New England Patriots Gameday: Minnesota Vikings skol into Foxborogh
The New England Patriots (8-3) return home to take on a tough Minnesota Vikings (6-4-1) team at Gillette Stadium late Sunday afternoon.
Defense will be the key for both teams when the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings collide at Gillette Stadium for a late Sunday afternoon Week 13 matchup.
Coming off a victory against the New York Jets, the Patriots’ offense had no problem moving the ball up and down the field, but penalties and a lack of execution in the red zone were some areas of concern.
As the Patriots look to get better in those areas, Mike Zimmer’s Vikings present a defensive challenge for Tom Brady in the crew. They are good up front against the run and Zimmer will present unique defensive schemes that will certainly have offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Brady on their toes. Execution and discipline will be a key to moving the ball offensively against Minnesota in this one.
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As stout as the Vikings’ defense is, they are just as dangerous offensively. They really haven’t been able to get their running game going this season, but Kirk Cousins and his aerial attack could present some problems for the Patriots’ secondary.
Offensive playmakers like Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and tight end Kyle Rudolph present coverage challenges. For the Patriots, Stephon Gilmore will be key to locking down Thielen and whoever Bill Belichick slides into those 2nd and slot corner roles will be huge in this one.
Over all, Belichick knows what his team is up against on both sides of the ball.
"“Defensively, this is, I’d say, as good of coaching as we’ll face,” Belichick said, via Patriots.com. “I think Mike [Zimmer] does a tremendous job with fundamentals, with their schemes. They are very, very challenging, particularly in the critical situations – third down, red area, two-minute, things like that. They’re very good. He’s a great coach and has been for a longtime and has that unit playing extremely well. Offensively, they just have a tremendous, explosive group of skill players – the receivers, the tight end, the quarterback, the backs. Everybody can and does make big plays, they move the ball, score points, and very explosive in the kicking game.”"
A lot of praise from Bill Belichick and deservingly so. The New England Patriots are typically great at home. They need to get off to a fast start in this one to get the crowd in the game and keep the Vikings chasing.
How to watch Minnesota Vikings vs. New England Patriots
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Kickoff: Sunday, December 2, 2018 4:25 p.m. ET
TV: FOX (Check local listings)
Streaming: fuboTV
Week 13 Prediction:
With all his weapons back and on the field, don’t be surprised if Tom Brady and the New England Patriots offense go no huddle to begin the game. With Rex Burkhead back in the mix, the offense will present an unpredictable approach that could keep the Minnesota Vikings defense off-balance if the game is sped up.
Next. New England Patriots: 3 Vikings to slow down in Week 13. dark
Look for Cordarrelle Patterson to be used in different ways offensively against his former team. He’ll make a play or two that may end up being the difference in this one. Sony Michel and James White will also be key in the short passing game as the team will look to get the ball out of Brady’s hands quick.
Defensively, the Patriots will be more aggressive with their play calling to get some pressure on Kirk Cousins. They will succeed, especially during some key spots in the game.
In this Week 13 showdown, the New England Patriots will outlast the Minnesota Vikings 27-17.