Chiefs vs. Vikings predictions: Writers split on a winner
By Drew Brooks
After lacking confidence in quarterback Matt Moore last week, our writers are split on who will win the Chiefs vs. Vikings game.
Week 9 of the 2019 NFL season is upon us, and the Kansas City Chiefs are holding a 5-3 record. Last week, our writers lacked confidence in quarterback Matt Moore’s ability to take on the Green Bay Packers. After a solid performance in which Moore completed 24/36 passes for 267 yards and 2 touchdowns, our writers are split on predicting a winner for the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Chiefs will be facing a Vikings team that has won its last four games and looked extremely confident in doing so. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has responded to criticism in a big way over these last four games, putting up his best numbers of the season. Over this span, he has thrown for 10 touchdowns and only 1 interception.
Meanwhile, the Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has been exceptional this season. Through Week 8, Cook has rushed for the most yards out of any running back this season. With Cousins hitting stride and Cook’s rushing ability, this looks like a matchup that will give the Chiefs, who have struggled to stop the run, a lot of trouble.
For the Chiefs, they will be missing their biggest weapon as quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to recover from a dislocated kneecap. Aside from quarterback, the Chiefs are battling injuries all over the place. On the offensive line, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Eric Fisher have not practiced at all this week. On the defensive line, Frank Clark and Alex Okafor have also not practiced.
The good news for the Chiefs is that defensive end Chris Jones fully practiced yesterday, giving hope for a return this week. Despite the Chiefs’ injuries, last week against the Packers they played well until the end, losing only 31-24. That performance by the team led by quarterback Matt Moore has split our writers on picking a winner.
Here are the full writer predictions:
Drew Brooks: Chiefs 35, Vikings 28
In Matt Moore we trust. The Chiefs’ three losses have all come at home, and it’s time for them to change that against the Vikings. I think they’ll have trouble stopping Dalvin Cook, but I think Matt Moore and company will get it done on offense.
Matt Conner: Vikings 24, Chiefs 20
The Chiefs gave the most spirited effort possible in the face of injuries at home last week and still came up short. Can they really rally all those same performances again versus a talented Vikings team? I don’t buy it.
Jalon Dodson: Chiefs 28, Vikings 24
Matt Moore wasn’t able to get the job done against the Green Bay Packers, but that’ll change. With just a little Moore magic, the Chiefs will be able to pull it off. If the defense can generate pressure against the Vikings, it’s a wrap at Arrowhead.
Jacob Harris: Chiefs 28, Vikings 24
If Moore plays, I think the Chiefs still sneak out a W. If Mahomes plays add 14 more points to K.C. and 7 more to MIN.
Scott Loring: Vikings 16, Chiefs 9
Defense shows up big against a very good rush offense, but Matt Moore and the K.C. offense will be stagnant against the Vikes’ defense. Chiefs lose another frustrating game at home.
Jordan Mannix: Chiefs 27, Vikings 24
Matt Moore is a capable starter. The chiefs defense continues to improve. The Vikings are a good team but Cousins is due for a bad game. Chiefs get up early and Vikings make it close late, but the better team wins.
Ellen Mathis: Chiefs 28, Vikings 24
The Chiefs will likely get some starters back this week which will give them a boost. The defense continues to improve every week and I think they will be able to get good pressure on Cousins. I think this game will be close, but the Chiefs will pull off a win—one that they do need if they want to have a shot at a first round bye in the playoffs.
Byron Smith: Vikings 21, Chiefs 14
I am never going to bet against Dalvin Cook. Sure, Kirk Cousins is mostly bad (save for the last few weeks), and their defense has benefitted from beating up bad teams (with the exception of Green Bay), but that good of a running back against that porous of a Chiefs run defense is an easy call.
Grant Tuttle: Chiefs 28, Vikings 24
The Chiefs played admirably against the Packers. With the hope that they may get a few starters back, they should be in a good position to take on the Vikings. I expect the Chiefs to show some resilience and defeat Minnesota in dramatic fashion.
Farzin Vousoughian: Vikings 41, Chiefs 31
The Vikings defense might be the best the Chiefs will face all year alongside the New England Patriots. But with or without Mahomes, the offense will move the ball through the air with Kelce, Watkins and Hill. The problem will be the defense as Kirk Cousins has the second highest passer rating behind Russ Wilson and Dalvin Cook leads the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns.
Thomas Welte: Chiefs 31, Vikings 17
The Chiefs showed more guts and determination last week than many thought they had. With their backs to the wall and down several men, Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo both produced creative gameplan that kept Kansas City in the game. As the team gets healthier, the blend of talent and creativity should pay dividends. The Vikings have been hot, but have shown over the years to he inconsistent.