Vikings vs. Giants: NFL Week 5 Picks & Game Predictions
The Minnesota Vikings Dropped to the Chicago Bears and the critics were out in full force against Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Cousins has been frequently maligned because of his inability to perform in time and contrary to good defenses, and Sunday was no different. Cousins isnt as bad as he seemed against the Bears, and that which we have now is an excellent buy low opportunity with a Minnesota Vikings team that should really put it on and score against the New York Giants. The Giants defense is going to be a welcome sight for Cousins last 27, after seeing Khalil Mack & business from his face and in the pocket all day. Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen was critical of Cousins following the match, talking about the Vikings inability to throw the ball deep, stating,At any time, youre not going to have the ability to run the ball for 180 yards, despite the greatest running back in the NFL. That is when you have to have the ability to throw off the ball. … You need to have the ability to hit the heavy balls. Since hes been getting open thielen is frustrated and Cousins has not been in a position to deliver the ball.
Sunday provides the ideal opportunity for Cousins to exacerbate this strain as if he does not take advantage of this the train that is anti-Cousins could steam roll from management. This may play into their ability to pay the spread since Cousins and the OC will be motivated to put it on Sunday, even. Cousins must re-instill their wide receiver corps along with his teams confidence he can get the work finished. What better way to assure them that hes the person to lead by obtaining all his men goals, touches and getting them involved? Up to now, Cousins tenure in Minnesota has been a pity. He has never lived up to expectations and has been the fall guy for many of the conflicts that were Viking after breaking the list for money. Cousins needs to improve, and fast, or his tenure and heritage with the Vikings is going to be one of failure.
New York Giants GM Dave Gettleman was the topic of criticism, since he selected quarterback Daniel Jones together with the choice. The criticism stemmed from the Giants holding the 17th selection along with the concept that Gettlemen might have got Jones in 17, while utilizing the 6th pick to coast up a spotty defense. Gettleman was insistent that he made the perfect pick and that Jones would not have been there at select 17. By looking to be an shell of his former self to direct his team the first two matches Gettlemans trigger was assisted by eli Manning. This worked out good for Gettleman and Jones due to week , fans were clamoring to take the place of Eli. After he did. . .he delivered. Jones led the team in Tampa rolled into Washington and made strong contributions to conquer their division rivals. Jones is the primary Giants rookie quarterback to win his first two starts since Phil Simms.
Today Jones comes with accolades and fanfare. The Giants have hope going into a conference match with the Vikings. Jones particularly impressed against Tampa Bay since Tampa DC Todd Bowles is known for giving problems to rookie quarterbacks, also Jones victory in Tampa dispelled some critics. Jones success against Washington was expected. They took care of business from Washington by benefiting from the Redskins inability to spot a football team that was competitive. Jones has just one less weapon in his disposal, missing the best running back in the league (yeah, I said ), Saquon Barkley. Barkley is substituted by the Wayne Gallman, who is an average running back and does his job, but has nowhere near Barkleys possibility. This caused a bit to be opened up by the Giants and let Jones to show the flash which made Gettleman select him so high. Jones will also be aided by the return of those Golden Tate that is suspended who will give him a target that may get open and has special hands. Jones will be encouraged by the yield of Tate. The precise route running of tate will be a welcome sight for the young quarterback.
This will be a test for Jones. Prior to joining the Giants as he had been a Viking giants OT Mike Remmers knows. When asked about the Vikings defense, Remmers responded,Theyre just big, strong, physical guys and theyve a great deal of speed on the edges. They do a great job obtaining the advantages on tackles rushing and getting penetration up front. Like Ive been saying, its likely to be a good challenge for us.
The Vikings have given up the touchdowns. Minnesotas defense ranks sixth in total yards allowed per game (312.8), 11th in rushing yards allowed per game (94.3) and ninth in passing yards allowed per game (218.5). Jones has averaged passing yards, facing the second and third-worst defenses in the league.
This game will come down to whether or not the fragile Giants defense can shut Cousins. Since The Giants have allowed just six points in the previous six quarters this is going to be a battle. How? Coach Pat Shurmur stated,Ill allow the team that must scout us figure out. I trust Vikings OC Kevin Safinski to do precisely that. Cousins so are knowledgeable about the Giants from his days as a Washington Redskin and historically plays against poor defenses. Cousins is seeking to get right, and keep the infighting that is Vikings and this match will hang on the Giants capability to prevent Cousins. A slow start can be to the Giants benefit these problems might implode if things continue to go poorly and because the Vikings already have chemistry problems. Its crucial for Cousins along with the Vikings to get out to a fast start and recover that winning atmosphere.
The Vikings will look to help Cousins. The Vikings rank second in the NFL using 621 rushing yards and are rushing TDs. The usage of drama action will be the secret, although Anticipate Cook to be a variable. Cousins has to target Thielen and Diggs. Cousins has to integrate. Cousins has to execute the big shouts to renew the confidence of the offense. In the NFL, everything is solved by winning, and thats what the Vikings need to do to continue to keep their playoff hopes alive and in order to maintain their season from imploding.
The old adage,No one is at the NFL is just as bad as their worst game or as good as their best game will come true on Sunday. The Vikings could not have looked worse against the Bears, which is giving us a buy low opportunity. The Vikings have been 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games since the favorite. Even the Vikings will win and pay, as I expect Cousins to pour it as he attempts to regain the confidence of his teammates. The Giants deficiencies on defense will be on display this Sunday. The Giants have struggles against NFL odds. New York is 1-6 SU and ATS in its last 7 games as a home underdog. The Giants will be 3-11-1 ATS in their last 15 games following an ATS win. Start looking for Cook Cousins, and also company to take advantage and get their attitude & group. A strategy planned for Daniel Jones will be drawn up by mike Zimmer and this is going to be undoubtedly the best defense the rookie quarterback has faced. Zimmer is a defensive mind and we are likely to make the most of the NFL choice.
Greatest Pick: Vikings -5 (-105) using 5Dimes