Analyst Predicts Vikings Beat Steelers ‘Fairly Handily’ Behind Jordan Mason, Carson Wentz

The Pittsburgh Steelers have managed to scrape previous with two wins in three video games regardless of incomplete performances in all of them. They’ll must be higher than that Sunday in Dublin in opposition to a Minnesota Vikings crew that appears harmful regardless of lacking each its beginning quarterback and working again. Professional Soccer Focus’ Trevor Sikkema thinks Minnesota will management the sport comparatively simply.

“If the Vikings don’t beat themselves, I believe they need to be capable to win this recreation fairly handily,” Sikkema mentioned on the PFF NFL Present. “Particularly for the way the Vikings have been working the ball recently, particularly final week. Jordan Mason, their working again now with Aaron Jones out, 76.1 dashing grade this season, 214 whole dashing yards. I really like the truth that he has had a lot success.”

Minnesota is down Aaron Jones, which might really feel like an enormous loss given how constantly productive he’s been for years now. However the working recreation took no steps backward with Jordan Mason main the cost in opposition to the Bengals final week. Mason ran the ball 16 occasions for 116 yards and two scores. His offensive linemen moved Bengals defenders wherever they preferred, and Mason took benefit.

The Steelers did defend the run a bit higher final week. They didn’t enable any of the New England Patriots’ working backs to realize 30 yards on the day. Nonetheless, they allowed 119 yards on the bottom anyway, with Drake Maye selecting up a superb portion of that after getting out of the pocket.

Even being down J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings; offense with Carson Wentz main it. Sikkema thinks that would occur once more on Sunday.

“Carson Wentz has had good video games,” Sikkema mentioned. “Even the spot-starting duties, he has had video games the place he might play properly. I believe the Vikings can management this recreation sufficient to the place they’re gonna be capable to get the victory.”

It’s been a very long time since Wentz has held down a beginning function, however he’s had success as a backup. Final week, he was very environment friendly, finishing 14-of-20 passes and throwing for 2 touchdowns. The Vikings merely walked throughout Cincinnati’s protection all through the sport. That protection isn’t top-of-the-line by any margin, nevertheless it’s not just like the Steelers have been a lot better defensively, so it’s a trigger for concern.

Sikkema doesn’t even point out Brian Flores’ protection, which ought to pose a problem for Aaron Rodgers and Arthur Smith. It’s not a fantastic matchup for the Steelers on both aspect of the ball, actually. They’re going to must play their most full recreation but to fly dwelling from Dublin with a win.