NFL Picks Week 5: Why Minnesota Will Grab Their First Win

The Minnesota Vikings have been terrible this year.

Since falling in the NFC Championship game in January of 2010, the Vikings are 6-14. That's pretty terrible.

All that time, they have had the best running back in the NFL, Adrian Peterson. In addition, they have one of the best defensive lines, featuring All-Pro Jared Allen. And, their offensive line is one of the better ones in the league, with All-Pro Steve Hutchinson anchoring the left side.

Despite all that, questionable coaching decisions and poor quarterback play have caused the Vikings to lose twice as many games as they've won.

Now, even though a lot of fans are hoping the team continues to lose for Andrew Luck, that won't happen. The Vikings are too talented to lose the necessary 14 or 15 games it will take to win the Luck Sweepstakes.

Against the Arizona Cardinals, Peterson will run wild. He is one of the Vikings' two offensive weapons (Percy Harvin being the other), and he will get enough touches to rush for a ton of yards and a few touchdowns.

On the defensive side, Allen will be chasing Kevin Kolb around all day. Kolb is prone to throwing dumb passes, and Allen breathing down his neck won't help. With Allen bringing serious pressure, Kolb will throw up a couple bad throws, leading to a few turnovers for the Vikings defense.

With the game in Minneapolis, the Vikings will have their remaining die-hard fans going crazy. With that energy, I think the Cardinals will fold, and the Vikings will take advantage of the mistakes.

It won't be a pretty win, but the Vikings won't be complaining. They should get their first win of the season this Sunday.

Prediction: Cardinals 17, Vikings 27