Vikings: 3 games Kirk Cousins will have to win with his arm

1. Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers (Sunday, Sept. 11)

It may be the first game of the season, but guess what? Cousins has to find a way to keep his team in this one. It may be O’Connell’s debut as an NFL head coach, but the Vikings’ Week 1 date is at home vs. the hated Green Bay Packers. If the Vikings want any shot of winning the NFC North, they have to hold serve and take the first game in this annual series on their turf. It is paramount.

Green Bay may not be as good of a team as the Packers were a year ago, but that should not stop the Vikings from doing everything in their power to win at home in Week 1. If the Vikings can win this game, they can beat seemingly everyone on their schedule. This division rivalry right out of the gate will serve as the ultimate tone-setter for their season. What type of team they will be?

If Cousins plays up to his standard like he has vs. Green Bay over the years, he can remain a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback on a playoff-contending franchise. With the NFC somewhat down, the Vikings have to take advantage of the opportunity ahead of them. Should Cousins play with great confidence vs. Aaron Rodgers, the Vikings can finally have that season everyone has hoped for.

A Week 1 win over Green Bay gives the Vikings a decent shot at winning 12 or so games this year.