1 of 5 experts pick the Vikings, NFL.com
Analysis from NFL.com’s Tom Blair:
Something is (probably) going to happen this Sunday that has happened just once since Oct. 6: Washington or Minnesota is going to win a game. I’m making the somewhat vibes-based choice to back the group that has shown far more fight lately. Over the past four weeks, the Vikings have been outscored by a combined 53 points, the worst differential in the NFL in that span, translating to a gulf of nearly two touchdowns per game. The Commanders mark since Week 10 (-26) isn’t necessarily all that hot, either, but it’s much further in the right direction, and it reflects a pair of very narrow losses to one middling opponent (Miami) and one contender (Denver). None of the units involved in this game have been great, but two have been respectable: Washington’s offense (12th in EPA per play) and Minnesota’s defense (11th in EPA per play). If the Vikings quarterback situation didn’t scare me so much, I might be tempted to go with the more potent defense at home. Whether Jayden Daniels is back or Marcus Mariota gets another start, I feel far more confident placing my faith in either of them than J.J. McCarthy, returning to the helm of the NFL’s second-worst passing attack in EPA per dropback.