Vikings Predictions

A lot of people have asked me what I think of the Vikings this year. The short answer: 10-6, division champs and probably one playoff win.

I think the offense will continue to produce. Daunte is very quietly one of the most efficient QBs in NFL history - Peyton, McNabb and Vick get the headlines, but Culpepper is as good as they get. Burleson, Williamson, Robinson and Taylor are a solid foursome at WR. The offensive line, although depleted through injury, will play well because they always do. The return of Jim Kleinsasser is a huge boost to the team in passing and third-down situations. But the question for me is at RB. No matter who starts, you only have two solid backs in Moore and Bennett. Then you have Moe Williams, a prototypical third down back, Ciatrick Fason and maybe someone else. Then you have the Whizzinator himself sitting out this year. It usually takes 2-3 good backs to win in the NFL over the course of a season, so it will be interesting to see if the Vikes have enough horses to balance the offense for Daunte.

And the defense...I'm not sure if they're as good as everyone says they are. First, they must be able to get a pass rush in third-and-long and other obvious passing situations. Second, they must do a better job of creating turnovers - the revamped secondary should help with this. And third, they must tackle. These are the hallmarks of poor Vikings defenses of the past. Granted, there's lots of new personnel, but to shed the stereotype these are the areas where I believe they must improve.

Looks to me like a 10-6 year, Purple faithful. But if that defense gels quickly and stays tough, it could be as good as 12-4...and in the weak NFC, you never know where that might take us. It's like they always say: defense wins championships.