Minnesota Vikings vs Arizona Cardinals Picks and Predictions December 1st 2024

Vikings Return Home in Search of Fifth Straight Win Against Cardinals

The Minnesota Vikings are set to host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis, aiming to secure their second five-game winning streak of the season. This critical Week 13 matchup holds significant playoff implications for both teams as they look to solidify their postseason positions.

Vikings Eye Another Strong Run

Current Form:
Minnesota (9-2) comes into the game riding a four-game winning streak, including a thrilling 30-27 overtime victory against the Chicago Bears last Sunday. Returning to U.S. Bank Stadium for the first time in four weeks, the Vikings hope to continue their dominance at home, where they last defeated the Indianapolis Colts 21-13. Head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his excitement about the team’s return to home turf.

“When they hit the field, they’re going to be jacked to be back in front of our fans,” O’Connell said. “We know it’ll be an unbelievable atmosphere. We’ve got to give them something to be excited about.”

Cardinals Aim to Rebound

Current Form:
The Arizona Cardinals (6-5) are looking to bounce back after a tough 16-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks that snapped a four-game winning streak. Despite their recent stumble, the Cardinals have shown resilience this season, recovering from a 2-4 start to go 4-1 in their past five games. Head coach Jonathan Gannon emphasized the importance of every game as the NFC West race tightens.

“We’re in playoff football right now, is what it is,” Gannon said. “We don’t shy away from that. We’ve earned the right to play meaningful games, but it really doesn’t mean you-know-what if we don’t execute.”

Key Players to Watch

Minnesota Vikings

• Sam Darnold (QB): The 27-year-old quarterback has been steady for the Vikings, boasting a 101.7 passer rating with 2,717 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. While his early-season form was stellar, Darnold’s recent performances have been more subdued. However, he enters this game on a high note, having avoided turnovers in his last two outings.
• Aaron Jones (RB): A dual-threat weapon, Jones has amassed 1,083 yards from scrimmage (798 rushing, 285 receiving) and four touchdowns.
• Justin Jefferson (WR): The Vikings’ star receiver leads the team with 61 receptions for 939 yards and five touchdowns. His ability to make big plays will be crucial against Arizona’s secondary.

Arizona Cardinals

• Kyler Murray (QB): Murray continues to be a dynamic playmaker, with a 98.0 passer rating, 2,343 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions. On the ground, he’s added 380 yards and four rushing scores.
• James Conner (RB): Conner anchors the Cardinals’ ground game with 705 rushing yards and five touchdowns, providing balance to their offense.
• Trey McBride (TE): Leading the team with 61 catches for 685 yards, McBride is a reliable target for Murray and a key part of Arizona’s aerial attack.

Injury Report

Minnesota Vikings:

• LB Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve and will miss the game.
• TE Josh Oliver (wrist/ankle) and S Jay Ward (elbow) are uncertain for Sunday.

Arizona Cardinals:

• S Jalen Thompson (ankle), RB Emari Demercado (back), and OL Jonah Williams (shoulder) were limited in practice earlier this week, leaving their status in doubt.

Playoff Stakes

Vikings: With a strong 9-2 record, the Vikings are in a prime position to secure a playoff berth. A win against Arizona would solidify their standing and potentially move them closer to a first-round bye.

Cardinals: Arizona faces a tougher road. Currently tied atop the NFC West with the Seahawks, they must capitalize on every opportunity to maintain their postseason hopes. A win would push them to 7-5 and keep them in control of their divisional destiny.

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Historical Matchup

The Vikings and Cardinals last met on October 30, 2022, in a high-scoring affair that ended with Minnesota claiming a 34-26 victory. This familiarity adds an extra layer of intrigue to Sunday’s showdown, with Arizona eager to avenge that loss.

Game Predictions

The Vikings’ recent home success and depth of talent make them slight favorites, but Arizona’s ability to pull off surprises on the road cannot be overlooked. Expect a competitive game where turnovers and red-zone efficiency could be decisive.

Conclusion

As both teams gear up for this critical contest, fans can expect a high-stakes battle filled with playoff-level intensity. The Vikings will look to leverage their home-field advantage, while the Cardinals aim to reclaim momentum in their pursuit of a division title.