Final 2018 Record: 12-4
It’s hard to improve upon a season where a team goes 13-3, and it’s unlikely the Vikings improve on that this season considering their schedule. However, that doesn’t mean that the team won’t be excellent in 2018.
The biggest tests of the season will come against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4, Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5, New Orleans Saints in Week 8, and New England Patriots in Week 13. But Minnesota also has some other games this year that could be very tough, meaning wins will be at a premium, especially in the NFC North.
Expect Minnesota to be at the top of the division again, but this time the Green Bay Packers will be neck and neck with them. A healthy Aaron Rodgers will keep the Packers fighting for the NFC North in 2018, putting a lot of pressure on the Vikings to finally beat the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 9 and close out the year strong with back-to-back divisional opponents.
Kirk Cousins will be good, but not great in his first season with the Vikings, mostly thanks to a lack of time in the pocket due to the makeshift offensive line. But thankfully, a strong Minnesota defense and a powerful running game with Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray will help to get the points on the board. However, don’t expect Adam Thielen or Stefon Diggs to reach 1,000 yards this season.
In the end, 12-4 should be enough to win the tiebreaker with Green Bay and repeat as NFC North champions. But the road getting there will be exciting to watch as the NFL season unfolds.
– Adam Carlson