The Viking Age
FanSided

Minnesota Vikings Bandwagon Filling Up With National Media People

By Dan Zinski

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The Minnesota Vikings bandwagon is getting so filled with national media people that I fear it will not be able to bear up under the weight.

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ESPN’s John Clayton today became just the latest big-time media figure to throw his support behind the Vikings as a sleeper playoff team for 2015. Clayton points to Teddy Bridgewater as the big factor in the Vikings’ rise but points to other players and coaches who can help the Vikings make the leap:

"It’s not a stretch to expect a healthy Peterson to add 30 yards a game to the Vikings running offense, which would be worth around two or three points per game. That type of improvement should make the Vikings a playoff team. Since 2003, teams that have made the playoffs averaged 25.2 points a game. Any offense that can put up between 23.5-25 points per game is playoff worthy. If coach Mike Zimmer can continue to work his magic with the defense — the Vikings went from 32nd in points allowed in 2013 to 11th last season — Minnesota could jump from 7-9 to 9-7 or maybe 10-6."

Clayton is not alone in loving the Vikings as a sleeper. Peter King put the Vikes in the top ten in his early June power ranking, saying:

"This is reliant on so many things. Adrian Peterson showing up number one. But finding a consistent pass-rush is key too, as is the continued maturity of Teddy Bridgewater. I pick the Vikes here because if you ask me for one rising team if two or three vital things go right, I’m picking Minnesota."

USA Today liked the Vikings even before Adrian Peterson returned:

"There is a sleeping giant in Minnesota. Even if Adrian Peterson doesn’t play another snap in a Vikings uniform, Minnesota is ready to compete for a spot in the playoffs. It starts with head coach Mike Zimmer, who has earned a reputation as an excellent developer of talent."

Will Brinson of CBSSports.com also cited the Peterson factor when declaring the Vikes a sleeper team:

"And, of course, they’ve got AP now. They were probably going to have him — Peterson wasn’t sitting out the season in protest of being the highest-paid running back in the NFL. But knowing he’s on board with the Vikings this season and giving the team the ability to hand him the rock 300-plus times means we could see an epic season from an epic running back.He’s tossed the team on his back and taken them to the playoffs before. It’s entirely possible he can do it with substantially more help next year."

So far, Vegas isn’t on board with the Vikings as a sleeper. The books have the Vikes’ over-under win total at 7.5. I’m not necessarily the most optimistic fellow in the world, but even I am fairly certain the Vikes can at least win 8 this year. And a playoff run is most definitely not out of the question.

Next: Antone Exum is one to watch

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