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

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