4 Vikings Predictions for the Opener vs Green Bay

After an eight-month wait, meaningful Vikings football returns as the Minnesota Vikings take on the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.

4 Vikings Predictions for the Opener vs Green Bay

It is a quirk of the schedule that the Vikings finished last season at home against the Packers, and begin this one with the same fixture. Minnesota was victorious back in January and will be looking for the same outcome again. Here are my Vikings predictions for the season opener.

Justin Jefferson Goes Huge

Justin Jefferson is a man with something to prove.

Through no fault of his own, he has slipped down many people’s WR rankings after a 1,048 receiving yards and two-touchdown season where he was handicapped by the Vikings’ quarterback play. I predict that Jefferson and Kyler Murray’s connection is going to sparkle on debut.

The Packers will be missing Micah Parsons, and with the Vikings playing inside in a home game the ingredients are perfect for Jefferson to go huge. The first of my Vikings predictions is Jefferson goes well past 100 receiving yards and snags himself a couple of touchdowns to round off a spectacular return to form.

Kyler Murray Throws For 350+ yards and Three Touchdowns

Murray’s good day will go further than his connection with Jefferson and he will make the most of all of the Vikings’ offensive weapons.

With Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, T.J. Hockenson, and more also out there, Murray should be able to spread the ball out. I’m predicting a big day out for the new Vikings QB who throws for over 350 yards and three touchdowns. It’s the stuff that dreams are made of but I’m confident that if Kevin O’Connell, Murray, and the Vikings receivers get things right this week, then they can have a big day.

Caleb Banks Gets His First Sack

A team first-round draft pick will always come under focus when a new season starts. It was always unlikely that Caleb Banks was going to be ready to take on a major role straight away this season. After most of his final season was lost to injury he was injured again following a breakout performance at the NFL Combine. The Vikings gambled on the physical traits and potential of Banks which means patience is needed, although that hasn’t stopped some from jumping to early concerns.

Minnesota’s defensive coordinator Brian Flores praised Banks’ growth over the course of the preseason and said he will have “a role in some capacity” against Green Bay in the season opener. Using Banks in the rotation when looking to blitz Jordan Love would be the most likely way to use him this week, which will give him a chance to get on the stat sheet early. I predict he gets to Love and brings him down.

James Pierre Snags Vikings’ First Interception

The last of my Vikings predictions concerns who will snag the team’s first interception of the season. If Minnesota’s defense can get consistent pressure on Love, which I believe they will, chances for an interception will come the Vikings’ way.

I predict James Pierre snags the team’s first interception of the season and his first for the team – rounding out a great day for Vikings debut players. Pierre arrives in Minnesota after an impressive year in Pittsburgh and will be looking to prove he can handle an extended role, this would be the perfect start.

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