2010 NFL Predictions: Minnesota Vikings

July 23, 2010

The Brett Favre drama continues. It’s July 23rd and he still hasn’t committed to play for the Minnesota Vikings or shown up to training camp. Not to worry. If we’ve learned anything from the past few years it’s that……he will! The Vikings are one of the odds on favorites to win the Super Bowl in 2010. Why would Favre pass up that opportunity? He wouldn’t, and he won’t. They are absolutely loaded with talent in a 3 phases of the game, and have done nothing but get better over the off-season.

Favre had one of his best seasons as an NFL quarterback in his 19th year in the league. He’s thrown for more yards and thrown more touchdowns in previous seasons, but his 107.2 QB rating shows that 2009 was his best ever. He completed an incredible 68.4 percent of his passes for 4202 yards and 33 touchdowns. The most amazing and important stat of Favre’s year in 2009 was his 7 interceptions. That number is almost half as many as he’s thrown in his second best season in that category. This is mostly due to not having to force the ball down field because of a solid running game. Having long 3rd down conversions were few and far between last year. Minny finished 5th in terms of total yards offensively last season, but they were only behind New Orleans in points per game. Their red-zone efficiency was phenomenal, and it could have been even better if not for a few Adrian Peterson fumbles.

Peterson is considered by many football experts to be the purest running back in the NFL. He has an unbelievable combination on size, strength and speed that equate to yardage. A.P. is held to such a high standard that his 1341 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns in 2009 were considered a disappointment. The most concerning stat is his yards per rush. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry in his rookie season, and has fallen down to 4.4 in 2009. This is not a bad average, but it shows that defenses are trying to take him out of the equation offensively. He is still worthy of being taken as the number 1 pick overall in NFL Fantasy Football drafts because of his total yards and pass catching ability. Toby Gerhart fell into the Vikings laps in the draft in the second round. He should actually help increase Peterson’s stats as it will allow him to line up in the slot and catch more underneath passes. Minnesota will be set at the running back position for as long as Adrian Peterson stays healthy.

Sidney Rice became Favre’s favorite target early last year. His tall frame and incredible hands put him over the 1000 yard threshold for the first time in his career. Bernard Berrian wasn’t at 100 percent for most of last year, and will be a much bigger contributor in 2010. Percy Harvin has turned into a serious threat in the red-zone, and has the ability with his speed and quickness to break any play for a touchdown. Visanthe Shiancoe caught 56 passes for 566 yards from the tight end position, and led the team with 11 touchdown receptions. Favre has perhaps the most potent offense he’s ever been around, and will try to take them to the next level (Super Bowl) this season.

The Vikings have the most well balanced team in football. Many NFL handicappers know that, and took advantage of their solid defense in picking them to cover many large point spreads in 2009. The Minnesota “D” ranked 6th in the league last year in yards allowed, and will be better this year. They are led defensively by Jared Allen. Allen wrecks havoc on opposing quarterbacks, and has the ability to force turnovers. He had 14.5 sacks in 2009 while forcing 5 fumbles. Chad Greenway led the team in tackles from the linebacker position, but E.J. Henderson is their best player. Henderson went out in week 14 with a broken leg, but will be back at full strength come the start of the season. Minnesota hopes that their first selection in the 2010 NFL Draft will help solidify their secondary. Cornerback Chris Cook is a tall yet speedy back that should fill in nicely if Cedric Griffin is not ready in time to start the season.

The Minnesota Vikings were an interception away from making the Super Bowl in 2009, and have brought back virtually the same team. They are a very good team from top to bottom, and should be considered a serious threat to get back to the NFC Chmpionship game once again.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NFL

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