Welcome back to another thrilling edition of Minnesota Vikings Weekly, where we dissect the highs, lows, and everything in between of our beloved team! Now, let’s talk about Week 5, where the Vikings managed to snag a win against the Jets, but let’s be real, it wasn’t exactly a masterpiece. If this game were a painting, it would be one of those abstract pieces that leaves you scratching your head, wondering if the artist was just having a bad day.
The offense looked about as prepared as a cat at a dog show, struggling to find its rhythm against a Jets defense that was more stubborn than a toddler refusing to eat their vegetables. But fear not, because when the going gets tough, we can always count on our secret weapon: Will Reichard! This guy has been an absolute monster as our place kicker this year. He managed to put up another three field goals against the stout Jets defense, which, let’s face it, was the only thing keeping our hopes alive. Sam Darnold? He didn’t throw a single touchdown pass all game. Talk about a tough day at the office!
Luckily, Reichard’s leg and the Minnesota defense have been our dynamic duo, keeping us in games like a pair of mismatched socks that somehow still work together. Speaking of the defense, let’s give a round of applause to Andrew Van Ginkel, who snagged another Pick 6 in Week 5. This guy is proving to be the free agency gem we didn’t know we needed, shining brighter than a diamond in a coal mine. His contributions are a testament to how much Brian Flores has improved this defense, turning it into a formidable force that even the toughest offenses are starting to fear.
So, as we gear up for the next challenge, let’s raise a glass (or a foam finger) to our kicker, our defense, and the hope that our offense can find its groove in another epic NFC North rivalry game! Here’s to another week of Vikings football, may it be filled with touchdowns, laughter, and maybe a few less head-scratching moments!
KEY PLAYERS FROM WEEK 5
Offense
{Offense definitely struggled in week 5.}
- JUSTIN JEFFERSON – 14 Targets 6 Receptions 92 Yards
- C.J. HAM – 2 Carries 10 Yards 1 TD
Defense
{Defense keeps showing out and keeps the Viking in games.}
- HARRISON SMITH – 5 Tackles 1 Assist 1 SACK
- CAMRYN BYNUM – 4 Tackles 2 Assist 1 INT
- STEPHON GILMORE – 5 Tackle 1 Assist 1 INT
- ANDREW VAN GINKEL – 0 Tackle 1 Assist 1 INT 1 TD
- HARRISON PHILLIPS – 1 Tackle 0 Assist 1 SACK
- BYRON MURPHY JR – 4 Tackles 1 Assist
- BLAKE CASHMAN – 3 Tackles 2 AssistS
LIONS vs VIKINGS WEEK 7
It’s Week 7, and the Minnesota Vikings are ready to unleash their inner Norse gods as they prepare to clash with the 4-1 Detroit Lions! With a perfect 5-0 record, the Vikings are strutting into this matchup like they own the place, because, let’s be honest, they friggin’ do!
Let’s get into some injuries on both sides of the ball. Assess the situation if you will. We will also get into some of my best bets for today’s game.
INJURIES/PLAYERS OUT
VIKINGS INJURIES
In a classic case of “who’s in and who’s out,” the Minnesota Vikings (5-0) have officially ruled out linebacker Blake Cashman (toe) and cornerback Akayleb Evans (hip) as they prepare to host the Detroit Lions (4-1) this Sunday in Week 7. It seems Cashman’s toe has decided to take a vacation, and Evans’ hip is throwing a little tantrum—classic!
Meanwhile, running back Aaron Jones, Sr. (hamstring), outside linebacker Pat Jones II (shoulder), and defensive lineman Harrison Phillips (shoulder) are all listed as questionable. You know, just your average “will they, won’t they” drama that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Tight End T.J. Hockenson (knee) and Guard Dalton Risner (back) are also in the questionable club. Hockenson is currently on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List, while Risner is on Injured Reserve—Designated for Return. They’re both in their 21-day evaluation windows, which sounds like a fancy way of saying, “We’re not sure if they’ll be back, but we’re definitely keeping an eye on them!”
