5 NFL teams that must win in Week 8

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back with the ball during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

1. Minnesota Vikings

By the skin of their teeth the Vikings are on top of the NFC North division with a 4-2-1 record. Their lone tie came against the Packers, and their two losses were against the Rams (makes sense) and the Bills (really?). Regardless, the Vikings are one of the most talented football teams in the league, but have battled the injury bug thus far.

If the Vikings want to reach the NFC Championship again this season they need to start taking care of business, and execute the little things better. Perhaps this week would be a good one to really get back to basics as they have a huge game against the Saints. Luckily for them, the Vikings are at home, where they perform much better.

As I have already mentioned, the Saints are probably the second best team in the NFC and the Vikings aren’t too far behind them. A win for the Vikings would prove to everyone that they belong in the conversation of best teams in the league, and that their loss against the Bills can be chalked up to a fluke.

Now, the Saints are by no means an easy match up, but they are exploitable. Talented running back Dalvin Cook remains out with a hamstring injury, but that shouldn’t matter too much as the Vikings will surely try to take advantage of a Saints secondary that has been under performing. The Saints just added Eli Apple via trade, but he won’t transform the defense in less than a week.

Look for Kirk Cousins to have an incredible day and lead the Vikings to a huge win over the Saints.