Vikes Views: Who Ya Got? Vikings at Jaguars

Head-to-Head Record - 6-1

Vikings Home Record v Colts - 4-1

- W5

Most Points Scored - 50, Dec 20, 1998

Widest Margin of Victory - 40, 50-10, Dec 20, 1998

Most Recent Matchup - Vikings 27 - Jaguars 24, December 6, 2020

My 2024 Prediction Record: 5-3

The last time they played: The Vikings won during the COVID year in Minnesota. The teams play every 4 years and alternate home and away. The newish off-chance they get aligned for the 17th game hasn't happened yet. (Jets were this year's team)

Interesting Tidbits from the Vikings Weekly Release:

The Vikings have scored 20 or more points in the first 8 games for the first time since 1998. Last week was the first game the Vikings did not score in the 1st quarter this year. The Vikings' 27 defensive sacks are tied for the sixth most in the NFL and they are the lone team ranked in the top six in sacks that has only played eight games. The Vikings have contacted opposing rushers behind the line of scrimmage on 43.3% of carries this season and have only allowed 157 yards before contact this season, which ranks second in the NFL behind Miami (131 yards before contact). The Vikings lead the NFL in interceptions with 13, which is two more than their 2023 season total (11 interceptions). The Vikings 13 interceptions in their first eight games are the most by a team since New England recorded 19 in eight games to start the 2019 season. It marked the most interceptions by Minnesota in eight games since the 2003 season (18). With one interception and a fumble recovery in Week 9 vs. Indianapolis, the Vikings recorded a takeaway in each of their first eight games to start a season for the fourth time since 2000 (2001, 2003 and 2022). Minnesota and Detroit are the only two teams that have recorded at least one takeaway in every game so far this season.How I See it Playing Out

It looks like Trevor Lawrence might not play for the Jaguars on Sunday. He's unlikely to play according to reports. Our old friend Ezra Cleveland will likely be out as well. The Jaguars also traded their starting LT to the Minnesota Vikings . So, they're not exactly committed to winning here. They're 2-7 and 4 games back in the division. The Vikings job this week is to not eff it up. That goal likely won't change from last week until they play the Cardinals in a few weeks.

I expect a big game from Jefferson as usual. The Jaguars are 31st in passing yards allowed per game. Their offense doesn't really run or pass the ball particularly well. There's a reason (or several) why the team is 2-7. That being said, the Jaguars gave the Packers a run two weeks ago and barely lost 27-30. They are capable of playing well. If Trevor Lawrence plays, this team is dangerous. Brian Thomas Jr is 8th in the league in receiving yards as a rookie. He's also 10th in yards per reception (17.0).

I think the Vikings will take care of business. If they were coming in 8-0, I might feel a slip. The two losses and a quiet win on Sunday Night will keep this team focused. There has been some noise and online discussion around Addison. I expect KOC to get him involved early and often. Vikings lead early 17-3 at the half. They finish it off with a few more FGs and a TD in the 2nd half.