Dallas Cowboys

5 Bold Predictions For Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys in Week 13

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Five bold predictions for the Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys in NFL Week 13 on Thursday Night Football.

As both the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys know, every game from here on out can have drastic postseason implications. That’s why their Week 13 showdown on Thursday Night Football means so much to both these franchises. Despite both being in playoff contention, these teams are in very different situations.

The Vikings started the season looking like true contenders. However, a rash of injuries watched them follow up a 5-0 start with four-straight losses. If they hope on making the playoffs this year, they’ll need to win at least four of their remaining five games. Getting a win against Dallas would be a good start.

As for the Cowboys, they’ve nearly sealed a trip to the postseason at 10-1. That said, the New York Giants are on their tails for the division title. That’s why keeping their win streak alive will be imperative, especially if they want to earn one of those coveted first-round byes.

Obviously there’s a lot at stake here. How Thursday’s matchup plays out could help shape what eventually becomes the NFC playoff picture.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at my bold predictions for Thursday Night Football when the Cowboys visit the Vikings.

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Laquon Treadwell Finally Catches a TD

It’s been a bust of a season for rookie first-round pick Laquon Treadwell. The Ole Miss product was expected to be a significant part of the Minnesota passing in 2016, but that’s been the opposite of reality.

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Instead, Treadwell has failed to make any sort of impact for the Vikings. While players like Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen have asserted themselves as Sam Bradford’s go-to options out wide, the rookie has spent most of his season watching from the sidelines. Even when he does manage to see the field, he’s made nearly zero impact.

In fact, Treadwell has a whopping one reception on the year for 15 yards. He also drew a pass interference penalty on Thanksgiving, but it wasn’t exactly warranted.

Even when Treadwell got a start in place of the injured Diggs in Week 12, he failed to do much with the opportunity. His only target came on the aforementioned penalty. Shortly after that, he was phased out of the passing game in favor of Charles Johnson.

Despite his inability to shine this season, Treadwell still possesses the physical tools to be a playmaker. I’m predicting a trip to the red zone will result in a touchdown for the former Rebel. It’s a step in the right direction, but Treadwell still has a long way to go before he’s a relevant part of the Vikings’ offensive attack.

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Ezekiel Elliott Racks Up 150+ Rushing Yards

Relatively speaking, the Vikings have been solid against the run this season. However, in recent weeks, they’ve started to struggle to slow even average runners. Unfortunately, in Week 13, they go up against one of the NFL’s best (and youngest) backs.

Ezekiel Elliott has been carving up opposing defenses all season long. He’s currently the leader in rushing yards on the year (1,199) and second in rushing touchdowns (11). While the Vikings boast the a top-15 rush defense, I don’t know if they’ve seen a back quite like Elliott.

I mean, they gave up 156 to rookie Jordan Howard, let undrafted rookie Robert Kelley rack up 97 and ceded another 103 to David Johnson. And that’s all since Week 8, shortly after Minnesota’s sudden turn for the worse. Imagine the damage someone like Elliott can do if the Vikings aren’t on their game.

My guess is they won’t be, which is why I’m predicting Elliott to rack up over 150 rushing yards on the day. He may even eclipse his season/career best of 157, earned against the Green Bay Packers in Week 6.

It’s not going to be a pretty showing from the Vikings run defense. It’s clear their defensive unit isn’t as elite as it appeared to be at the start of the season. Elliott is going to further prove that point on Thursday night.

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Minnesota D Picks Off Dak Prescott Twice

For as impressive as Elliott has been this year, Dak Prescott has been right there with him. Despite being a fourth-round pick, the Mississippi State product took the baton and ran with it. Not only has he secured his position as the long-term starter, but he’s got the Cowboys playing excellent football.

What’s crazier is he’s managed to limit himself to only two interceptions despite throwing 340 passes. Not too shabby for a rookie who wasn’t supposed to be star—let alone a starter.

Unfortunately for Prescott, that number is about to double. While the Vikings haven’t been very successful since their Week 6 bye, their defense is still among the best in the NFL. Minnesota currently owns the fourth-ranked pass defense, and is second in the league in interceptions with 12.

That’s why, on Thursday, the Viking are going to double Prescott’s interception total for the year. Yes, they’ll pick off the rookie gunslinger twice before all is said and done. I’d guess at least one of those goes to Xavier Rhodes, who’s been one of the NFL’s best all-around cornerbacks this season. Maybe someone like Eric Kendricks or Captain Munnerlyn will come up with the other.

Either way, look for the Vikings to give Prescott one of those “welcome to the NFL” moments.

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Dallas D Sacks Sam Bradford Five Times

The Cowboys haven’t done the greatest job of getting after opposing quarterbacks this season. Luckily, they’ll be facing off against one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL when they visit Minnesota on Thursday.

That means plenty of pressure on Bradford, who’s essentially spent the entire 2016 campaign cringing in anticipation of hits. He’s already taken 26 sacks this season, good for the fourth most among all quarterbacks. Unfortunately for him, it’s about to get worse.

Right now, there’s only one original starting offensive lineman who is still in the lineup and not coming off an injury. That’s Alex Boone, who has been solid, but not outstanding this season. Joe Berger and Jeremiah Sirles were both injured in Week 12, but the hope is they’ll be available against Dallas (via the Pioneer Press).

Even if Berger and Sirles are playing, it’s going to be a long day for Bradford. If they aren’t available, it’s going to be a miserable outing for the former No. 1 overall pick.

Either way, I’d anticipate Bradford going down early and often in Week 13. In fact, I’m predicting he gets sacked five times, which would be the most times he’s been sacked since Week 8. That’s what happens when your offensive line gets decimated by injury.

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Vikings Pull Off the Last-Second Upset

Considering these two teams’ very different directions, it’s assumed the Cowboys shouldn’t have too much trouble earning the W. However, this dynamic rookie duo is bound to hit a speed bump at some point. Week 13 might just be that point.

Even though their stock is plummeting, the Vikings are still a playoff-caliber team. If it wasn’t for a barrage of injuries and Blair Walsh, their current record may better reflect their talent. That’s why, despite the clear disadvantage, you can’t count out Mike Zimmer’s squad in this one.

Although Elliott should feast on the Minnesota defense, Prescott will make some untimely errors. Obviously the Vikings will have their own offensive hiccups, but Bradford should still be able to put some points on the board. That should bring this game down to the wire.

A late interception thrown by Prescott and game-winning drive by Bradford allows the Vikings to stay alive in the playoff race. They desperately need this win, and every player on the roster will be looking for opportunities to swing it in Minnesota’s favor.

There’s no reason to worry about Dallas—they’ll survive the loss. The Vikings, however, won’t and come into this one thinking it’s do-or-die. That mentality and driver allows them to win this nail-biter.

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