Minnesota Vikings 2008 NFL Projection:
If the forward pass didn’t exist, the Vikings probably would have won the Super Bowl last season–
as they ranked #1 in rushing offense and #1 in rushing defense.
Unfortunately for Minnesota, there is a forward pass, and the Vikes ranked dead last defending it,
not to mention near the bottom when employing it on offense.
To amend the situation the Vikings traded with the Chiefs for Jared Allen who
registered 15 1/2 sacks last season in 14 games played. They also added Madieu
Williams at safety. The end result should be a dramatic improvement in the Vikings’
pass defense… And who is kidding who? The departure of Brett Favre’s arm from the division
should be of great assistance to a Minnesota team that was swept by the Packers last season.
On offense the Vikings have a wicked running game with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor
running behind a solid line.
In a week 9 duel with the Chargers last year Peterson out-rushed LaDainian Tomlinson by 256 yards!
If that doesn’t go down as one of the most incredible show-ups in the history of pro football
then sign me up to colonize Mars, because I’m outta here.
Now for the bad news…
Even though the Vikings added Bernard Berrian from the Bears to bolster their wide receiving unit,
there’s no guarantee Tavaris Jackson’s quarterback play will improve.
If his play does get better, the Vikings should be a threat to the Giants and Cowboys in the NFC.
Now for the good news… Even if Jackson’s play doesn’t improve, the Vikings still could be a threat
to New York and Dallas based on their other strengths.
One more bit of bad news– left tackle Bryant McKinnie is suspended for the early part of the season.
However, our record projection for the Vikings is not affected as we didn’t have
the Vikings winning the majority of their early games.
Schedule Analysis:
Minnesota will play 7 games against teams that made the playoffs in ’07, thanks to drawing the AFC
South which fielded three playoff teams last year.
As you can see three of their first four games are against playoff teams from last season.
So if the Vikings start slow, fans shouldn’t be overly quick to write them off.
Record Projection:
The Vikings should be solid running the ball, stopping the run, and stopping the pass this season.
The wild card is their passing offense. But three out of four ain’t bad.
Overall we’re projecting the Vikings to go (11-5)
against a relatively competitive slate of opponents in 2008, and to take first place in the NFC North.
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Free 2008 NFL Predictions Note:
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