Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings: Preview, prediction
Dec 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (5) throws the ball away after pressure from Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Last week the Vikings offense only scored 7 points against the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater threw for 118 yards and 1 interception. All-Pro Adrian Peterson only got 8 carries and ran for 18 yards. Don’t expect the Vikings offense to come out sputtering against the Cardinals. Unlike last week, the Vikings won’t be limiting Adrian Peterson to single digit carries. With rookie receiver Stefon Diggs being held in check by opposing secondaries for the past few weeks, Adrian Peterson is the Vikings primary offensive weapon and best chance to stay in this game.
The Arizona Cardinals have the NFL’s fourth best rushing defense. Any yards that Adrian Peterson wants, he will have to earn.
Many analysts thought quarterback Teddy Bridgewater would take a significant leap and be able to be the focal point of the Vikings offense. This has not been the case. Throught 12 games, Teddy Bridgewater has been an above average caretaker at best and has only thrown 8 touchdowns to go along with 8 interceptions. The recipe for success for the Cardinals is to shut down the running game and force Bridgewater to beat them through the air. The defense, who have 22 turnovers on the season, should be able to shut down the Vikings two biggest receiving threats; tight end Kyle Rudolph and wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
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Odds:
Arizona -8.5
O/U 46.5
Prediction:
While this game screams “trap game” for the Arizona Cardinals, Bruce Arians will be sure to keep them grounded. In prime time games this season, the Cardinals are 4-0. Not many fans realize just how good the Cardinals are this season, and the Cardinals will be looking to show the nation just how dangerous this team can be. If the Cardinals win this game they will clinch a playoff spot, and if the Seahawks lose this Sunday the Arizona Cardinals will be NFC West champions for the first time since 2009. With there being plenty to playoff, the Cardinals will come out guns blazing.
Arizona 31 Minnesota 17