Predicting the Vikings’ game against the Panthers

The Vikings are entering a crucial Week 6 matchup. Minnesota’s 2021 season could turn into a playoff berth or could result in a full-on roster teardown. The team is 2-3 heading into the matchup.

Minnesota needs a victory against Carolina on Sunday. Here are Vikings Wire’s score predictions for the game against the Panthers:

Jack White — Vikings Wire

Photo: Matt Blewett/USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings’ success this season is thanks to Kirk Cousins. He has 1,396 passing yards, 10 touchdown passes and two interceptions. The Vikings quarterback has looked like one of the best in the league, and I can see that trend continuing against the Panthers. With Cousins and a healthy Dalvin Cook, Minnesota gets back on track in a big way with a road victory in Week 6. Vikings 31, Panthers 28.

Anthony Rizzuti — Panthers Wire

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

This was an easier prediction to make, say, two days ago when we thought Christian McCaffrey was trending in the right direction. Now that we know he’ll be down for the third straight contest, that makes the Vikings a much more appealing pick.

I’ll say Minnesota, with their active do-it-all back returning to the lineup, does just enough on offense to complement what could be a strong stand against a struggling Darnold. Vikings squeak it out, 23-20.

Tyler Forness — Vikings Wire

Photo: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

The Vikings are in an interesting position. A win over Carolina and a playoff berth feels likely, but a loss would invoke even more outcry for a change in leadership. The key to this game will be Klint Kubiak. Head coach Mike Zimmer having the coaching staff start self-scouting a week early shows that there is a sense of desperation surrounding the team. With the Panthers having McCaffrey out for Sunday’s game, I have the Vikings winning a close game. Vikings 23, Panthers 21

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