Vikings vs. Jags: What to Expect

Vikings vs Jaguars Preview + NFC North RoundUp

For only the second time ever, the Minnesota Vikings will travel to Jacksonville on December 11th to take on the Jaguars in what’s become a must-win contest for Mike Zimmer’s squad. Zimmer has been wearing an eye patch to practice due to an emergency eye surgery that forced him to miss the Cowboys game.

The Lions took the Big Easy by storm and beat the New Orleans Saints 28-13 at the Superdome.At 8-4, they’re currently in control of the division, thanks primarily to seven wins in their last eight games. Keeping up that momentum is important because of their last three games, which include road trips to face the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys and a home season finale against the Green Bay Packers. If the Lions can run the table and finish with a record of 12-4, Matthew Stafford could be looking at some serious MVP votes.

The Green Bay Packers hosted the Houston Texans in the middle of a snowstorm at Lambeau Field. after a solid Monday night win in Philadelphia that stopped a frustrating four-game losing streak. The Packers have had full control in two straight games and look to be heating up at the exact right time to make one last playoff run.

Since the Vikings and Jaguars reside in different conferences, the scheduling only has them meeting once every four years. In the 21 years since Jacksonville entered the NFL, Minnesota has won four of their five previous meetings, their only loss coming in 2001.

The two teams last met to open the 2012 season, with the Vikings managing to squeeze out a 26-23 overtime win. That sent the two teams hurtling in different directions: Minnesota finished 10-6 and earned a Wild Card spot, while Jacksonville stumbled their way to a 2-14 season.

Four years earlier, the Vikings won on the road against the Jaguars, a victory that sparked a four-game winning streak that again helped them earn a Wild Card berth. In contrast, the loss was Jacksonville’s second straight that saw them lose six of their final seven games.

Entering this game against the Jaguars, the Vikings are currently on their own slide of six losses in their last seven matchups. That’s served as a cold dose of reality for a team that surprisingly began the year with five straight victories.

Quarterback Sam Bradford was picked up after the season-ending injury to Teddy Bridgewater in the preseason. He was banged up in the Cowboys loss, though with a few extra days to recover, he should be ready to go in Jacksonville.

Due to the continued absence of Adrian Peterson, the Vikings have to rely on the mediocre production of Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata, who have combined for 674 yards this season. However, Bradford has plenty of weapons to catch his passes, primarily wideouts Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, along with tight end Kyle Rudolph.

The Vikings last four losses have all been by less than a touchdown. Having a defense that ranks near the top for points allowed, the play of the Minnesota defenders will be a major key in determining if they emerge with a win in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars held the Denver Broncos to a stunning 206 offensive yards but because of quarterback Blake Bortels three turnovers and last minute interception that was returned for a touchdown that lead Jacksonville to their 20-10 defeat.

If that sounds familiar it’s because this has been the story of the second half Minnesota’s season. While quarterback Sam Bradford hasn’t thrown many turnovers or interceptions, the offensive line is not doing their job in protecting Bradford and giving him time to make decisions. Bradford has been sacked 28 times and is only averaging 6.77 yards per attempt. The offensive line may have has been shuffled a lot this season but they should still be able to have enough in them to protect Bradford and they are not.

While the offensive line continues to fall, including the most recent injury to center Joe Berger who has been ruled out for Sunday with a concussion, the injury plague hasn’t been exclusive to offensive side of the football- safety Harrison Smith has also been ruled out for Sunday with an ankle injury and punter Marcus Sherels is listed as questionable.

Many will say the Vikings need this win to stay in the playoff hunt but really, they need this win to salvage the once promising season that was. And while many see Jacksonville as an easy win, don’t take that for granted. This is one of the worst seasons they’ve had in many years and they are looking to just win to salvage their season. Minnesota needs to stay focused and the offensive line needs to step it up and make sure Bradford is protected in the pocket for this game to be a win.

The playoffs are a wonderful thought, but right now Minnesota needs to focus on closing the season with a stronger record and getting healthier if they want to do anything beyond this game.

Watching the game? Here’s what you need to know:

KICKOFF: Noon (CST), CHANNEL: FOX (Local channel 9), LOCAL RADIO: 100.3 KFAN-FM/1130 KTLK-AM