Minnesota Vikings vs Eagles: Preview, Predictions and Keys to Victory

On Thursday night, the Minnesota Vikings look to bounce back, after a crushing 20-17 loss in week 1, against the Philadelphia Eagles, one of the best teams in the NFC.

Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season just wrapped up with Monday Night Football, but thanks to Thursday Night Football, we are knocking on the door of more NFL action, already. That is a good thing for Vikings fans who are hurting after the disappointing loss to start the season.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Game Today – The Ultimate TV Schedule For Vikings Fans

Point Spread

Minnesota Vikings +7 (-115) vs. Philadelphia Eagles -7 (-105)

Over/Under

Over 48.5 (-108) vs. Under 48.5 (-112)

Eagles week 1 Recap

The Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) look to get their offense going in Week 2 of the 2023 NFL season, vs the visiting Minnesota Vikings (0-1) on Thursday Night Football. Philadelphia opened the campaign with a 25-20 victory at New England, despite being outgained 382-251 and scoring just one offensive touchdown.

Jalen Hurts and the rest of the Eagles offense put up one of the worst fantasy performances of week 1, but still pulled out the real life victory. It was, essentially, the anti-version of how the Vikings vs Bucs game unfolded. Minnesota outgained Tampa Bay 369-242, but turned the ball over three times (Bucs had 0 TO) and couldn’t get the Bucs offense off the field in the 4th quarter.

Positives for the Eagles

Philadelphia got off to a strong start against New England in Week 1, building a 16-0 lead in the first quarter. The Eagles recorded both of their touchdowns in the period, after cornerback Darius Slay returned an interception 70 yards for a score. Jalen Hurts threw a five-yard TD pass to DeVonta Smith. Hurts is looking to become just the sixth quarterback in the Super Bowl era to go 19-1 or better in a 20-start span.

The 25-year-old signal-caller came up with a big performance in Philadelphia’s 24-7 home victory against Minnesota in Week 2 last year. Hurts completed 26-of-31 pass attempts in that contest for 333 yards and a touchdown while also running for 57 yards and a pair of scores. Wideout Quez Watkins made two catches in the triumph, including one for a 53-yard touchdown.

Vikings week 1 Recap:

Minnesota is eager to bounce back from its one-score loss in Week 1 after going 11-0 in such contests last season. Despite committing three turnovers in the first half, Kirk Cousins was 33-of-44 for 344 yards and a pair of TDs against the Buccaneers. The 35-year-old quarterback recorded only three 300-yard performances in 2022, two of which came in overtime contests.

Justin Jefferson, who led the NFL with 1,809 receiving yards last year, hauled in nine passes for 150 yards in the season-opener. The 24-year-old has had nine games with at least 150 yards, the second-most through four seasons in league history behind Lance Alworth (10). With 4,975 receiving yards in 51 career contests, Jefferson is about to overtake Odell Beckham Jr. as the player to reach 5,000 the fastest in NFL history.

Related: Will Kirk Cousins Sign Discounted Contract to Stay with Justin Jefferson?

Vikings Injury Report Ahead of Thursday Night Football

Marcus Davenport (limited)
Christian Darrisaw (limited)
Garrett Bradbury (DNP)

Vikings vs Eagles Preview and Predictions

4 Keys to Victory

1. Getting rookie Jordan Addison involved when Jefferson gets doubled
   • The Vikings need to have a Plan B when Justin Jefferson faces double coverage. Relying on rookie Jordan Addison to step up and make plays when Jefferson is tightly covered could be a game-changer.
2. Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores staying aggressive on defense
   • Brian Flores needs to keep the Vikings’ defense aggressive, especially against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ dynamic offense. Blitzing and pressuring Hurts can disrupt their rhythm and create turnovers.
3. Offensive Play-calling
   • The Vikings must mix up their offensive play-calling to keep the Eagles’ defense guessing. A balanced attack with both the run and pass game can keep the defense off balance. I would also like to see KOC take a pause on tight end screens and find more ways to keep Jefferson involved the entire game.
4. Kirk Cousins galvanizing the team after a tough loss
   • As a veteran leader, Kirk Cousins needs to rally the team after a tough loss in Week 1. His composure and leadership can set the tone for a successful rebound. We saw his leadership in the Quarterback documentary on Netflix. We need to see it now too.

Also Read:
Ed Ingram is Way Too Satisfied with His Week 1 Performance

4 Bold Predictions

1. Prediction 1: Kirk Cousins will have 3+ touchdowns
   • Expect Kirk Cousins to bounce back with a stellar performance, throwing for three or more touchdowns to lead the Vikings’ offense.
2. Prediction 2: The defense will have an interception
   • The Vikings’ defense will come up with a crucial interception, disrupting Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ passing attack.
3. Prediction 3: Special teams will score a touchdown
   • Watch for the Vikings’ special teams to make a big play, potentially returning a kick or punt for a touchdown.
4. Prediction 4: Vikings will win in a close 1-score game
   • In what promises to be a thrilling matchup, the Vikings will pull off a close victory, proving their resilience after a tough Week 1 loss.

As we eagerly await Thursday Night Football, these predictions and keys to victory will be on the minds of Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles fans alike. With both teams looking to make an early statement in the 2023 NFL season, this game is sure to deliver exciting moments and unforgettable plays. Vikings fans just don’t want to see a repeat of their embarrassing loss to the Eagles last season.

Dom Clare | Minnesota Sports Fan