games? He just might. You can try to double team him, but he moves all over the field--right, left, up the middle, so that's not going to be an easy thing to do. Maybe have CJ Ham follow him around like puppy.
Kyler Murray
Running QBs like this render good defenses irrelevant. And I'm not sure we're even good yet. Guessing the Vikings put Blake Lynch on Murray as a spy, since putting Kendricks on him would be a waste of his much needed skills elsewhere. Really like what I've seen from Lynch so far. Fastest LB on the team and has shown flashes. This is his chance to lay claim to Barr's job next year.
Cardinals receivers v. Vikings secondary
Deandre Hopkins is the best all-around receiver in the NFL. I would put Patrick Peterson on him and hope for the best, but Nuk should win that. I think the rest of our DBs matchup OK against Christian Kirk and the lifeless shell of what used to be AJ Green. The guy who scares me most is Rondale Moore. Tried to get him on my fantasy team and lost the bid by $1, so I full expect him to break some kind of points record.
Vikings 27 Cardinals 24
“A gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but doesn't." - Tom Waits
Sorry, MB. This is where I call you out on homerism. Vikings won't win tomorrow, Arizona 27, Vikings 17.
I am saying 27-10 Arizona. My son says 35-15 Arizona
@"StickyBun" said: Sorry, MB. This is where I call you out on homerism. Vikings won't win tomorrow, Arizona 27, Vikings 17.Damn, you’re absolutely right, Sticky. I’m letting my experience as a long-suffering Vikings fan influence my prediction. Revision…. Vikings 30 Cards 17
@"MaroonBells" said:Don't go changin', MB!!@"StickyBun" said: Sorry, MB. This is where I call you out on homerism. Vikings won't win tomorrow, Arizona 27, Vikings 17. Damn, you’re absolutely right, Sticky. I’m letting my experience as a long-suffering Vikings fan influence my prediction. Revision…. Vikings 30 Cards 17
The Vikes didn't really look any better in the season opener than their pre-season games. The OL and DL just seem to be "off" and not playing up to their potential. I don't think it's going to get fixed this week on the road either, and Murray gives them fits like most mobile QBs do.
Hope they surprise me, but I think the Vikes lay another stinker.Vikes: 10Cards: 32
The line is down to Arizona -3.5 points. It opened at -4.5. Its interesting, bettors don't trust Arizona yet or believe the Vikes are a dumpster fire. This line has been surprising to me all week.
I would have thought at least 6 - 6.5
I think the Cards win and cover the spread - hope I'm wrong.
Here we go...a long shot. Vikings lose 30-27 in OT...again.
@"StickyBun" said: The line is down to Arizona -3.5 points. It opened at -4.5. Its interesting, bettors don't trust Arizona yet or believe the Vikes are a dumpster fire. This line has been surprising to me all week.Prolly has something to do with this....
https://www.actionnetwork.com/nfl/nfl-betting-fantasy-previews-our-experts-matchups-breakdown-for-every-week-2-game#10
The problem with Viking fans—actually all fans--is that they tend to think who you were last week is who you will be again this week and who your opponent was last week is who they will be again this week. When that is almost never the case.
@"MaroonBells" said: The problem with Viking fans—actually all fans--is that they tend to think who you were last week is who you will be again this week and who your opponent was last week is who they will be again this week. When that is almost never the case.
Yabut...
Discernible patterns arise after 7 years.
Zimmer has been quite public about how the D has had to evolve and we saw some of that last week.
The offense while having some dangerous skill players, has a steeper hill to climb personnel wise and schematically.
@"purplefaithful" said:@"MaroonBells" said: The problem with Viking fans—actually all fans--is that they tend to think who you were last week is who you will be again this week and who your opponent was last week is who they will be again this week. When that is almost never the case.
Yabut...Discernible patterns arise after 7 years.
Yeah, I think that's the perception. Last year there was a good example. We lost to the Colts in what might've been our worst performance in years. We're 0-2 going against a Titans team that was 2-0. Don't remember the spread, but I remember the mood. We stood no chance.We lost 31-30 due to three turnovers, a missed field goal by Bailey, a failed 2-pt attempt (likely attempted because of the earlier Bailey miss), and two late 55 yard field goals by Gostkowski. Y'know, the kind of shenanigans Viking fans know too well. Point is, the Vikings could've, probably should've, won.
Next week, the Titans blow out the Bills 42-16. Bills go on to play in the AFCC.
@"MaroonBells" said: The problem with Viking fans—actually all fans--is that they tend to think who you were last week is who you will be again this week and who your opponent was last week is who they will be again this week. When that is almost never the case.
Mmmmm. Not always. So this is a little like betting red at the roulette table when black has been hitting the last 4 times. I hear you: Vikes tend to surprise when least expected and shit the bed when it feels strong they will win. I don't get that feel here today. But MB, as always, I'd love to be wrong.
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