This is an NFC Conference Championship matchup that could easily have been predicted two months ago. The Eagles and Vikings were the NFC’s elite for the better part of 2017. What is more surprising is the duel of quarterbacks. Absolutely no one could have predicted a Case Keenum–Nick Foles final back in August. Yet here we are. Philadelphia has the advantage of playing host while Minnesota is still soaking in the emotional uplift of last week’s improbable victory.
Here are the predictions from the staff of Full Press Vikings for what figures to be a low-scoring, defensive battle between the top seeds in the conference.
Anthony Talanca: Minnesota 20, Philadelphia 17
Both teams try to establish some easy throws for their quarterbacks to get them eased in. The defense ends up being the main storyline for both teams in this game. In the end, Keenum makes enough winning throws and a late Kai Forbath field goal sends Minnesota to the super bowl.
Adam Pearson: Minnesota 27, Philadelphia 13
Minnesota is able to run the ball all game long, mixing in passes when needed and holds off Philly. Vikings defense is as solid as usual, forcing Foles into sticky situations where he makes mistakes a few times throughout the game.
Clayton Brooks: Minnesota 17, Philadelphia 10
With two of the NFL’s fiercest defenses featured, it’s going to come down to which offense can make enough plays to get by. The Vikings have the most stability and continuity at the quarterback position with Keenum. He will either make this team or break them. I will put my money on him coming up with just enough plays to get the Vikings over the hump and into the Super Bowl.
Sam Smith: Minnesota 19, Philadelphia 13
These are two squads that are, as currently constituted, defense-centric. Both are strong up the middle with good secondaries and free-flowing linebackers. Given that, along with the weather conditions, I would hammer the under in this game. That being said, I favor the Vikings in this matchup. Their offensive weapons are just that much more explosive. Their quarterback is that much more reliable. And their defense is just a hair stronger. This should be a game heavy with bend-but-don’t-break drives and field goal attempts, but the Vikings will kick just a couple more to move on to the Super Bowl.
– Anthony Talanca writes for Full Press Coverage and covers the Vikings. Follow him @atalanca.
– Adam Pearson writes for Full Press Coverage and covers the Vikings. Follow him @APwrites3.
– Clayton Brooks writes for Full Press Coverage and covers the Vikings. Follow him @ClaytonRBrooks2.
–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Full Press Coverage NFC North. Like and Follow @samc_smith Follow @fpc_vikingsFollow @fpc_nfcn
