The NFL has saved the most exciting game of the year for its final week. When the Week 18 schedule was released after the conclusion of the Week 17 Sunday night game between the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders, it became clear that the winner-takes-all showdown between the 14-2 Minnesota Vikings and the 14-2 Detroit Lions would be scheduled for prime time, after all other games had concluded.

In anticipation of that game, we present our Week 18 bold predictions for the Vikings. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has transformed a team many analysts predicted would finish third or fourth in the NFC North into a powerhouse. The Vikings’ offense has been dynamic, primarily due to the offseason decision to sign Sam Darnold as quarterback for $10 million.

At the time, it seemed Darnold would be a temporary starter until Minnesota’s first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, the standout quarterback from Michigan’s 2023 national championship team, was ready. However, McCarthy tore his meniscus in the Vikings’ first preseason game, allowing Darnold to move from a placeholder to the starting QB.

O’Connell has worked closely with Darnold since he joined the team, and the quarterback has flourished. After struggling during his first six years in the NFL with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers, Darnold has been exceptional throughout this season. He has completed 343 of 504 passes for 4,153 yards, with 35 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. Darnold ranks fifth in the NFL with a 106.4 passer rating.

Darnold will throw for 275 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Lions’ banged-up defense.

Darnold has been solid all season, but he has truly excelled over the last seven games. In that stretch, he has posted an 18-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He has quelled any concerns about turning the ball over and demonstrated the ability to make clutch plays in critical moments.

Earlier in the season, Darnold would often build early leads, allowing the Vikings to play conservatively in the final stages. However, in recent weeks, he has showcased his ability to make key plays in the fourth quarter, securing important victories.

Darnold displayed that skill in Week 16 when he threw a game-winning 39-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson against the Seattle Seahawks with just 3:51 left on the clock. Under pressure from the pass rush, Darnold stepped up at the perfect moment and delivered a remarkable pass to the league’s top receiver.

That throw highlighted Darnold’s poise in crucial situations. With confidence and accuracy, and supported by excellent weapons, Darnold is well-positioned to continue his success. In addition to Jefferson, Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and running back Aaron Jones will benefit from facing a Detroit defense decimated by injuries.

Jefferson will catch 8 passes for 130-plus yards and 2 touchdowns.

Since being drafted by the Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jefferson has been an incredible performer. He posted 88 receptions for 1,400 yards and 7 touchdowns in his rookie season, surpassing those totals every year since, except for the one in which a hamstring injury sidelined him for seven games.

Despite facing consistent double coverage, Jefferson has already logged 100 receptions for 1,479 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. No matter how Detroit tries to limit him, Jefferson will have a massive impact on this game.

When double-teamed, both Addison and Hockenson will find themselves in favorable situations. Meanwhile, when Jefferson gets loose from coverage, he will make several big plays, including two touchdowns.

Blake Cashman will record 10 tackles and 1 sack.

The Vikings aren’t a dominant 14-2 team simply because of their offense. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has built a defense that is tough for opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators to crack.

Although the Vikings are unlikely to completely shut down Lions quarterback Jared Goff and his talented offensive weapons, they can still manage to make critical stops at key moments.

Linebacker Blake Cashman is the team’s top defensive player. Leading the Vikings with 104 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and 8 passes defensed, Cashman was absent when the two teams met in Week 7 due to a turf toe injury, and the Vikings nearly won that game.

In Minnesota’s victory over the Packers last week, Cashman tallied 11 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, and 2 quarterback hits. He is expected to have a similar performance against the Lions.

Although Cashman may not be a household name, he is a dangerous player capable of making a significant impact in this crucial game, which will determine the top seed in the NFC, the NFC North champion, and the team that earns a bye during Wild Card weekend.