The Viking Age
FanSided

Vikings named a Super Bowl 52 contender by former wide receiver

By Adam Patrick

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 31: Owner Zygi Wilf of the Minnesota Vikings speaks with head coach Mike Zimmer before the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on August 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Dolphins defeated the Vikings 30-9. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 31: Owner Zygi Wilf of the Minnesota Vikings speaks with head coach Mike Zimmer before the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on August 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Dolphins defeated the Vikings 30-9. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Despite missing the playoffs in 2016, some still believe the Minnesota Vikings can contend for a championship this season.

Heading into the 2016 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings had just about everything in line to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1977. At least that is what they thought.

That was until the Vikings lost starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a freak injury that has prevented him from being in an actual on-field game scenario since the 2015 playoffs. Then came the decimation of Minnesota’s offensive line and a knee injury to running back Adrian Peterson.

But despite all of this, the Vikings were still able to begin the 2016 season by winning all of their first five games. Thanks in part to the play of new starting signal caller, Sam Bradford.

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) Sam Bradford
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) Sam Bradford /

Fast forward to the end of the year and Minnesota finished the season by losing eight of their final 11 games. At 8-8, the Vikings did not qualify for a postseason berth and the once promising year turned into a huge disappointment.

For 2017, Minnesota will be out to prove that last season is nothing but a distant memory. The Vikings want the rest of the NFL to know that they are still a team to be feared once they step out onto the field for each game this upcoming regular season.

As far as how impressive of a year the Vikings could end up having in 2017, well that depends on who is being asked.

According to current NFL Network analyst, and former Minnesota receiver, Nate Burleson, the Vikings have the talent this season to make it all the way to the Super Bowl.

All of the points Burleson makes are pretty solid.

Minnesota has a new and improved group of running backs and offensive line to go along with their uber-talented defense. The Vikings’ roster also seems to have a perfect balance of youth and experience for this season.

Next: The Vikings' keys to victory for Week 1

Now if Minnesota can experience a little good luck for a change and continue through the season with a semi-healthy roster, then Burleson’s thoughts may not sound too crazy when it comes time for Super Bowl 52.

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