The Minnesota Vikings are set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday afternoon in a pivotal game for the purple and gold.
After a 1-3 start, the underlying metrics have this team better than their record, which is the direct opposite of what the Vikings were last season.
Buy Vikings TicketsThe game looks interesting on paper, as the Vikings are currently 5.5-point underdogs at home, but the Vikings have found a way to make it interesting when they are underdogs.
The game will be nationally televised at 3:25 pm central time on CBS with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the call.
As we look forward to the game on Sunday, our staff previewed and predicted the game.
Managing editor Tyler Forness
Record: 2-2
The Vikings are better than their record and haven’t been able to pull through when they needed to. They jumped out to an eight-point lead on the Panthers, but couldn’t put any more points on the board. Against the Chiefs, they likely won’t be in a position to go up two scores, but rather be coming from behind. It should be a hard fought game where the Vikings proved to be worthy foes, but ultimately drop to 1-4.
Chiefs 34, Vikings 27
Columnist Judd Zulgad
Record: 2-2
The Vikings’ run game has shown improvement – they had 135 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry against Carolina – but the passing game underwhelmed. That can’t happen again and look for Cousins to bounce back. It won’t be enough, but this one will be closer than many expect.
Chiefs 35, Vikings 28
Columnist Saivion Mixson
Record: 2-2
To predict another one-score game, especially a loss, feels like a sick joke for Minnesota. But despite Flores’ best efforts on Sunday, this Chiefs offense will put up points early and often. It will be up to the Vikings to keep up, and there is a good chance they can. Last week was the first time we’ve seen Kirk Cousins struggle this season, which gives me added hesitance in choosing the Vikings to win this game. Ultimately, this should play out as a duel between two high-powered offenses, and Kansas City pulls it out because they have the best player in the NFL at quarterback.
Chiefs 38, Vikings 30
Columnist Chris Spooner
Ultimately, I just don’t trust this Vikings team right now. Until they prove to me that they can hold onto the ball and limit the unforced errors, I can’t see them walking away with a victory over one of the best teams in the AFC. I think this game is going to be closer than many may assume, thanks in large part to that passing attack with Cousins, Jefferson, and company. But at the end of the day it’s clear that the Vikings don’t have enough firepower to consistently overcome the mistakes. Look for the Vikings to turn the ball over at least twice, and for Mahomes to make them pay when it happens.
Chiefs 31, Vikings 23
Chiefs Wire managing editor John Dillon
Record: 1-2
This game is going to come down to whether the Vikings’ defense can compete with the best quarterback in the league, and I just don’t see that happening. Even with the firepower Minnesota hosts around Kirk Cousins, I think this game may be destined for a blowout (sorry Vikings fans). Kansas City’s defense has played great football since Week 1, and aren’t likely to slow down on Sunday. I’m going to call this one a blowout for the Chiefs.
Chiefs 49, Vikings 13
