Washington Commanders vs Minnesota Vikings Week 9 Preview

The Washington Commanders take on the Minnesota Vikings at FedexField at 1:00 PM on Sunday. This will be Kirk Cousins first game at FedexField since leaving Washington. I expect a mixed reaction from the crowd at Fedex when Cousins comes onto the field Sunday. This will be the Commanders toughest game in the last month. I expect the defense to struggle on Sunday to stop the Vikings offense and it may get ugly late if the offense struggles.

Offense

The offense last week didn’t look good for most of the game.  They will need to be better this week if they have any chance to beat the Vikings.  And it starts with moving the ball better.  The Commanders only had three scoring drives last week and two came on the last two drives of the game.  If they do that this week it will be a blowout against a competent offense.  The key to the game is establishing the run and win time of possession.  I would also like to see whichever running back is hot to stay in the game instead of rotating the backs all the time.

The Commanders will also need to protect the ball this game.  During the win streak they have won the turnover battle two out of the three games.  And the other time they tied the turnover battle.  If they don’t protect the ball this week the Vikings will make them pay.

Finally I would like to see better play calling this week.  Last Week Turner had a few questionable play calls.  One being on fourth down after calling the same play two times before.  Then on the last drive he called a screen when screens hadn’t worked all day.  I would like to see more plays that get McLaurin open in space like he did once last week on the first scoring drive.  

Defense

Last week the Defense played good, but it was against a backup quarterback getting his first start.  They forced two timely turnovers on drives the Colts would’ve put up points.  The defense will need to force a couple of turnovers this week against the Vikings.  This will be the Commanders defense biggest test in the last month.  They will need to figure out how to shutdown Justin Jefferson this week.  Jefferson is averaging 107 receiving yards per game and a 14.5 yards average per catch.

They will also need to slow down Dalvin Cook as well.  Cook is averaging 80 rushing yards per game.  The Commanders gave up 135 rushing yards last week and will need to get that number under 100 this week.  The defense also has struggled to stop the outside run this year, so I expect the Vikings to test the Commanders edges. 

Finally Chase Young will not be back this week.  He did return to practice this week, but Ron Rivera doesn’t believe he is in game shape right now.  I expect him to come back next week for the Monday night game against the Eagles.  He will also be on a snap count when he does return to the field.

Injuries

Commanders

DE Shaka Toney Questionable with a Calf Injury

WR Jahan Dotson is Out with a Hamstring Injury

RB J.D. McKissic is Out with a Neck Injury

DE Chase Young is Out with a Knee Injury

LB Cole Holcomb is Out with a Foot Injury

LB David Mayo is Out with a Hamstring Injury

OT Sam Cosmi is Questionable

Vikings

CB cam Dantzler is Questionable with a Neck Injury

Dl Dalvin Tomlinson is Out with a Calf Injury

WR Jalen Nailor is Out with an Illness

Predictions

I expect the Vikings to put up some points against the Commanders. I don’t believe the defense is good enough to shut down all of the Vikings weapons. And because of that the offense won’t be able to put up enough points to win. The Vikings will win tomorrow 28-17 and end the Commanders win streak.

Lines from BetUS

Commanders +3

Over/Under 43.5