The Kansas City Chiefs are getting ready to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9, looking to end a three-game home losing streak.
To learn more about Kansas City’s opponent, we spoke with managing editor Kyle Ratke over at Vikings Wire and asked him a few questions.
Chiefs Wire: The Vikings are on a four-game winning streak. What is the key to their recent success?
Vikings Wire: It’s been a combination of things, but most notably the balance offensively. Led by offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, the Vikings have a scheme that shows off their ability to run and throw the ball down the field. Dalvin Cook has proven he’s one of the best running backs in the league when healthy, which has really helped open things up for Kirk Cousins.
Chiefs Wire: Minnesota appears to be one of the healthiest teams in football. Adam Thielen was the only player not practicing in full early this week. Do you get the sense that he’ll be available to play?
Vikings Wire: I would imagine Thielen would play. He’ll have two weeks of resting time from an injury that the team said wasn’t very serious. Given the team’s lack of depth at receiver, they are playing the injury safe, but I’d be shocked if Thielen didn’t play in this one.
[Note: Thielen was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.]
Chiefs Wire: Are there any emergent players on the Vikings that Chiefs fans might not know about?
Vikings Wire: Offensively, look for rookie tight end Irv Smith Jr. to get involved. The Vikings are using Kyle Rudolph primarily as a blocker. It feels like the former Alabama star is on the verge of having a breakout game. Defensively, safety Anthony Harris has continued to be one of the best safeties in the NFL for the second straight year.
Chiefs Wire: QB Kirk Cousins has plenty of detractors since his arrival in Minnesota. Is there a sense that he was the right choice for the Vikings now that they’re seeing some regular-season success?
Vikings Wire: If the choice was between Cousins, Case Keenum and Teddy Bridgewater, then yes, the Vikings made the right decision. I understand the $84 million is a lot, but the Vikings are in win-now mode and Cousins is the best quarterback in that bunch, and I don’t think it’s particularly close.
Chiefs Wire: How do you feel about this game? Do you have any hot takes and what is your final score prediction?
Vikings Wire: A lot of this depends on whether or not Patrick Mahomes can play, but if he doesn’t, I think the Vikings come away with a win. Matt Moore is a capable backup, but Minnesota has a scary defense. Plus, Kansas City’s lack of run defense has to be concerning going up against Cook, Alexander Mattison and the Vikings running game. Vikings 27, Chiefs 20
[Note: Mahomes was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.]
