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Week 8 Reality Checks – Cousins, Redskins equally bad in prime-time games

By Tim Payne

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 29: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 29, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 29: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 29, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 20: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins reacts after fumbling the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 20: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins reacts after fumbling the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. The Reality Is, Adrian Peterson will go into the Hall of Fame as a Viking, but he still wants to show them up this week.

Since that is the case, there will certainly be an edge to his play this week in his return the land of the Purple People Eaters. Assuming his ankle allows him to suit up, Peterson will want to prove the Vikings made a mistake in letting him go after the 2016 season. Peterson only got 6 carries against Minnesota in his only other visit since leaving the team. The Redskins will give him a lot more than that if he’s able to go on Thursday night.  Coming off a disappointing week against the 49ers, expect Peterson to be very motivated and focused on Thursday.

My Prediction: Likely a game-time decision, Peterson will be active and effective on Thursday night, averaging over 4.5 yards per carry and notching a TD.

4. The Reality Is, the Vikings are better than the Redskins in two of the three phases of the game.

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The Vikings have an explosive and newly balanced offense. They have a solid and cohesive defense both against the run and pass. Their special teams unit is just average, however.

If the Redskins can manage their best special teams showing of the season, they may have a significant advantage in that area of the game. The weather won’t be a factor inside US Bank Stadium, but if the Redskins can muster a similar defensive effort to what they put forth against the 49ers on Sunday, the game may come down to field goals and field position. Maybe the special teams unit has a key role to play this week.

My Prediction: The Vikings offense will sputter a bit against the Redskins. The Redskins will win the special teams battle. The Vikings defense, however, will dominate the Redskins’ offense.

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