3. Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins really struggled in the early part of this season, but after an electrifying performance in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles, those struggles look to be behind him for now.
Key words: for now.
Cousins started the season rocky, going 64-of-99 for 735 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in the first four games of the season, as the Vikings struggled to a 2-2 record.
In the last two games, after being called out by teammate Adam Thielen, Cousins exploded statistically, going 44-of-56 for 639 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception, leading the Vikings to two big wins in a row.
Throughout his career, Cousins has always seemed to follow up his big performances with not so great ones soon after. Maybe that could change, but given Thielen’s comments about him a few weeks ago, the Vikings’ patience could run thin with Cousins if he goes back to his struggling ways.
Cousins does have one more season left on his contract after the 2019 campaign, and he is slated to make $31 million next season. The only way the Vikings would be able to get rid of him is via trade, which makes it unlikely that Cousins won’t be in Minnesota next year.
However, Cousins is the only quarterback projected to be under contract heading into 2020, which could open the door for Marcus Mariota to swoop in as the backup quarterback, and if Cousins struggles next season, Mariota could end up being the starter at some point.