The Minnesota Vikings looked like they were going to run away with the NFC North a few weeks ago, but a three-game losing streak has given the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers a chance to take control of the division. With three teams only separated by one game, the North has quickly become the tightest division in the NFC. The Minnesota Vikings are still the favorites to win the division, but that will change if they do not find a way to end their losing streak and defeat the Washington Redskins this week.
The biggest problem for the Minnesota Vikings is that their team does not match up well against the Redskins. The best way to score on Washington is by running the football, but that is something the Vikings have been completely unable to do this season. The Redskins have the 7th worst rush defense in the league, so the Vikings need to find a way to exploit this weakness.
Going on the road to defeat the Washington Redskins on Sunday is not going to be an easy task for the Vikings. The Redskins are just as desperate for a win as the Vikings, and they will get the benefit of playing in front of their home fans. While Washington probably does not have a chance to win the NFC East, they are still in the hunt for a wild card playoff spot.
If the Vikings do not find a way to get the running game started, then they are going to have a hard time scoring points. Josh Norman has solidified the pass defense for the Redskins despite the team losing DeAngelo Hall to injury. The Vikings already have the 6th worst pass offense in the league,so Sam Bradford may not be able to find too many open receivers on Sunday.
Since it looks like the offense will struggle for the Vikings, the defense must come up big and win the game for the team. The Redskins have a balanced offensive attack with talented players at nearly every position. If the Vikings allow the Redskins to hit their scoring average of 23 points, then they are not going to win the game on Sunday.
The biggest weakness of the Redskins is their running game. While Rob Kelley and Matt Jones have done a decent job this season, they have not faced a defense as talented as Minnesota. If the Vikings find a way to shut down Jordan Reed and DeSean Jackson, then it will force Washington to use the running game more than they want. It will not be easy, but shutting down the passing game of the Redskins is the only the way the Vikings leave Washington with a win.
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