What will be the Vikings record in 2022?
By: Jake Rajala
The Minnesota Vikings have new energy and swagger with Kevin O’Connell entering the 2022 season. After an 8-9 record in 2021, the Vikings will strive to have a winning record in 2022. With that stated, I’m going to simply project the Vikings victories, defeats, and overall record next season.
Week 1: vs the Packers
I predicted the Vikings to sweep the Pack after splitting games with them last season. I believe the Vikings with a healthy Danielle Hunter win 31-28.
Week 2: at the Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a bit more well-rounded than the Vikings — as they notably have a more potent pass defense than the Vikings. I believe the Eagles win 31-24.
Week 3: vs the Lions
I fully expect the Vikings to have a monster victory with a score of 38-17 against a rebuilding Lions team.
Week 4: at the Saints
Outside of the Vikings playing with magic against the Saints, I believe Hunter can exploit the young LT Trevor Penning in a couple of key moments. I believe the Vikings win a close, high-scoring game by a score of 38-35.
Week 5: vs the Bears
The Chicago Bears, who could have a Top-5 pick in the 2023 draft, should struggle against their nemesis in Minnesota. I believe the Vikings win 35-14.
Week 6: at the Dolphins
I expect the Vikings to lose a high-scoring match-up against a Dolphins team that is a bit more explosive and strong on defense by a score of 38-31.
Week 8: vs the Cardinals
The Vikings should be able to edge out a Cardinals team that is a bit less shiny than 2021. I believe the Vikings pick up a pivotal win by a score of 31-28.
Week 9: at the Commanders
The Vikings may struggle against Washington’s pass rush, but I trust them to make a few big plays and pick up a close victory by a score of 24-21.
Week 10: at the Bills
I trust in Josh Allen and the Bills (who are my SB favorite) to have 14+ wins next season. They brought in Von Miller to join their gifted offense. I believe they pick up this victory by a score of 42-28.
Week 11: vs the Cowboys
The Cowboys are exciting to watch on offense and they have a few elite pieces on defense. I foresee the Boys winning 35-28 in this high-scoring contest.
Week 12: vs the Patriots
The Pats haven’t made enough big moves in the ascending AFC East this off-season. With that said, I believe the Vikings win 31-24 in this game.
Week 13: vs the Jets
The Vikings will definitely beat the Jets, who may have a new HC-QB combo in 2023. I believe the Vikings win 35-17.
Week 14: at the Lions
The Lions may have signs of growth in 2022, but the Vikings should remain very hungry for a playoff berth in the 2022 season. I believe the Vikings win 35-21.
Week 15: vs the Colts
I like the Colts a bit more than the Vikings as I believe Matty Ice has a clutch victory by a score of 27-24.
Week 16: vs the Giants
The Vikings will definitely bounce back against the young Giants team and win by a score of 35-17.
Week 17: at Packers
The Kirk Cousins-led Vikings will have their second & most impressive win against a division foe that they match up well against in the Green Bay Packers. I suspect that the Vikings will win 27-24.
Week 18: at the Bears
The playoff-aspired Vikings should finish on a high note against the young Justin Fields and win 28-14.
Final record: 12-5
