Week 13 Minnesota Vikings vs Arizona Cardinals prediction and fantasy outlook feat. Kyler Murray

The Minnesota Vikings and the Arizona Cardinals are two teams that were never expected to be playoff contenders in the 2024 season. Both were supposed to be rebuilding for the future, but breakout performances by key pieces have led to surprise turnarounds.

However, with only seven playoff spots available, each team has to win if they want to be closer to attaining one of those spots. How will the game end, and who is the one to watch?

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Vikings vs. Cardinals prediction

When the Vikings drafted JJ McCarthy in the first round in April, he was hailed as the next face of the franchise and not without good reason. He was a very intelligent quarterback who had validated his stock by helping the Michigan Wolverines clinch the national college title.

However, he then tore his meniscus during the preseason. The team's playoff hopes were feared to be over, but Sam Darnold has proven to be a capable stand-in, thanks to a strong arsenal of Aaron Jones, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and a potent defense.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals were long rumored to be seeking a replacement for Kyler Murray. But that was always a slim possibility because of his monstrous long-term contract. Instead, they sought to give him a top-tier deep threat, and it led them to Marvin Harrison Jr.

With him, James Conner and Trey McBride, what has for two seasons been the NFC West's punching bag has become very competitive, leading the division at some points.

However, in a battle of potent offenses, it all comes down to defense, and the Vikings' stronger unit will prove the difference.

Prediction: Vikings 27, Cardinals 24

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Cardinals vs. Vikings fantasy outlook

Arizona Cardinals v Seattle Seahawks - Source: Getty

With that being said, Murray is still the player to watch. Thanks to the aforementioned arsenal, he's on pace to hit at least three thousand yards for the first time since 2021, when he and his team made the playoffs.

Sitting at QB7, he has been a very prolific fantasy scorer with just one single-digit performance - against the Chicago Bears - and even then, the Cardinals won, thanks to three rushing touchdowns.

With the Vikings' defense more focused on the run, expect him to "air it out" even against a strong secondary led by Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith.

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How to watch Vikings vs. Cardinals?

This game can be watched on Fox beginning at 1 p.m. ET/12 p.m. CT/10 a.m. PT. It can also be streamed on NFL+ for out-of-market subscribers.