5 Bold Predictions for Vikings vs Steelers in 2015 Hall of Fame Game

5 Bold Predictions for 2015 Hall of Fame Game

Football season is finally here, and it all starts with the 2015 Hall of Fame Game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams are looking to start their preseasons on a positive note, but which will emerge victorious?

Here's a look at five of my "bold" predictions for the 2015 Hall of Fame Game, including some big-time performances and a guess at the final score.

5 Bold Predictions for 2015 Hall of Fame Game

Football season is finally here, and it all starts with the 2015 Hall of Fame Game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams are looking to start their preseasons on a positive note, but which will emerge victorious?

Here's a look at five of my "bold" predictions for the 2015 Hall of Fame Game, including some big-time performances and a guess at the final score.

5. Teddy Bridgewater tears it up in limited action

Chances are Bridgewater will be out of the game before or at halftime, but that still leaves plenty of time for the sophomore quarterback to show his stuff. With one year and an entire offseason as the starter under his belt, look for Bridgewater to come out firing on all cylinders. The Steelers' susceptible defense should yield at least two touchdowns and 200 yards before Bridgewater calls it a day.

5. Teddy Bridgewater tears it up in limited action

Chances are Bridgewater will be out of the game before or at halftime, but that still leaves plenty of time for the sophomore quarterback to show his stuff. With one year and an entire offseason as the starter under his belt, look for Bridgewater to come out firing on all cylinders. The Steelers' susceptible defense should yield at least two touchdowns and 200 yards before Bridgewater calls it a day.

4. Sammie Coates hauls in two touchdowns

Many see Coates as a boom-or-bust type of player, with the speed and athleticism to be a star but questionable football IQ. The Steelers are already loaded at wide receiver, but Coates could be just what they need to take the top off of defenses. With Martavis Bryant sitting out and Antonio Brown likely to play much during the preseason, look for Coates to make the most of his opportunity and burn the Vikings deep for two touchdowns.

4. Sammie Coates hauls in two touchdowns

Many see Coates as a boom-or-bust type of player, with the speed and athleticism to be a star but questionable football IQ. The Steelers are already loaded at wide receiver, but Coates could be just what they need to take the top off of defenses. With Martavis Bryant sitting out and Antonio Brown likely to play much during the preseason, look for Coates to make the most of his opportunity and burn the Vikings deep for two touchdowns.

3. Eric Kendricks has 12 tackles, two forced fumbles

The Vikings made a point of upgrading their defense this offseason, and did exactly that when they selected Kendricks in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. The former UCLA Bruin has been impressive since joining Minnesota, and already appears to have locked down the starting MIKE linebacker spot. In his first taste of NFL action, he'll light the field on fire, racking up 12 tackles and forcing two fumbles before all is said and done.

3. Eric Kendricks has 12 tackles, two forced fumbles

The Vikings made a point of upgrading their defense this offseason, and did exactly that when they selected Kendricks in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. The former UCLA Bruin has been impressive since joining Minnesota, and already appears to have locked down the starting MIKE linebacker spot. In his first taste of NFL action, he'll light the field on fire, racking up 12 tackles and forcing two fumbles before all is said and done.

2. Steelers struggle to get any sort of ground game going

The Vikings stiffened up their run defense this offseason, which means it could be tough sledding for the Steeler's second unit offense. The first team will pass the ball early and often, limiting the amount of work Le'Veon Bell gets. When the aging DeAngelo Williams comes in, he'll be shut down by Mike Zimmer's defense. Don't expect Dri Archer to do much for Pittsburgh, either.

2. Steelers struggle to get any sort of ground game going

The Vikings stiffened up their run defense this offseason, which means it could be tough sledding for the Steeler's second unit offense. The first team will pass the ball early and often, limiting the amount of work Le'Veon Bell gets. When the aging DeAngelo Williams comes in, he'll be shut down by Mike Zimmer's defense. Don't expect Dri Archer to do much for Pittsburgh, either.

1. Vikings cruise to victory

Despite Coates' two touchdowns, the Steelers struggle to move the ball against the Zimmer-led defense. Kendricks makes some big plays, Waynes has an interception and the Vikings cruise to an impressive victory. Obviously we must take it with a grain of salt considering it's the preseason, but I'm thinking a Minnesota win to the tune of 34-14.

1. Vikings cruise to victory

Despite Coates' two touchdowns, the Steelers struggle to move the ball against the Zimmer-led defense. Kendricks makes some big plays, Waynes has an interception and the Vikings cruise to an impressive victory. Obviously we must take it with a grain of salt considering it's the preseason, but I'm thinking a Minnesota win to the tune of 34-14.