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

Vikings Eye Another Long Winning Streak

The Minnesota Vikings (9-2) are back on home turf and looking to extend their winning streak to five games as they host the Arizona Cardinals (6-5) on Sunday in Minneapolis. This marks the Vikings’ first home game in nearly a month, following a triumphant road stretch capped by a thrilling 30-27 overtime win against the Chicago Bears last week.

Returning to U.S. Bank Stadium offers a welcome change for a team eager to maintain its momentum and solidify its playoff positioning.

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

Cardinals Fighting to Stay in NFC West Hunt

The Arizona Cardinals, meanwhile, are regrouping after a 16-6 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks that snapped a four-game winning streak. At 6-5, Arizona remains in a heated NFC West race, tied for first with Seattle while the Rams and 49ers are just a game behind at 5-6.

For head coach Jonathan Gannon, the stakes are clear.

“We’re in playoff football right now,” Gannon said. “We don’t shy away from that. … Every game is critical from here on out.”

The Cardinals will rely on quarterback Kyler Murray, who boasts a 98.0 passer rating this season with 2,343 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. Murray’s dual-threat ability (380 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns) adds another layer to the Cardinals’ offensive attack.

Running back James Conner has been a reliable ground option with 705 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while tight end Trey McBride leads the team in receptions (61) and receiving yards (685).

Minnesota’s Offense Finding a Groove

For the Vikings, quarterback Sam Darnold continues to show he can lead a playoff-caliber offense. Darnold has thrown for 2,717 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions this season, maintaining a 101.7 passer rating.

While Darnold’s early-season dominance has leveled off, he’s avoided costly mistakes in recent weeks, throwing no interceptions in his last two games. The Vikings have leaned on the consistent production of Aaron Jones, who has 1,083 yards from scrimmage (798 rushing, 285 receiving) and four total touchdowns, and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who leads the team with 61 catches for 939 yards and five touchdowns.

Minnesota has also added quarterback Daniel Jones for depth, though the offense remains firmly in Darnold’s hands.

“We’ve got to get back in sync offensively and play with confidence,” O’Connell said.

Key Injuries

Both teams face injury challenges heading into Sunday’s matchup:

Vikings

• Out: LB Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring, IR)
• Questionable: TE Josh Oliver (wrist/ankle), S Jay Ward (elbow)

Cardinals

• Limited in practice: S Jalen Thompson (ankle), RB Emari Demercado (back), OL Jonah Williams (shoulder)

Unlock Your Betting Potential! Sign Up Now at SportsHub.

A Look Back: The Last Matchup

The Vikings and Cardinals last faced off on Oct. 30, 2022, in Minneapolis, where Minnesota secured a 34-26 win. Sunday’s game offers Arizona a chance at redemption and Minnesota an opportunity to assert its dominance at home.

Prediction

With both teams eyeing crucial wins for playoff implications, expect a tightly contested battle. Minnesota’s home-field advantage and offensive balance should give them the edge.

Final Score Prediction: Vikings 27, Cardinals 20