By: Jake Rajala

The Kirk Cousins-led Minnesota Vikings are more complex than the INFP personality type. Nonetheless, there is one thing clear in regards to the Vikings outlook in 2022 — the Vikings have a lot of talent and energy under Kevin O’Connell. With that said, I’m going to untwine three bold predictions for the Vikings in 2022 — as the sky might just be the limit.

Danielle Hunter is first-team All-Pro

The Vikings unearthly edge rusher Danielle Hunter ousted 14.5 sacks in 2018 (while making second-team All-Pro) and 14.5 sacks in 2019. I believe he was climbing the ladder last season, as he unveiled six sacks, 10 QB hits, and 38 combined tackles in seven games. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending pectoral injury during the Cowboys contest last season. I imagine a hungry, healthy Hunter with better pass-rushing opportunities will have his best season in 2022 — which should translate to second first–team All-Pro honors.

Irv Smith Jr. catches 10+ touchdowns

The young Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr. hauled in five touchdowns in 13 games during the 2020 season. Smith Jr. missed the entire 2021 season via a meniscus injury. I expect the Vikings TE to be out for blood in a more creative offense under O’Connell moving forward. The days of planning to run the ball down the defense’s throat have adjusted to a high-powered, creative passing attack with the former Rams offensive mind at the HC helm. I also expect the aging Adam Thielen (24 touchdowns in the past two seasons) to share some of his red-zone success with the healthy TE.

The Vikings will beat the Packers twice

The Vikings managed to beat their despised opponent in Green Bay once last season. Well, I believe it’s time for the Vikings to upset the Packers in each match-up in 2022. The Saints have been hell-bent on beating Tom Brady and I believe a Vikings defense led by Hunter will help the Vikings win in two likely shoot-out matches against Rodgers. Rodgers might thrive and be a pillar of consistency in the remainder of the schedule, but I believe the Vikings can attack the Packers’s weaknesses even better than last season.

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