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Intriguing Game- NFL, Week 7

Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings

Eagles (4-2):

I understand they’re 4-2 and have been in first place in their division all season so far. That’s nice and all, but I’ve never been the type to judge teams strictly by records—I look at overall performance on the field. And so far, I haven’t been impressed. If I’m being blunt, they’re lucky to have the wins they do. They got a challenge from the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 and survived. They handed the Chiefs a loss in Week 2. But Weeks 3 and 4 really stood out to me. In Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, they were down by 19 and needed a second-half comeback to escape with a win. In Week 4 against the Buccaneers, they came out firing in the first half, but allowed Tampa to storm back in the second half—they were lucky to survive that one, too. Eventually, just sliding by catches up to you—and that’s exactly what happened in Week 5 against the Denver Broncos. Honestly, I’m glad it did. This is what happens when you toy with hot food for too long: you get burned. Last week against the New York Giants, they were flat-out disappointing. They didn’t even bother to show up. As I lay all of this out, it’s starting to feel like 2023 all over again for the Philadelphia Eagles. Even a current player compared the team’s recent struggles to the infamous 2023 collapse. The offense has yet to scare anyone this year, and credit goes to defenses for not letting Saquon Barkley beat them. Honestly, they should have more than just two losses by now. On Sunday afternoon, they’ll look to bounce back in Minneapolis.

Vikings (3-2):

In a conference featuring the defending Super Bowl champs, the Packers, Lions, Rams, Seahawks, and Buccaneers, it’s understandable why the Vikings might fly under the radar—especially with two of those teams in their own division. Let’s not forget: this is a team that won 14 games last season and had to start the playoffs on the road, despite finishing with more wins than the Rams, who they faced in the Wild Card round. Unfortunately, J.J. McCarthy got hurt early in the season, and Carson Wentz has stepped in to replace him. Wentz is the ultimate NFL journeyman—this is his sixth team in as many seasons. I like this offense. They have weapons in Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Jalen Nailor, and Aaron Jones out of the backfield. But the buck stops with Justin Jefferson, who’s widely regarded as the best wide receiver in the game. It doesn’t matter who’s throwing him the ball—he always finds a way to make his presence felt. I also love how they use him creatively: in the slot, out wide, even out of the backfield at times. My favorite thing about this Vikings team, though, is the defense. If someone said Brian Flores is the best defensive mind in football, I wouldn’t disagree. Once again, this Minnesota defense is ranked among the league’s best—sixth in total yards allowed per game (289) and second in passing yards allowed (157.6). I love how this unit plays together—sideline to sideline, flying to the football—and you never know what Flores is going to dial up. On Sunday, they’ll finally be back in the States and will host the defending Super Bowl champs.

Eagles X-Factor: Nolan Smith

The Eagles’ pass rush has been nonexistent this year. Josh Sweat is now an Arizona Cardinal, Brandon Graham retired after last season, and Za’Darius Smith just announced his retirement the other day. This is Nolan Smith’s moment to step up. I followed him closely during his days at Georgia, and when he gets the chance to shine, he takes it. If Nolan can generate consistent pressure, force hurried throws, and collapse the pocket, he could provide the boost this Eagles defense desperately needs—and disrupt the Vikings’ rhythm.

Vikings X-Factor: Jordan Addison

He’s a crucial part of the Vikings’ offense. Because of the attention Justin Jefferson draws, Addison often gets one-on-one looks—and the old saying holds true: you can’t double everybody. His presence gives whoever starts at quarterback a reliable second option. And with the Eagles’ secondary consistently struggling against deep threats, Addison could impact this game in multiple ways. One long touchdown could swing momentum—especially if Philly’s corners overcompensate for Jefferson.

Final Thoughts:

This is a big game for both teams. The Eagles are looking to snap a losing streak and prove they can play a full 60-minute football game. The Vikings want to show they can hang with the defending Super Bowl champs. If there were ever a chance for Saquon Barkley to get going, this could be the game. The Vikings have struggled at times to stop the run—we might even get a glimpse of vintage 2024 Saquon this Sunday. Keys to victory for the Eagles: Feed Saquon early. As I mentioned earlier, this is the kind of defense that can be aggressive—and you can use that against them. Feed your best player and jumpstart the offense. A strong run game will also slow down Minnesota’s pass rush. Be unpredictable. Mix tempos, vary formations, move A.J. Brown around to get him touches. Keep the defense guessing. Win on the edges. Set the edge, collapse the pocket, and generate pressure. That could swing momentum in Philly’s favor. Keys to victory for the Vikings: Contain Saquon. He’s the engine. When he runs well, Jalen Hurts becomes  more dangerous with RPOs and play-action. Disguise your pressures. Hurts has struggled against rotating coverages and disguised blitzes this year. Send pressure from the slot, rotate safeties, and force Hurts to diagnose quickly. Protect the quarterback. Whoever starts under center needs to stay upright. Keep the interior of the pocket clean and minimize breakdowns. I’m taking the Eagles to get back on the winning side of things.

Prediction:

Eagles 29, Vikings 21