Minnesota Vikings 2017 Season Preview
The NFC North is established Green Bay Packers territory. Although the Detroit Lions may have almost dethroned the great Wisconsin powerhouse last season, it was Minnesota’s title in 2015.
However, a season of disappointment followed after the cruel ending to their 2015 playoff run. Changes have already happened, the most notable being the departure of long time franchise star Adrian Peterson.
The Vikings go into the season needing a spark on the offence. However, defensively, they’re arguably one of the NFL’s best.
2016 Summary
The Vikings started 2016 in the worst possible way, losing franchise QB Teddy Bridgewater to a horrific off the ball ACL injury in team practice. This meant the Vikings needed a QB, and fast. The Minnesota front office traded a first round pick to Philidelphia in return for former number one draft pick Sam Bradford, recently displaced at the Eagles by the newly drafted Carson Wentz.
Bradford’s Vikings started out… strong. They went 5-0, with Bradford getting good numbers behind what has to be considered awful offensive line play. The Packers started off badly, and although the Lions also started well the Vikings were on the road to the NFC North title.
Then, Norv Turner resigned.
The Vikings were transformed overnight. They went on lose their next four, including a dramatic overtime loss to their division rivals in the Detroit Lions. The Vikings went from potential NFC North winners to a complete dumpster fire.
They ended the year 8-8, missing out on the playoffs. The season wasn’t a total disaster, with Sam Bradford posting career numbers for the season. However, the failure to make something out of a promising year did not go down well in Minneapolis.
Personnel Changes
As already mentioned, Adrian Peterson has moved on to the New Orleans Saints. The Vikings will start the season without AP for the first time since 2006, with Dalvin Cook being the man to lead in the new era. The former Florida State prospect has had his off the field issues, and will hope it doesn’t affect his play in Minnesota.
The Vikings have also made several moves on the Free agency market. They picked up Riley Reiff from the Detroit Lions, and Latavius Murray from the Oakland Raiders. Reiff should help to improve what was an awful offensive line last season, whilst Murray will offer some depth in the running back position.
Team Strengths
For all the offensive weakness, the Vikings have a damn good defence. During the offseason they paid cornerback Xavier Rhodes, making him one of the highest paid players in his position. The Vikings defense was ranked third in yards allowed last season, whilst being ranked fifth for sacks.
The offense should be better this year, with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur having the offseason to install his system. Additions at offensive line mean that Sam Bradford should have at least some protection in 2017.
Team Weaknesses
Sam Bradford had an exceptional 2017. However, his numbers only tell half the story. His short passes meant he was ranked 17th in first down percentage, with only 35.7% of his passes moving the sticks for the Vikings. This has got to change in 2017, especially if the Vikings offence is to amount to anything.
They also lack star power on the offence. Their wide reciever corps lacks a franchise receiver, even with Adam Thielen’s breakout 2016 season.
Best Case Scenario
Winning the NFC North. The Vikings are a team who will either do really well or really badly. I could see them winning the division, but it really depends on the Packers tanking, and the Lions having a bad year.
Worst Case Scenario
They repeat 2016. The Vikings aren’t the worst team in the NFC North by a long shot. That prestigious honour belongs to the Chicago “We traded up for Mitch Tribusky” Bears. Worst case for the Vikings is a third place finish in the NFC North, and maybe a 6-10/5-11 record. They’d get a decent draft pick.
Prediction
I don’t see the Vikings winning the division, but then again it’s hard to write them out of getting the playoffs. I see them getting a 9-7 record, maybe snatching a wildcard spot if other teams don’t perform well.