Last week, it appeared the Minnesota Vikings would have an easy matchup, but the Jacksonville Jaguars threw a wrench into those plans, even with a backup quarterback. This time, there’s more potential for a blowout as the Vikings take on the Tennessee Titans. Not only are the Titans currently projected to select third in the 2025 NFL Draft, they have the league’s second-worst point differential at -83.
If the Vikings are itching to get back on track following a hard-fought five-point victory over what’s now the NFL’s worst team, then the Titans game comes at the perfect time. This is a team that ranks 27th in scoring and 29th in points allowed. But we also have to remember the Titans are a group that’s lost four of their past five games and has a roster full of motivated athletes looking to prove why they deserve more attention.
In other words, we never know what to expect on Sunday. We could even see some wacky stat lines and eyebrow-raising production like the four Vikings bold predictions found below.
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Sam Darnold avoids turnovers and gets 3 TD
The Vikings got lucky last week, escaping with a win despite three interceptions from Sam Darnold. It was the continuation of a sudden turnover trend ever since T.J. Hockenson returned to the lineup. Since the Pro Bowl tight end returned, Darnold has thrown five interceptions across two games. But he had just five interceptions in the seven games prior.
Perhaps Darnold is reverting back to the ways that got him pushed out of New York and Carolina, but unlike in his previous stops, he now has Kevin O’Connell to help correct mistakes. Knowing that the Vikings can’t afford to keep committing multiple turnovers per week, expect Coach O’Connell and Darnold to enter Lucas Oil Stadium with a more careful gameplan that prioritizes taking care of the football against a team that’s intercepted just three passes all season.
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Vikings record 150+ rushing yards for second consecutive week
It may not have felt like it due to all the turnovers, but the Vikings quietly had their best rushing performance of the season last week, going off for 169 yards. Their previous season-high came with a 146-yard day against the 49ers in Week 2. But against the Jaguars, the Vikings racked up rushing yards mainly because they had a season-high 43 attempts.
This time, they’re facing a Titans team that’s prone to committing turnovers, which could see the Vikings build an early lead. If so, instead of continuing to air it out and risk more interceptions, Coach O’Connell would likely rely on his running back rotation, with Aaron Jones, Cam Akers, and Ty Chandler combining for over 150 rushing yards for the second week in a row.
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Brian Flores’ defense holds Titans to fewer than 200 passing yards
The Titans have one of the NFL’s worst offenses. Derrick Henry is long gone, but Tennessee’s rushing attack is actually respectable, ranking 10th in yards and 13th in YPA. It’s their passing game that’s been so atrocious as second-year pro Will Levis tries to gain his footing while also battling injuries.
Tennessee has the NFL’s second-fewest passing yards and averages the fifth-fewest YPA, yet they’ve been better with veteran Mason Rudolph in the lineup, who averages 201.5 YPG. When Levis plays, he averages the fewest yards per game among QBs with six or more starts this season at 145.7 YPG, and he hasn’t played a defense like the one Brian Flores operates in Minnesota.
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Wanna watch Brian Flores but the Jaguars in a blender for a full minute? Hat tip to Jacksonville's RBs in pass protection here. Really good job. pic.twitter.com/bnzHKHiyAY
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) November 12, 2024
With all of Tennessee’s struggles, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings held their opponent to less than 200 passing yards for just the third time this season.
Related: Where Do Vikings Stand in NFC Playoff Picture After Win vs Jaguars?
Minnesota Vikings force four turnovers
The Vikings prediction we’re most confident in is that the Titans will commit four turnovers on Sunday. Tennessee has already thrown an NFL-high 11 interceptions in nine games, and their offense has committed the third-most turnovers in the league.
The All22 of the Will Levis fumble is wilder than you’d expect. Just completely lost himself while in the air. pic.twitter.com/2k6tSXhQ5S
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) September 16, 2024
Tennessee can do bad all by themselves; they don’t need anyone’s help. Yet, this is a nightmare matchup for the Titans, considering the Vikings have intercepted the NFL’s most passes and forced the most turnovers entering Week 11. Even though they average just over two takeaways per game, the Vikings can force Levis to make even more mistakes, leading to Minnesota’s second game with four turnovers committed this season.
I cannot stop watching Will Levis fall to his knees and just sit there after throwing the game-losing pick 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ITO3VFFrvH
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) September 8, 2024
- Vikings vs Titans score prediction: Vikings 28, Titans 13
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