How many times in Norse tales do you hear about Vikings clashing with Jaguars? Probably never. But it’s a different story in the footballing world. And this week’s showdown between the Vikings and the Jaguars has all the makings of a battle. Minnesota’s 6-2 is screaming, FIERCE, and is making the noise this season. On the other hand, Jacksonville (2-7) will hope for some home-field advantage—and a little help from Florida’s unpredictable weather—to tip the scales in their favor.

See, the thing is, the Jaguars are pacing towards a pool of trouble. QB Trevor Lawrence—nursing a shoulder injury—is looking like he might not be good to go. Sure, Mac Jones is there to take the reins but the weather forecast is saying: it can get downright swampy.

Florida weather in November is tricky; while 79°F isn’t awful, the forecast calls for gusts up to 21 mph and a 35% chance of rain—enough to shake up anyone’s game plan. You know those conditions aren’t what Jacksonville wants facing a team like the Vikings.

Especially that D. They’re ranked second against the run, which spells trouble for the Jags’ ground game. So, it looks like the Jaguars are already in for a tough slog, even before factoring in the wind and rain. That’s what you call a NO-SHOW for home advantage.

Still, for those making the trip to the TIAA Bank Field Stadium, primarily carry your raincoats, but do not forget to leave your energy at home because the Jags would need you to be the loudest 12th Man.

Vikings vs. Jaguars could come down to the fans’ noise

The weather’s not the kind to put a smile on your face. Neither is the Jags’ 2-7 record. Now, Vikings vs. Jaguars hangs in the balance of what the fans can bring, especially for the home side. Their visitors will be coming in hot with a 2-1 record on the road this season.

Of course, the Jaguars’ offense is also facing a bit of a dilemma. But the game’s the game. It’s pro football. So, if Jones will take the snaps, expect a heavy workload for Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. The problem is, Etienne’s been nursing minor injuries, and both Bigsby and D’Ernest Johnson are listed as questionable. So, it’s not looking like a ground-and-pound clinic, especially against a solid Minnesota defense.

Meanwhile, Minnesota has been riding the steady hand of Sam Darnold. Sure, he’s not pulling off MVP numbers, but he’s keeping the Vikings in the win column. So, what’s at stake? A whole lot for the Jaguars. Another loss could bring them dangerously close to the season’s end, and the pressure on head coach Doug Pederson’s hot seat would only rise (considering for how much less the other coaches around him are getting fired).

Rain or shine, they need this win to keep their season—and maybe Pederson’s job hopes alive. Jacksonville fans, get loud: this one’s on you.