The Minnesota Vikings will host the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon in a battle of playoff contenders. 

With Professional Soccer Focus’s top-graded protection and an offense with a number of harmful weapons, the Jets pose a a lot larger risk than they had been when the season started, but when the Vikings can get by means of them, they’re going to have an opportunity to clinch their first division title since 2017.

A battle with the Jets ought to be unpredictable however listed here are 5 issues you’ll be able to depend on when the Vikings take the sector.

Justin Jefferson getting used everywhere in the area

The matchup between Jefferson and Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner has drawn many of the headlines coming into Sunday’s recreation, but it surely’s doubtless we can’t see a lot of a one-on-one scenario.

Kevin O’Connell has caught to his phrase to make use of Jefferson in the identical trend that he used Cooper Kupp throughout his time with the Los Angeles Rams. Along with being top-of-the-line route runners in soccer, Jefferson is used everywhere in the formation, which creates mismatches for defenses.

With D.J. Reed Jr. and Michael Carter II additionally having great seasons in protection, Jefferson will not have an apparent mismatch, but it surely could possibly be a greater matchup than Gardner, who has performed simply six protection snaps within the slot all season and has primarily performed on the far aspect of the sector.

This might disappoint followers, but when it results in a giant day for Jefferson, they’re going to certainly take it.

Extra strain for Kirk Cousins

The Vikings have gotten by on a patchwork offensive line this season they usually’ll have to discover a approach to survive once more going up towards a Jets line of defense that ranks seventh in PFF’s pass-rush grades.

The largest concern is on the inside of the offensive line the place Quinnen Williams ranks seventh within the NFL amongst inside defenders with 38 quarterback pressures. Ed Ingram continues to steer all NFL offensive linemen with 44 quarterback pressures allowed and Ezra Cleveland ranks sixth with 34 pressures allowed, which means there’s a good probability Cousins will probably be coping with inside strain on Sunday.

That is not the one challenge because the Jets have a steady of edge rushers together with Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers and Bryce Huff that might make life depressing within the pocket. With Christian Darrisaw dominated out for Sunday’s recreation, the Vikings might want to discover a approach to shield Cousins.

Extra errors from Mike White

White’s second tour of the again web page of New York tabloids was one of many greatest storylines from Week 12, however he’ll face a harder matchup towards the Vikings.

White threw for 313 yards and two scores within the Jets’ win over the Bears, however he wasn’t challenged towards a Chicago protection that pressured him on simply three of 30 dropbacks.

Much more regarding is what occurred the final time White went off. After throwing for over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns in a Halloween 2021 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, White imploded two weeks later with a four-interception efficiency towards the Buffalo Payments. In 4 begins final season, White threw eight interceptions with 5 coming from a clear pocket.

The Vikings have been passive of their protection this season but it surely’s solely a matter of time till White begins turning the ball over. If Minnesota is prepared, they’re going to have alternatives to money in on these errors.

One other large day for an opposing vast receiver

In fact, that reductions what White was in a position to do nicely final week. PFF charted White’s common time to throw at 2.38 seconds, which was the third-fastest time in Week 12. By comparability, Zach Wilson’s common time to throw this season is 3.09 seconds which is thirty fifth amongst 38 qualifying quarterbacks.

This can be a blessing for Garrett Wilson, who will probably be attacking a Vikings protection that has given up enormous video games to No. 1 vast receivers. Though the Vikings benefitted from an early harm to Jakobi Meyers final week, they nonetheless coughed up 382 yards and two touchdowns to Mac Jones, who was last seen screaming at his offensive coordinator on Thursday night time.

The return of Akayleb Evans ought to present a lift within the secondary however with a fast passing recreation and a protection that may permit catches beneath, Wilson ought to be capable of have one other large day towards the Vikings.

The Vikings’ first division title in 5 years

Profitable the NFC North is a matter of “when” not “if” for the Vikings they usually’ll have an opportunity to get the job completed on Sunday. 

The Vikings can clinch the division with a win over the Jets and a loss or tie from the Detroit Lions. Neither is a assure – particularly with the Lions internet hosting the 4-7 Jacksonville Jaguars – however there’s sufficient to consider Minnesota can maintain up its finish of the discount.

The Jets are an improved group from the place they had been a 12 months in the past however the Vikings have a bonus in a number of areas. If they will pressure White into some ill-timed errors and discover a approach to crack the New York protection, they need to be capable of get a win in entrance of a house crowd at U.S. Financial institution Stadium.

Prediction: Vikings 24, Jets 21