The Vikings are bringing a 3-0 record back home to U.S. Bank Stadium for a prime-time matchup against the New York Giants (2-1) on Monday Night Football .
Let's see who the experts pick to win Monday's matchup.
What does the *Vikings' defense not possess? The front is stout. The LB crew can play with anyone. Harrison Smith is a high-impact player in the back end. And the experienced D is dotted with several young studs. Then there's the unsung players, like Andrew Sendejo, who already has 23 tackles [and two fumble recoveries]. How about Linval Joseph, who is the Vikes' occupier DT, the dude who is not supposed to put up stats? Well, Joseph has posted 18 tackles and three sacks. How this group handles Sterling Shepard is key. If the Vikings bracket Odell Beckham, Jr., who will mirror Shepard in the slot? Most likely Mackensie Alexander, who holds his own at one of the toughest positions in pro sports. Sans Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen in the Big Blue backfield, this is a challenging matchup for the Giants. *#NYGvsMIN
Vikings 21, Giants 13— Elliot Harrison,NFL.com
Eli Manning doesn't prescribe to Cam Newton's approach to field vision.
He won't be patting many balls down in anticipation of Odell Beckham Jr. or Sterling Shepard. It's three steps and fire for Big Blue's quarterback — and that could sink the Vikings on Monday night.
Why? Because that deep and scary Vikings line can't hit home if the ball is already out.
Meanwhile, I like New York's pass defense to get back on track. Damon Harrison is a beast inside who will shut the run down. Then, the Giants will be able to take advantage of a few injured Vikings blockers and force enough *Kyle Rudolph hurries.*
Giants — Chris Simms, Bleacher Report
*This is a tough game for the Giants as they face that Minnesota defense. The Giants haven't faced a defense that good this season. The Vikings have given up [17] points or less in eight straight games. Make it nine. *
Vikings 23, Giants 16— Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
If the Vikings' defense keeps playing the way it has through three weeks, they have a chance to be this year's Broncos, a team that can win a Super Bowl no matter who plays quarterback. The Vikings should improve to 4-0 on Monday night.
Vikings 20, Giants 7— Michael David Smith, Pro Football Talk
Last year, the Vikings developed a reputation for failing to get it done in prime time. This year, with a great defense and excellent coaching, the Vikings will get it done no matter what time of day the games start.
Vikings 27, Giants 20— Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
In the Vikings' past six games, they've faced Aaron Rodgers twice, Eli Manning, Russell Wilson [in the Wild Card game], Cam Newton and Marcus Mariota. They've handled each and every one of them. This Minnesota defense is playing at a 2015 Denver Broncos level and will be a nightmare to play in the new stadium. Especially at night. Sam Bradford finds a way.
Vikings 24, Giants 16— Peter Schrager, FOX Sports
Each Tuesday, WhatIfSports.com's NFL simulation engine generates predictions and box scores for every NFL game for the coming week. The highly sophisticated algorithms simulate every play of every game to produce each team's likelihood to win. Each matchup is simulated 501 times.
Vikings Win Likelihood Percentage: 68.8 percent, Average Score: Vikings 24.9, Giants 18.4— WhatIfSports.com
FiveThirtyEight's 2015 NFL forecast uses an Elo-based model to calculate each team's chances of advancing to the playoffs and winning Super Bowl 50. Playoff probabilities are based on 20,000 simulations of the season and will update after each game.
Pre-game win probabilities: Vikings 78 percent— FiveThirtyEight.com
9 of 10 experts pick the Vikings,SB Nation
6 of 8 experts pick the Vikings,CBS Sports
6 of 6 experts pick the Vikings,FOX Sports
5 of 5 experts pick the Vikings, *USA Today*
