2015 NFL Predictions: NFC North Preview

Jul 27, 2015; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver

(11) almost catches a pass at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings: 

Key Additions: ILB Casey Matthews, CB Terence Newman, CB Trae Waynes, WR Mike Wallace, ILB Eric Kendricks

While the Vikings didn’t add many  players, the ones they did were all quite high quality. While Matthews simply adds depth at inside linebacker, both Newman and Waynes should have an immediate impact. Newman had another good year in Cincinnati and figures to become the No.1 corner right away.

Waynes is a very talented young corner and was the first corner drafted. The addition of Waynes will add another young potential star to the secondary. Wallace is a speedy wide receiver who is very good and will add another dimension to this offense. Kendricks was a great second round pick by the Vikings and he will start right away at ILB.

Key Losses: QB Christan Ponder, WR Greg Jennings, FB Jerome Felton, ILB Jasper Brinkley

The Vikings didn’t really lose many players and the ones they did weren’t very key. Ponder was a disappointment in Minnesota and it was time to let him go. Shaun Hill is just as good of a backup as Ponder. Jennings is aging and had a pretty bad year last year so it was time for him to go, and Wallace is a big upgrade. Felton was the fullback that opened the gaps for Peterson, when he almost broke the single season rushing record and he could be missed. Brinkley had a solid year but I think Kendricks will have just as big of an impact at inside linebacker.

Jul 27, 2015; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback

(5) gets ready for drills at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Verdict: 

The Vikings clearly improved as they added quality players in positions where they had needs. After  a great rookie year, the expectations for Bridgewater are high this year. His receiving corps isn’t the best though.

Wallace is a good wide receiver, but wasn’t able to live up to the hype in Miami. With him, Johnson,Wright, Patterson and Rudolph will be the main receiving targets. While their receiving corps is below average, they do have Adrian Peterson in the backfield which will command a lot of attention from defense. The offensive line is very solid as well, especially if T.J. Clemmings can have a good rookie season at right guard.

The Vikings defense is looking very good on paper this year.  Floyd and Joseph will be solid up the middle, though not exceptional. At DE, Robinson had a down year last year, but if he can get back into his old form, him  and Griffen could make a dangerous pass rush.

Veteran Greenway had another great year last year, and adding Barr, who had an oustanding rookie year, and the rookie Kendricks will make for a very good group of linebackers as well. The secondary should be very good this year. At CB, they have Newman, Rhodes,Robinson and Waynes and add the talented safeties Smith and Blanton to them and you have a very good secondary, that should remain good for many years.

Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker

(55) runs during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction: 

Best Case Record: 12-4

Worst Case Record: 7-9 

Prediction: 11-5

Team’s Offensive MVP: RB Adrian Peterson

Team’s Defensive MVP: OLB Anthony Barr

Rookie Standout: MLB Eric Kendricks

I think this is the year that the Vikings can break out. With the return of Adrian Peterson this offense is set to perform and a lot young defensive players will have improved making this defense a very good unit. I think best case scenario is that they are able to go 5-1 winning one against the Packers and then only dropping three more against the tough West divisions, Atlanta and the Giants.

The worst case scenario has a lot more downside than the best case upside. They could go 3-3 in division, then only win four more outside of the division. I think in the end they are going to have a very good season, despite the tough schedule, and end at an 11-5 record.

Next: What record do the Packers get?