2008 Team Preview: Minnesota Vikings – NFC North

2007 Record: 8-8
Key Losses: Troy Williamson (WR), Dwight Smith (SS)
Key Additions: Bernard Berrian (WR), Jared Allen (DE), Derrick Pope (LB), Madieu Williams (FS)

At times last season the Vikings looked like a Super Bowl caliber team with a strong running game and a defense that could absolutely stuff the run.  The problem was they couldn’t stop the pass and had little to no passing threat on offense.  They worked hard in the off season to improve both weaknesses and I believe on defense will be much tougher on the pass.  Problem is, Tarvaris Jackson is still their QB.  If he blossoms – it is his 3rd year – the Vikings can be a Super Bowl team this season.  I’m just not all that convinced Jackson is ready to be that guy and could still hurt this team.

I’ll look to pick under playing totals on this team with the improved D and emphasis on running the football.

2007 Record: 1-15
Key Losses: Cleo Lemon (QB), Trent Green (QB), Jesse Chatman (RB), Marty Booker (WR), Rex Hadnot (C), Chris Liwienski (LG). LJ Shelton (LT), Keith Traylor (DT), Derrick Pope (LB)
Key Additions: Chad Pennington (QB), Ernest Wilford (WR), Justin Smiley (OG), Akin Ayodele (LB)

When you go 1-15 its a good thing that you have so many new players I guess.  Improving on last season seems certain – you just can’t be that bad again!  The addition of Chad Pennington gives them a servicable QB and with Ricky Williams looking good again this team may not be a complete push over this season.  A solid draft helps as well.

When I look to pick games involving the Dolphins it will still be hard to play on Miami, but I will absolutely look for value as this team may get some nice lines as underdogs early in the season.

2008-09 Predicted Record: 11-5
Win the NFC North and dream of having had Favre as they get knocked out of the playoffs in the first round.