The Minnesota Vikings are set to take on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon in Charlotte, North Carolina. The last time these two teams met was in 2021 when the Vikings beat the Panthers in overtime 34-28 on a K.J. Osborn deep crosser touchdown in overtime.
Sunday’s game will look a little bit different. Both teams are sitting at 0-3 and on the verge of seeing their seasons metaphorically end before they have really begun. The Panthers are without their first-round pick in 2024 due to trading up for the first overall pick this April to select quarterback Bryce Young and the Vikings are hoping to find that player.
Buy Vikings TicketsOur staff makes their predictions for the game on Sunday.
Managing Editor Tyler Forness
Record: 1-2
This is a must-win for both teams this weekend as they each sit at 0-3. The Vikings won their last game in Charlotte on a deep over-route touchdown to K.J. Osborn in overtime.
This season has seen some of that, including an Osborn touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. If the Vikings want to come out with a win, they need to clean up their mistakes and play tighter on defense. They should be able to do that and come out with a win.
Vikings 31, Panthers 20
Columnist Judd Zulgad
Record: 1-2
The Vikings will be on the road but this is a get-well game that Minnesota needs if it is to begin digging out of an already big hole. Carolina is also 0-3 and the return of first-overall pick Bryce Young might be good news for the Vikings, considering his struggles to date.
Vikings 24, Panthers 21
Columnist Kevin Fielder
Record: 1-2
This is a must-win game for the Vikings, who have dug a major hole by starting 0-3. Historically, teams that start the season like this don’t make the playoffs, but most of those teams haven’t had the Vikings talent. With critical division games coming up, the Vikings need to pick up “easy wins” against opponents they matchup well with. The Panthers are one of those teams. Bet on the Vikings experience to give them the edge against the rookie quarterback.
Vikings 31, Panthers 20
Columnist Saivion Mixson
This game could really go either way and it wouldn’t surprise me. As far as do-or-die games go, it doesn’t get much more do-or-die than this. Once a team hits 0-4, the playoffs are pretty much out of the question. Only the 1992 San Diego Chargers were able to rally and get to the playoffs after such a dismal start. I think the desperation from both teams will make this a close game but the more talented Vikings should be able to pull this out.
Vikings 27, Panthers 24
