Does it seem like Oct. 9 was a long time ago? It does for the Minnesota Vikings too.
That day the Vikings moved to 5-0 fresh off their 31-13 victory over Houston. They were headed into their bye week hoping to come out refreshed and ready to push deep into the postseason.
That seems like it was years ago – it’s only been five and a half weeks.
Four straight losses have dropped the Vikings out of the playoff picture. The team has repeatedly shuffled the offensive line, changed offensive coordinators and flopped kickers – all in an effort to flip their mojo and start winning again.
This week, they return to U.S. Bank Stadium to host Arizona and there aren’t many believers in the Vikes.
According to ESPN, all three of their insiders are taking the Cardinals to beat the Vikings.
“Minnesota’s offensive line is a debacle and Arizona has the rushers to take advantage of that,” said one of their evaluators. “Diggs has gotten going a little bit for Minnesota, but Arizona has cover guys as well.”
There isn’t much more optimism emanating from NFL.com. They’re picking Arizona to beat the Vikings 17-14. It would give the Cardinals their first win in Minnesota since 1977.
But not everyone is writing off the Vikings just yet.
Two of the predictors for CBS Sports have some faith, with both picking the Vikings to end their losing streak.
USA Today actually gives a slight edge to the Vikings as three of five experts (including former Vikings beat writer Tom Pelissero) like Minnesota.
And there’s always this guy.
Prediction: Vikings defense scores Sunday and they beat Arizona 24-23. Catanzaro missed extra point is the difference.
— Joe Nelson (@JoeyBrainstorm) November 17, 2016
So if you’re still clinging to a little hope that the Vikings can still turn this thing around, you’re not alone.
