Vikings vs. Giants: NFL Week 5 Picks & Game Predictions
The Minnesota Vikings lost to the Chicago Bears and the critics were out in force against Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Cousins has been maligned because of his inability to perform at time and contrary to good defenses, and Sunday was no different. Cousins isnt as poor as he seemed against the Bears, and also that which we have today is a great purchase low opportunity using a Minnesota Vikings team that should really put it on and score against the New York Giants. The Giants defense is going to be a welcome sight after seeing Khalil Mack & business from his head and at the pocket all day. Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen was critical of Cousins after the game, talking about the Vikings inability to throw the ball deep, saying,At any point, youre going to have the ability to run the ball for 180 yards, in spite of the greatest running back in the NFL. Thats when you must be able to throw the ball. … You have to be able to hit on the heavy balls. Thielen is frustrated because he has been getting open and Cousins hasnt been able to send the ball.
Sunday provides the opportunity for Cousins to exacerbate this tension because if he doesnt take advantage of this today, the train could roll out of control. This will play in their ability to cover the spread and the OC will be prompted to put it on Sunday, despite the lead. Cousins must re-instill his wide receiver corps along with his teams confidence he can find the job finished. What greater way to guarantee them that hes the man to lead by obtaining all his guys goals and getting them engaged? Up to now, Cousins tenure in Minnesota was a disappointment. Hes never lived up to expectations and has been the fall guy for lots of the Viking conflicts after breaking the list for bonded cash. Cousins needs to enhance, and immediately, or his tenure and heritage with the Vikings is going to be one of abject failure.
New York Giants GM Dave Gettleman was the topic of criticism, since he selected quarterback Daniel Jones together with the sixth choice. The criticism stemmed in the Giants holding the concept along with also the selection that Gettlemen may have got Jones while using the pick to coast up a jagged defense. Gettleman was insistent that he made the pick and that Jones would not happen to be there at select 17. Eli Manning assisted Gettlemans cause by looking like an shell of his former self to direct his team the first two matches. This worked out great for Jones and Gettleman because by week , fans clamored for Jones to take the place of Eli. After he did. . .he delivered. Jones created contributions to beat their division rivals gathered into Washington and led the team to a comeback win in Tampa. Jones is the initial Giants rookie quarterback.
Jones comes home to NY with accolades and fanfare. The Giants have revived hope. Jones impressed against Tampa Bay since Tampa DC Todd Bowles is well notorious for giving rookie quarterbacks issues, also Jones achievement in Tampa dispelled some critics. Jones victory against Washington was a bit more anticipated. They took care of business in Washington by benefiting from the Redskins inability to field a football team that was competitive. Jones has one less weapon in his disposal, missing the top running back into the league (yeah, I said it), Saquon Barkley. The competent Wayne Gallman, who is an average running back replaces barkley and does his job, but has nowhere near Barkleys possibility. This let Jones to demonstrate the flash that made Gettleman pick him high and caused a bit to open up. Jones are also aided by the return of those suspended Golden Tate who will give him and has hands that are sure. The return of Tate will boosts jones. Tates precise route running will probably be a welcome sight to the young child.
This will be a test for Jones. Giants OT Mike Remmers knows, as he had been a Viking before connecting the Giants. When asked about the Vikings protection, Remmers reacted,Theyre just big, powerful, physical guys and they have a great deal of speed on these borders. They do a excellent job getting the advantages racing and getting penetration up front. Like Ive been saying, its going to be a fantastic challenge for us.
Even the Vikings have given up the touchdowns. Minnesotas defense ranks sixth in total yards allowed per game (312.8), 11th in rushing yards allowed per game (94.3) and ninth in passing yards allowed per game (218.5). Jones has averaged 192 yards, facing the defenses.
This game may come down to whether or not the delicate Giants defense can shut Cousins. This will be a challenge as The Giants have allowed just six points at the past six quarters. How? Coach Pat Shurmur said,I will let the team who has to scout us figure that out. I trust Vikings OC Kevin Safinski to do precisely that. Cousins historically plays well against poor defenses and so are familiar with the Giants from his days as a Washington Redskin. Cousins is looking to get right, and this match will hang on the Giants ability to discontinue Cousins and keep the infighting. A slow start can be to the Giants benefit because the Vikings have chemistry problems on the outside and these issues could arise if matters continue to go badly. It is crucial for Cousins and the Vikings to get out to a fast start and recover that winning atmosphere.
The Vikings will look to assist Cousins. The Vikings are in the NFL with 8 rushing TDs and ranking second in the NFL using 621 rushing yards. The usage of play action will be the key, although expect Cook to be a variable. Cousins has to target Thielen and Diggs. Cousins needs to incorporate TE Kyle Rudolph, who has been missing in their scheme. Cousins must execute the big throws to restore the crimes confidence . From the NFL, winning everything, and that is exactly what the Vikings have to do to continue to keep their playoff hopes alive and in order to keep their season.
The old adage,nobody is at the NFL is as bad as their worst game or as great as their best game will come true in Sunday. The Vikings couldnt have looked worse against the Bears, which is giving us a buy low prospect that was great. The Vikings have been 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games since the favored. As I anticipate Cousins to put it as he tries to recover the confidence of his teammates, Even the Vikings will win and cover. The Giants reliance on protection will be on screen this Sunday. The Giants have recent struggles against NFL odds. New York is 1-6 SU and ATS in its last 7 games as a home underdog. The Giants will be 3-11-1 ATS in their last 15 games following an ATS win. Look for Cousins, Cook, and company to make the most and get staff & their mindset. A strategy will be drawn up by mike Zimmer and this is going to be by far the best defense the rookie quarterback has faced. Zimmer is a defensive mind and by placing the 5 factors, were going to take advantage.
Best Pick: Vikings -5 (-105) using 5Dimes
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