Safety Theo Jackson (hand) and tight end Josh Oliver (wrist) have dodged the injury report bullet and are expected to be available. Meanwhile, cornerback Stephon Gilmore (rest) and safety Harrison Smith (rest) were added to the injury report on Friday, but don’t worry, they’re just taking a little “me time” and are expected to play.
Blake Cashman (Linebacker)
Injury: Toe
Status: OUT
Akayleb Evans (Cornerback)
Injury: Toe
Status: OUT
Patrick Jones II (Offensive Linebacker)
Injury: Shoulder
Status: QUESTIONABLE
Aaron Jones Sr (Cornerback)
Injury: Hamstring
Status: QUESTIONABLE
Harrison Phillips (Defensive Lineman)
Injury: Shoulder
Status: QUESTIONABLE
T.J. Hockenson (Tight End)
Injury: Knee
Status: QUESTIONABLE
Dalton Risner (Guard)
Injury: Back
Status: QUESTIONABLE
The other key players whom were on Minnesota’s injury report did not receive a designation for the game and are expected to be available!
Josh Oliver (Tight End) (Wrist) & Theo Jackson (Safety) (Chest)
LIONS INJURIES
An absolutely sad day for the Lions in week 6 as they lose one of their best defensive players for the year on a freak injury. Extremely horrible seeing such an elite player go down like this.
In a dramatic turn of events on Friday, the Detroit Lions have officially ruled out offensive lineman Christian Mahogany due to an illness. Apparently, even tough guys can catch a bug—who knew?
Meanwhile, cornerback Carlton Davis III and guard Kevin Zeitler are listed as questionable, which is just a fancy way of saying, “We’re not sure if they’ll play, but we’re definitely sure they’ll be on the injury report!”
On the bright side, defensive back Brian Branch (knee), tackle Dan Skipper (ribs), and center Frank Ragnow (rest—because even centers need a break from all that snapping) have dodged the injury bullet and are expected to suit up. So, it looks like the Lions will be ready to roar, even if a few of their players are feeling a bit under the weather!
Aiden Hutchinson (Defensive End)
Injury: Leg
Status: OUT/IR
Christian Mahogany (Offensive Lineman)
Injury: Illness
Status: OUT
Carlton Davis III (Cornerback)
Injury: Quadriceps
Status: QUESTIONABLE
Kevin Zeitler (Guard)
Injury: Groin
Status: QUESTIONABLE
The other key players whom were on Lion’s injury report did not receive a designation for the game and are expected to be available.
Brian Branch (Defensive Back) (Knee), Frank Ragnow (Cornerback) (Rest), Dan Skipper (Tackle) (Ribs).
GAME DETAILS
Location: US BANK STADIUM, Minneapolis
Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
Kickoff: 1:00 P.M. ET
Where to Watch: Fox, NFL+, Fubo, YouTube TV
Jets vs Vikings Odds
- Spread: Lions +1.5 (-112) | Vikings -1.5 (-108)
- Over/Under: 50.5 Points Over (-110) | Under (-110)
- Moneyline: Lionss (-102) | Vikins (-118)
Odds courtesy of Draft Kings Sportsbook
My Week 5 Bets and Final Prediction for Lions @ Vikings
- Vikings get the victory this week at -118 and go 6-0
- I’m predicting a Packers 30 / Vikings 34 score for today’s game, which means you should be taking Vikings spread at -108.
- The Total for this game is 50.5. With my scoring predictions, I believe I’m taking the Over at -110.
FAVORITE PLAYER PROP BETS
- David Montgomery – Anytime TD (-165)
- Justin Jefferson – Anytime TD (-140)
- Jake Bates – Over 1.5 FGs Made (-125)
- LONGEST FIELD GOAL – Over 47.5 Yards (-105)
- Sam Darnold – 2+ TD Passes (-130)
- Byron Murphy – Over 3.5 Solo Tackles (-130)
Skol Viking Let’s Win This Game!
The Sports Affiliation 