The NFL has capped off the regular season with an exciting showdown in Week 18 between the 14-2 Minnesota Vikings and the 14-2 Detroit Lions, making it a high-stakes Sunday night game. When the schedule was finalized after Week 17, it was clear that this matchup, with major playoff implications, would be broadcast in prime time.
Ahead of this game, here are some bold predictions for the Vikings. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has transformed a team that many expected to finish in the middle of the NFC North standings into a powerhouse contender. The Vikings’ offensive success is largely thanks to the offseason signing of Sam Darnold, who was brought in as a $10 million quarterback.
At the time, Darnold was supposed to be a temporary option while Minnesota’s first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, was expected to step in. However, after McCarthy suffered a meniscus injury in the preseason, Darnold took over the starting role and has thrived. After struggling with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers in his first six seasons, Darnold has had a standout year. He has thrown for 4,153 yards, completing 343 out of 504 passes, with 35 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions, ranking fifth in the league with a passer rating of 106.4.
In this game against the Lions, Darnold is projected to throw for 275 yards and three touchdowns. Over the past seven games, he has been exceptional, with an 18-2 TD-interception ratio. Darnold’s ability to make key plays in crucial moments has become a trademark, such as his game-winning 39-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson in Week 16, which showed that he can deliver under pressure.
With weapons like Jefferson, Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and running back Aaron Jones, Darnold will have an edge over a banged-up Lions defense. Despite the Lions’ attempts to contain him, Jefferson is expected to put up big numbers with eight catches, over 130 yards, and two touchdowns. Even with double coverage, Jefferson will remain a dominant force in the game, freeing up opportunities for Addison and Hockenson.
On the defensive side, linebacker Blake Cashman is predicted to have a standout performance with 10 tackles and one sack. Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings have become a challenging unit for opposing offenses to read. While they may not completely shut down Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense, Minnesota’s defense will make crucial stops when needed most.
Cashman, who leads the team with 104 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 8 passes defensed, was absent during the Week 7 matchup between these teams. In his absence, the Vikings were close to securing a victory. Coming off an impressive performance with 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks in Week 17, Cashman is poised to be a key player once again. While he may not be a household name, his impact could be pivotal in the game that will determine the NFC’s top seed, the NFC North champion, and a first-round playoff bye.
