Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Week 2 matchup: at Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 20

QBR 100+

It was an unimpressive opener for Cousins. He finished 19-25 for 259 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. This equaled a 59.3 quarterback rating (QBR). Against a vulnerable Colts’ defense, Cousins will have a chance to improve.

Indianapolis was supposed to have a better defense in 2020. That was not on display against the Jacksonville Jaguars as Gardner Minshew finished 19-20 with three touchdown passes. For Minnesota, Adam Thielen looked in midseason form with 110 yards and two scores. Rookie Justin Jefferson will continue to improve. Expect a big game from Cousins.

Three touchdown game

Thielen caught both touchdown passes from Cousins in Week 1. The No. 1 receiver finished with six total catches, two going for scores. The Colts allowed three touchdown passes to a team that was supposed to be at the bottom of the league. Why not again?

There is pressure on Cousins and the Vikings heading into this game. They were viewed as contenders in the NFC for this season. An 0-2 start would not be the way they want to start. Cousins will have to show up and show up in a big way this week.