Final 2018 Record: 11-5
The Vikings got themselves a first-place schedule this year by winning the NFC North and finishing the 2017 season 13-3, second only to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Repeating that in remarkable fashion will be difficult, but certainly not impossible.
In 2018, the sledding is going to be tough to start, with Minnesota facing the newly rejuvenated San Francisco 49ers at home to start, followed by trips to face the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Philadelphia Eagles on the road.
The Vikings have quite a different offensive team this year than last, with electrifying rookie running back Dalvin Cook returning and new quarterback Kirk Cousins leading the unit. As superlative as their play was in 2017, Minneosota should be better at the most important skill positions.
However, the Vikings’ offensive line is in troubled waters. Key guard Nick Easton lost for the season with a neck injury and starting center Pat Elflein did not practice during the team’s entire training camp or preseason, and he will likely miss Minnesota’s first game.
The fact that Minnesota’s offensive line coach, Tony Sparano, who tragically passed away during 2018 training camp, bodes ill for the Vikings.
But head coach Mike Zimmer has proven to be resilient in the past. Naysayers may speculate upon a repeat of Minnesota’s disappointing 2016 season in which they finished 8-8. But they will be wrong and 2017 should prove that.
The Vikings’ defense was the best in the NFL last season and in 2018 they have added even more impact players, including former Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and rookie cornerback Mike Hughes.
17 points should win games for Minnesota this year, but I’m afraid the formula won’t always work. Not with late-season road trips to face the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks added to the aforementioned away schedule.
The Vikings will find a way to finish the 2018 season with an 11-5 record.
– Michael Greitzer