From Tank for Trevor to back in the wild card hunt

The Vikings have been hot coming off their bye in week seven. Their young defense has improved each week while Dalvin Cook has made been making a laughing stock of opposing defenses.

After Monday’s win against the Chicago Bears, the Vikings are starting to look like potential contenders in the NFC playoff race.. While the game may have not been the prettiest win for the purple and gold, it still counts in the win column. Kirk Cousins had a solid start going 25 for 36 with 292 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Most importantly, Cousins was lights out on third down converting 10 of his 11 passes.

One of the big takeaways from the game was that the Vikings defense really seems to be coming into their own. The Vikings were able to accumulate two sacks and an interception on Nick Foles. The only times the Bears scored was from ex-Vikings player Cordarrelle on a 104-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and two field goals by kicker Cairo Santos.

Despite the Bears defense forcing two turnovers and Chicago constantly having nice field position, Minnesota consistently managed to neutralize the Bears’ offense which ultimately solidified the win.

While Monday’s game may not have been the most productive game stats wise for Dalvin Cook, Cook continues to be significant factor in the success of this Vikings team. 

Cook forces the defense to adjust to his extreme versatility on the field.  Since the week seven bye, Cook has scored six touchdowns for the Vikings, with four coming in the week eight game against the Packers.

The Vikings play the Dallas Cowboys next week, Andy Dalton is projected to start at quarterback. The Vikings will look to continue on their success by being just the next in the growing list of defenses that have bottled up Ezekiel Elliot

The Vikings will need to continue to utilize Cook as the focal point of their offense which should open things up for Cousins in the play action passing game. 

Minnesota dug themselves a hole with their 1-5 start, but as the schedule continues to soften up the Vikings may just land themselves back in the playoffs. The addition of a third wild-card team this season may prove to be the Vikings saving grace.