Too Optimistic: 3 Bold Predictions for Vikings-49ers

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Sep 8, 2018

The Vikings season is finally upon us! We have waited long enough and deserve for football to finally be here. Every year after our hearts are broken, we ask ourselves: “Why do we get so excited for football season?” Now, we are a day away from the start of the season, and I might spontaneously combust. In my excitement, my mind is running down rabbit holes that no Minnesota sports fan should be allowed in.

WARNING: HEAVY, HEAVY, HEAVY VIKINGS OPTIMISM AHEAD

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I’m about to let my Vikings freak flag hang high! Come along for the ride! Here are my 3 bold predictions for Sunday vs. the Niners:

In his first game, Mike Hughes will get an interception!

Mackenzie Alexander has been ruled “doubtful” for Sunday. This should give Mike Hughes the starting role in the nickel, which will give him a lot of snaps against a team that will have to throw after Jerrick McKinnon, their starting running back, was injured and ruled out for the season. In his preseason action, Hughes looked good, but can that translate when the lights really shine.

Jimmy Garoppolo was the NFL’s poster boy at the end of the season last year, winning all of his starts (5 straight). He also never played a defense quite like the Vikings defense. With one of the best corners in the league on one end in Xavier Rhodes and the very underrated and ever improving Trae Waynes on the other, Garoppolo may try to target the rookie Hughes quite a bit.

Being at US Bank Stadium should also confuse Garoppolo. Not many players have played in an environment like Jimmy will see at The Bank on Sunday. So, if you are going to the game, make sure to be extra loud (but please, not while we are on offense guys!).

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Dalvin Cook will get more than 175 all-purpose yards

Dalvin Cook looked good in his first three games last year… really good. Expectations are high that he will quickly return back to form. The offensive line might not be where we want it to be, so screen passes to the running back are a must. He will also be Kirk Cousins’ security blanket.

Many think with the addition of Cousins this is going to become a pass-first offense. Wrong assumption. This team is based on a solid defense and pounding the football in the run game. To add insult to injury, the 49ers were bad against the run last year. Couple that with the suspension of defensive captain Reuben Foster, and Cook is in store for a monster game.

The Vikings will have 10+ sacks

Yeah, you read that right… double-digit sacks! Everson Griffen comes off his injury looking like a savage, tallying at least 4 himself. Welcome to the NFL Mike McGlinchey, the 49ers rookie gets a wake up call having to go against Danielle Hunter. With the addition of Sheldon Richardson, This will allow both of our edge rushers to have less double-teams. Jimmy G will be in big trouble early and often.

Don’t count out Mr Anthony Barr either. He is in a contract year and getting reps at defensive end. This is what many would call, motivation. Mike Zimmer wants to throw things at offenses that they have never seen before. Having Barr at end and George Iloka running all over the field will cause confusion for a QB that has only started just a handful of NFL games.

Final Score prediction: Vikings 31- 49ers 13

Lets cheer loud and proud for our purple and gold this week and come out with a big W. If we can go into Lambeau Field next week after a dominating performance, Rodgers will be crying more than he did after he broke his collar-bone.

Ian Parrague @superskolfan
Minnesota Sports Fan

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