The Predators are coming to town

For the first time in ages, the Vikings are set to take on a new opponent as they face off against Kristiandstad Predators. The Predators are 3-3 on the season and are as of writing this slated to play in semi final number 2 as the number 4 seed in the playoffs. Can the Vikings take a crucial win against a potential playoff team?

What to watch

The Predators may be a bit of an unknown team for Vikings faithful as the Vikings have only ever faced off against them once before during the 2024 season. The Vikings won 35-28 in the 2024 matchup, but this season the Predators have looked a lot better. The Predators boast the second best offense in the league, ranking number two both in passing and rushing yards per game. Defensively, the Predators are ranked middle of the pack, but have showed a much stronger pass defense than rush defense.

So what does this mean for the Vikings? The Predators have proven they can drive the ball down the field, but scoring wise they are statistically a step down from both the Crusaders and Black Knights. The Vikings will have to be prepared both for the run and the pass as the Predators have showed they are proficient at both. Will we see a bounce back performance from the Vikings defense this week?

On the offensive side of the ball the Vikings have to perform better. Against the Black Knights, nothing worked. Looking at defensive statistics, the Predators have been a lot softer against the run than they have been against the pass, so the Vikings might have to lean on the run game and sprinkle in some well timed deep shots. A solid offensive outing will not only put points on the board, but keep the ball away from the Predators offense, limiting their opportunities to score.

Players to watch

With the Predators offense sporting both the number two ranked QB and the number two ranked WR in terms of yards, it’s crucial that the Vikings secondary play a good game. On the back end, safety Gaute Darre Gunleiksrud will be the last line of defense against the Predators playmakers. Gunleiksrud will have to play both run support and find a way to limit the space for the Predators QB to find his receivers, but he has proved he can do it in the past.

Cornerbacks Ehsuh Htoeleh and Oscar Hveem Ahlstrøm will likely have multiple battles against the Predators top receiver in Lou de Boe. Both cornerbacks have made a lot of tackles so far this season, and Ahlstrøm in particular has had a knack for being around the ball. So far this season Ahlstrøm is second on the Vikings in total tackles, and has recovered two fumbles to go with an interception. That type of defensive production could tip the scales this week,

A good pass rush makes a secondary’s life easier, and lineman Thomas Holt Sundby has delivered in limited defensive reps. In limited playing time on the defense, Sundby has a 1.5 sacks and has forced a fumble, and has amassed 4 tackles for loss. In other words, utilized right, Sundby can help force negative plays for the Predators offense even when playing mostly as an offensive lineman. This guy will be an important piece of the puzzle if the Vikings have any hope of winning this weekend, no matter where he plays.

As the Vikings finally returns to Frogner the forecast calls for a beautiful day. Hopefully the Vikings play as well as the weather is supposed to be, and can bring home the first victory at Frogner since 2024. The game kicks off at 14.00 so come on down to Frogner for a fun day of football in the sun!