Can the Minnesota Vikings rebound after a disappointing 2016 season to return to the playoffs in 2017 or even win the NFC North?
2016 was an interesting season for the Minnesota Vikings. Loaded up on talent and ready to make a push for a deep run at the playoffs, injuries decimated the team’s depth and forced the franchise to make some bold moves to at least be relevant in the NFL.
Even after making those bold moves to bring in quarterback Sam Bradford and sign offensive linemen last season, it wasn’t enough to save the Vikings from being an average team, ending the season at 8-8 and outside of the playoff picture.
Sadly, 8-8 just isn’t good enough in the NFC North. Quality teams like the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are always tough competition as of late, while the Chicago Bears have been accumulating talent transitioning both offensively and defensively.
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With the biggest threats to a playoff spot in the division being Green Bay and Detroit, Minnesota will likely need double-digit wins in 2017 to even reach the postseason. And the NFC North beat writers on ESPN aren’t feeling too good about the Vikings chances to do so.
According to Rob Demovsky, Jeff Dickerson, Ben Goessling, and Michael Rothstein, the Green Bay Packers are the clear favorite to win the division. It’s hard to debate that point of view since the franchise led by Aaron Rodgers has won the NFC North 6 of the last 7 years.
However, all of the beat writers feel as though there will likely be a second team from the division to reach the playoffs. Sadly, all but Vikings representative Ben Goessling feel as though that wild card team will be the Detroit Lions.
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Minnesota could surprise some people in 2017. With capable players signed at the offensive tackle positions, dynamic running backs, and one of the toughest defenses in the NFL, opposing teams will need to take the Vikings very seriously if they can keep healthy in 2017.