Dallas Turner and T.J. Hockenson highlight 5 bold Vikings predicitons in Week 10 vs. Jaguars
A three game road trip is set to begin for the Minnesota Vikings as they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon. The Vikings currently 6-2 and are facing their second of three AFC South teams in a row. When we look at the Vikings going into this game, there are a lot of […]
A three game road trip is set to begin for the Minnesota Vikings as they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon. The Vikings currently 6-2 and are facing their second of three AFC South teams in a row.
When we look at the Vikings going into this game, there are a lot of positive things, especially the defense. WIth the Jaguars set to start a backup quarterback, they could be in for a huge game. We made bold predictions ahead of Sunday's game.
T.J. Hockenson goes for 75+ yards
The Jaguars defense hasn't played well so far this season. They have two very good edge rushers in Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, but the second level has been rough. Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma have been liabilities in coverage and the Vikings just got back T.J. Hockenson, who loves to exploit over the middle of the field.
The Jaguars are 26th in the league against tight ends and have one of the worst pass defenses with the second-most yards allowed in the passing game this season. The Vikings chose to ease Hockenson back against the Indianapolis Colts and this feels like the perfect game to unleash him.
Vikings win the turnover battle by 2+
One of the things that the Vikings have done well this season is take the ball away. They are second in the NFL with 17 takeaways and first in the NFL in takeaways per game. In turn, they have also given the ball away 13 times, but it looks a lot better than facing the Jaguars.
Doug Pederson's team hasn't been good with the turnover battle. They are currently -7 in turnover margin this season with an NFL worst five takeaways. Look for the Vikings to take advantage on both sides of the football
Aaron Jones runs for 100+ yards
Running the football has been a priority for the Vikings and Jones has been the catalyst. His production hasn't always been there, especially with the game script. Jones has only run the ball 125 times across the first eight games but is averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
The Jaguars are currently 18th against the run but the game script might end up helping Jones get more carries. He has eclipsed 20 carries just twice but has hit 90+ yards four times this season. This feels like it can be a Jones game and they can gash the Jaguars' defense.
Dallas Turner gets 2 sacks
This one feels telegraphed after a really impressive performance by Dallas Turner against the Colts. He got more playing time with Andrew Van Ginkel dealing with what Brian Flores called a "minor thing."
Turner is likely going to keep getting more playing time and will in turn generate more pressure. The Jaguars are likely going to be without both of their starting guards and their tackles in Walker Little and Anton Harrison can be exploited, especially with speed off the edge. Pair that with Mac Jones as the likely starting quarterback and it could be a field day for the Vikings' defense.
John Parker Romo doesn't miss a kick
Kicker is a position the Vikings haven't had to worry about all season. Will Reichard has made 33 of his 35 kicks but he is now out injured for the next four games. The other element here is All Pro long snapper Andrew DePaola is also on injured reserve after having a procedure on his hand.
With those changes, the kicking game can take a step back. The Vikings made a positive move by bringing in a kicker with some chemistry, as John Parker Romo developed some chemistry with Ryan Wright as the holder. That little bit is important, especially since chemistry is really important when it comes to the kicking game.
Ed Ingram gets heaping praise from Kevin O’Connell that is well deserved after recent play
Ed Ingram’s played better this season than he’s been given credit for
