Why the Vikings current start mimics their 2017 season
By Chris Schad
The NFC North looks a lot tougher
In the Vikings’ run to the NFC Championship two years ago, they were able to obtain a first-round bye by capturing the NFC North. To win the division title, Minnesota ran through their division rivals, compiling a 5-1 record with the only loss coming from a tough outcome at home to the Detroit Lions.
Four games into the season and that narrative hasn’t played out. The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears both picked up early-season victories over the Vikings and the Lions have been impressive with a surprising record of 2-1-1 after hanging with the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday.
Unlike when the division was missing Aaron Rodgers and Mitchell Trubisky was hamstrung by the decisions of head coach John Fox, the division has gotten better which has made Minnesota’s early hole even deeper than usual.
The good news is that the Vikings will have a chance to make this up as they’ll play three out of their final four games in December within the division. With two division games already down without a win, Minnesota will have to play catch-up in order to claim another NFC North title and a home playoff game.