Eagles vs. Vikings 2019 Prediction: Carson Wentz, Philly Upset Kirk Cousins, Minnesota In NFL Week 6

The Minnesota Vikings’ 2019 season has followed a very distinct pattern: they beat up on a bad opponent one week before losing to a good team in the following game. After Kirk Cousins and Co. dominated the New York Giants in Week 5, it’s time to bet against Minnesota in Week 6 when they host the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Vikings are three-point home favorites, according to the latest betting line at OddsShark. Minnesota’s recent track record against the most difficult part of their schedule doesn’t bode well for their chances to win against the spread or straight up Sunday afternoon.

It’s hard to put much stock into the Vikings’ latest 28-10 win. Minnesota improved its record to 3-0 against inferior competition. The Vikings beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-12 in Week 1. Minnesota was dominant in Week 3 with a 34-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

The story has been completely different when Minnesota takes on a playoff contender. The Vikings lost at Lambeau Field 21-16 to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. Minnesota never put any type of scare into the Chicago Bears when they were defeated 16-6 at Soldier Field in Week 4.

Minnesota’s defense has performed well in every game. Kirk Cousins has ultimately been the difference, one way or the other, each week. The quarterback has completed better than 71 percent of his passes with three passer ratings of at least 112.0 in the Vikings’ three wins. Cousins has 463 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in two losses with an average passer rating of 72.3.

This isn’t a trend that started in 2019. Minnesota went 1-6 against playoff teams and 7-1-1 against the rest of their schedule in 2018. Cousins had a 108.1 passer rating in wins and an 89.6 rating in the team’s six losses.

Philadelphia was actually the one playoff team that Minnesota managed to beat last season. That Week 5 contest dropped the Eagles to 2-3. Philadelphia made the postseason by rebounding from a 4-6 start and winning five of their last six games.

Don’t expect the Eagles to get off to another slow start.

Carson Wentz continues to establish himself as a top-10 quarterback when he can stay on the field. Philadelphia is up to seventh in points per game. Putting up 31 points on the New York Jets in Week 5 wasn’t a big deal. Manhandling what’s been a very good Green Bay Packers’ defense in Week 4 with 34 points was an impressive performance.

The Eagles have scored at least 20 points in every game. The Vikings can potentially match that total by taking advantage of a weak Philadelphia secondary, but Cousins and Minnesota’s offense has yet to prove they can play well on a consistent basis.

Dalvin Cook has done his best to carry the Vikings’ offense with 5.9 yards per carry. The running back might be in for his worst game of the season, facing a team that holds opposing rushers to 3.2 yards per attempt.

The difference between the Giants’ pass rush and the Eagles’ pass rush is night and day. Few teams have done a worse job of allowing pressure than the Vikings. Cousins will be back to having little time to throw the ball in Week 6.

The Vikings are very good at home, but the Eagles are a good road team. Philadelphia is 5-1 against the spread in their last six road games.

Prediction: Philadelphia over Minnesota, 20-17