Lunchbreak: Week 4 Tilt at Bears Listed as Vikings ‘Most Important’ Game in 2019

[Viktor]

The 2019 season is nearly upon us, as the Vikings kick things off Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium against Atlanta. Kickoff is at noon (CT).


ESPN Vikings reporter Courtney Cronin did a deep dive on the team prior to the season opener, looking at key storylines and players that will have an impact on how the season plays out over the next four months.


Cronin also tabbed Minnesota’s most important game in 2019, going with the Vikings Week 4 road game against the Bears in Chicago.


Cronin wrote:


In Week 4, Minnesota travels to Soldier Field, a place that has yielded some less-than-stellar performances over the years. In Week 17, the Vikings host the Bears to close the season. The early game against Chicago provides a measuring stick while the last game of the season could have a trip to the playoffs on the line like last year.


Minnesota has won two of its past four trips to the Windy City, getting victories in 2017 and 2015. The Vikings had lost seven straight games in Chicago before the 2015 win.


Cronin opined that Minnesota’s defense needs to play better than it did in 2018, but noted that it is Minnesota’s offense that could turn heads this season, as she predicted the Vikings will have a top-5 rushing attack led by Dalvin Cook.


This outside zone scheme is going to bring out the best in Dalvin Cook and Minnesota's deep corps of running backs. Offensive line coach Rick Dennison, who is the run-game coordinator, will help Cook become a 1,000-yard rusher while also contributing to the passing game. Minnesota will go from the bottom of the league to one of the NFL's most efficient rushing offenses.


Cook has 969 rushing yards in 15 career games, and has been a playmaker when he hasn’t missed time due to injuries.


Cronin also believes the Vikings will be in contention for a postseason berth based on the talent on both sides of the ball.