Week 13 Minnesota Vikings Game Info/Matchups to Watch

Game Information

• New York Jets (+3) @ Minnesota Vikings (44.5 O/U)

• Date/Time: December 4th, 2022, 1:00pm EST
• Announcers: CBS – Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn
• Location/Weather: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN (dome)
• Referee: Clete Blakeman

2022 Season Leaders

Passing: Kirk Cousins (296/414, 65.0% comp, 2,760 yards, 17 TDs, 9 INTs)

Rushing: Dalvin Cook (178 att, 841 yards, 6 TDs)

Receiving: Justin Jefferson (116 targets, 81 rec, 1,232 yards, 5 TDs)

Tackles: Jordan Hick (55)

Sacks: Za’Darius Smith (9.5)

Interceptions: Harrison Smith (4)

Jets/Vikings History

• NYJ leads all-time series 8-3-0
• Last Matchup: 2018, NYJ lost 37-17
• Last NYJ win: 2010, 29-20 (Nick Folk had 4 FGs and Dwight Lowery had a pick-six for NYJ; Randy Moss and Percy Harvin caught TD passes from Brett Favre for MIN)

Matchups to Watch

Sauce Gardner/D.J. Reed vs Justin Jefferson/Adam Thielen

• Justin Jefferson was the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November. He, like Stefon Diggs, will be the toughest to cover from a route running perspective. Jefferson is currently 3rd in the NFL in receptions (81) and 2nd in yards (1,232). The combination of Reed and Gardner for the Jets has allowed a total of 552 yards receiving this season. While it is never expected that a defense can completely shut down Jefferson, the New York cornerbacks are likely the best chance to suppress his impact on the game. While mainly a boundary receiver for the Vikings, Jefferson plays 29.8% of his snaps from the slot, so Michael Carter will also see his fair share of the All-Pro wideout.

Garrett Wilson/Elijah Moore vs Patrick Peterson

• Vikings are one of the most zone-heavy defenses, which bodes well for both Mike White and his receivers. When you factor in the injuries to the Minnesota secondary, who will be without 2022 first-round pick S Lewis Cine, CB Andrew Booth, and CB Cameron Dantzler, it leaves mismatches for the Jets young star receivers to exploit. The linebackers will sink deep enough in the coverage that the underneath will be available, providing perfect YAC opportunities. Dump it down to your playmakers and allow them to make magic with the ball in their hands.

Keys to Victory

Get Quinnen Williams activated again. After a week with no pressures or sacks, Williams has a chance to get back on track with his All-Pro level season. The Vikings primary interior trio of Ed Ingram, Garrett Bradbury and Ezra Cleveland have allowed a combined 100 pressures this season, which means there is plenty of opportunity to get after Kirk Cousins. For comparison, the foursome of interior players that have played for the Jets (Connor McGovern, Laken Tomlinson, Nate Herbig and Alijah Vera-Tucker) have only 58 total combined pressures. It is also looking more and more likely that Minnesota’s LT Christian Darrisaw will be out for the game, which only strengthens the advantage for New York’s front four. Unlock 95 and the defensive line and prove that this playoff run isn’t a mirage.

Predictions

• Bam Knight scores his first career TD
• The defense will sack Kirk Cousins 3+ times
• Greg Zuerlein makes at least one kick from 50+ yards

Despite the 9-2 record, Minnesota has played in many close ball games this season. Eight of their wins are by 7 or fewer points, meaning the 4th quarter will be crucial in this matchup. The Jets have been one of the best teams in the final fifteen, so if this game is close, expect New York to find a way to close it out. I am taking a leap of faith with the score, but based on the way this defense has played, I think this is a game that Jets have potential to run away with. They begin the first of two difficult road games with a win, and move one step closer to controlling their own destiny. 

• Score: 28-10