This season the Vikings are 11-0 in games that are decided by one possession. Last year the Vikings went
6-8 in one-possession games. In games under 4 points, the Vikings went 2 and 5. Over the course of a
year the Vikings went from a playoff doubt to a Super Bowl contender, will this finally be the year the
Vikings take it all?
Big Time Players
This year’s Minnesota Vikings would not have their record of 13-4 without some of the best players in
the NFL. Justin Jefferson who led the league in receiving yards this season at 1,809 yards looks to make
his playoff debut with the Vikings in their first time back to the playoffs since 2017. Kirk Cousins has
continued an under-the-radar season for a top-10 quarterback in the NFL as he sits at 4,547 yards which
is currently 4 th in the NFL. Not just the Viking’s offense has been lights out as even though the defense
has had its problems this year, there are some bright spots to look at. Za’Darius Smith and Danielle
Hunter have been a wrecking crew this season, totaling 20.5 sacks as one of the NFL’s top duo pass
rushers. Even with the small number of blitzes and pressures that the Viking’s defense puts on an
opposing team’s quarterback, these are constantly finding themselves in the pocket all over the
quarterback and offensive line. Another bright spot Vikings fans can mention is Duke Shelley, who has
risen quietly and made his way up the corners’ depth chart. He has been a lockdown corner allowing just
14 yards in the Vikings’ overtime game against the Colts, 8 yards to Christian Watson of the Packers, and
his first-ever career interception against his former team the Bears. Overall, the Vikings have some
bright spots to look at on both sides of the ball as they make a push for the Superbowl.
How the Vikings can win the NFC and farther
The Vikings face off against the New York Giants this Sunday at 4:30 EST in one of the NFL’s wildcard
games. In week 16, the Vikings won on a last-second field goal from Greg Joseph, 27-24. The Giants are
looking for a revenge game this week but hopefully, the Vikings can pull through again. If the Vikings
win, they would most likely face the 49ers at home, considering they beat the Seahawks. This would be
one of the Viking’s toughest games as the 49ers at home are a strong team, but if they are able to get to
play solid defense, the Vikings will be able to win against the 49ers. Since the Vikings are the 3 seed,
their only home game will be this week against the Giants and if continue on to play in the divisional and
conference championship will face tough away opponents and fans. I see the Eagles and Vikings in the
NFC Championship and the Vikings get their revenge from week 2 of the regular season and make it to
the Superbowl where they will face off against… the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals seem like the most
complete team in the AFC on offense and defense and can make another push like they did last year.
The Minnesota Vikings will hopefully face off against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, February 12 and
bring home the Lombardi trophy for the first time in franchise history.
