What lingering problems must the Minnesota Vikings fix for potential postseason success in 2022?
It was another dramatic win for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13. Despite having a comfortable lead at the halftime interval, fans were made to chew their fingernails once again before Kevin O’Connell‘s men finally got over the line and move to 10-2.
This has been a remarkable campaign so far. O’Connell’s instant influence is rubbing off positively across the organization, yet many respected analysts are not taking the Vikings seriously as legitimate playoff contenders.
With the NFC North all but wrapped up, Minnesota will have at least one home game when the knockout phase begins. Although securing the No. 1 seed might be tricky considering how well the Philadelphia Eagles are playing right now.
Minnesota might be the most frustrating 10-win team in NFL history. But for a strong postseason run in 2022, it’s vital these four problems get resolved.
Problem No. 1
Over-reliance on Justin Jefferson
While Justin Jefferson is in the conversation for the best wide receiver in the NFL title, the Vikings cannot over-rely on the former first-round pick when playoff football arrives. This is when business picks up and teams will likely throw everything at the LSU product to prevent him from having a significant say in proceedings.
That’s easier said than done given Jefferson’s exceptional skill set and how well he’s being schemed open by O’Connell. However, others such as Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn, and newly acquired tight end T.J. Hockenson must also raise their respective performance levels to take some heat off.
Minnesota has an embarrassment of riches in the passing game. Jefferson will be counted on more than most, but it needs to be a collective effort if the Vikings want to go deep into the playoffs.