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Week 5 for the Minnesota Vikings features a somewhat pivotal contest against Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns. And per the weekly tradition, fans have weighed in with their predictions.
We always take the pulse of the Vikings fan base heading into a regular season, and here’s their verdict this week on the London game against CLE.
Stefanski’s Browns took down the then-unbeaten Green Bay Packers a couple of weeks ago, so purple fans are on high alert just a bit this week, as Cleveland’s defense is especially ferocious.
Here’s where our fan panel landed on a winner and score.
The Folks Predict Vikings at Browns in London
The group had no hesitation in picking Minnesota.
Aaron Rodgers and Co. came out right-side up.
The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis noted the Browns’ defensive line as his primary concern and wrote: “Cleveland’s defensive line. This is one of the best position groups in the NFL, going up against a depleted Minnesota offensive line that might be starting an undrafted rookie in Joe Huber. Myles Garrett needs no introduction. You can chip him and try to limit his impact, but he’ll still affect the quarterback at a level that has no comparison.”
“He’s not the only force up front, either. The Browns signed defensive tackle Maliek Collins this spring in free agency, and he has the highest pass-rush win rate among NFL interior defenders. Mason Graham, the team’s first-round pick, is capable.”
Cleveland’s defense ranks ninth in the NFL per EPA/Play.
Moe Moton picked Minnesota to cover the 3.5 spread and explained: “On Wednesday, the Cleveland Browns benched Joe Flacco for Dillon Gabriel, who will make his first NFL start in London, which is a tough curveball for a rookie. With Gabriel under center, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will make it difficult for Cleveland to establish its rhythm in the passing game.
“The Browns’ only hope of covering or pulling off a victory is if rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has a strong outing against the Vikings’ 24th-ranked run defense. Minnesota should be prepared for him.”
Donovan Jackson on injured reserve, center Ryan Kelly in the league’s concussion protocol and right tackle Brian O’Neill dealing with a knee issue, Minnesota’s front five will almost certainly be overwhelmed by the No. 1 defense’s ferocious front. Garrett will be deployed to find the weak link and feast throughout the afternoon, of course.”
Minnesota needs a dub to keep pace in a crowded NFC playoff picture already dominated by the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams.
A loss would send the Vikings’ playoff hopes closer to life support, at least per early-season signals.
