First Quarter of Season

Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers

One of the most important games for the Vikings will come right out of the gate when they host the Packers. This is a game between two of the top teams in the NFC and the clear-cut favorites in the NFC North. If Cousins wants to take that next step, this is a good place to start. Who knows if there will be fans in the stadium but the game is on the Vikings’ home field. That’s a good start.

Vikings 24, Packers 18 (1-0)

Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are much improved from last season. Philip Rivers is under center, Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. were added in the draft, and DeForest Buckner is on the defensive line. It might take some time for this new regime to gel. Minnesota could be catching the Colts at the right time.

Vikings 28, Colts 17 (2-0)

Week 3: vs. Tennessee Titans

Are the Titans for real? After a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2019, they gave Ryan Tannehill a massive four-year, $118 million contract extension. And some people think Cousins is overpaid. He will have a chance to outplay Tannehill and continue the Vikings’ hot start.

Vikings 21, Titans 17 (3-0)

Week 4: at Houston Texans

This is a tough matchup for the Vikings. A difficult AFC opponent before they face a more difficult opponent in the NFC. This could be a look ahead for Minnesota and it is a bad team to do it against. The Texans’ defense will have a chance to get comfortable in this one.

Texans 31, Vikings 20 (3-1)