Controversy and injuries absolutely ravaged the Minnesota Vikings last season. They’d love to put all those troubles behind to make a run at the playoffs this season with star running back Adrian Peterson back in tow. Peterson missed all but the first week of the 2014 regular season due to legal troubles. Can he be the missing link that powers Minnesota to another playoff appearance?
Read on as we take a look at the Vikings’ season to come. You can also scout out their competition with our complete team previews for the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.
[sc:Football ]2015-16 Minnesota Vikings Preview
Overview
[sc:NFL240banner ]The Minnesota Vikings haven’t had a winning season since going 10-6 and making the playoffs in 2012. They seemed poised to do so last year with a promising rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater taking snaps, while Adrian Peterson powered the backfield. But Peterson only ended up playing just one game, Week 1, after being kept off the field due to domestic abuse allegations from disciplining his child.
The Vikings ended up finishing 7-9 last season, behind the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. They do have Peterson back for this season, though, and could give them the strong running game needed for a playoff push.
With a strong running game and a competent, young signal caller, the Vikings are +500 to steal the divisional crown from Green Bay this season.
Offseason Review
One of the biggest moves the Vikings made in the offseason was trading for former Miami wide receiver Mike Wallace. He made 67 receptions for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns in a good campaign for the Dolphins last season. Wallace may have a smaller role in the Vikings offense this season, though especially considering Minnesota’s run-first strategy and a green quarterback in Bridgewater.
The Vikings also looked to boost their offensive line by drafting TJ Clemmings, who may be a steal as the 11th pick of the fourth round. Having a young offensive lineman like Clemmings should boost the competition among Minnesota’s host of offensive linemen returning from injury.
The Vikings bolstered their secondary as well, which is pretty sound strategy considering they’re playing in the same division as Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings signed 12-year veteran cornerback Terence Newman, who’s reuniting with Mike Zimmer after spending the past three seasons with Cincinnati.
Minnesota also used the 11th overall pick in the draft to select cornerback Trae Waynes. Waynes, who comes from a very good defensive school in Michigan State, is widely regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in this year’s draft.
The only hit to the Vikings’ offseason is their failure to add some help in their pass rush. They drafted the likes of Danielle Hunter and B.J. Dubose, but failed to sign an experienced veteran to beef up their defensive line.
Key Player – Adrian Peterson
There’s no question the Vikings will be Adrian Peterson’s team in the 2015 season. All Day will not only torch opposing defenses with his powerful running game, he’ll also relieve some of the pressure off second-year quarterback Bridgewater. Peterson plans to shock the world in his return to Minnesota this season, perhaps a return to his 2,097-yard-and-12-touchdown form in 2012.
Key Game – @ Green Bay (January 3)
What better way to end the season than a divisional rivalry game against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings are a much stronger team this season thanks in large part to the return of Adrian Peterson. They also bolstered their secondary with the hopes of keeping up with the likes of Green Bay’s passing game. With their improvements, the Vikings may very well be in the hunt for the division title by the time these two teams meet at Lambeau Field in Week 17.
Best/Worst Case Scenario for the Season
Best Case Scenario
Peterson rushes like a monster in his return to Minnesota. Teddy Bridgewater showcases a serviceable passing game to keep defenses honest. Meanwhile, the defense holds up to turn Minnesota into a contender once again. The Vikings make the playoffs as one of the Wild Card teams.
Worst Case Scenario
Peterson is a step too slow from his usual self, while Bridgewater fails to carry his team to a winning record this season. The lack of an elite pass rusher hurts the Vikings against some pass-heavy teams on their schedule as they finish with another 7-9 season.
Complete Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mon, Sep 14 | @ San Francisco | 10:20 PM |
| 2 | Sun, Sep 20 | vs Detroit | 1:00 PM |
| 3 | Sun, Sep 27 | vs San Diego | 1:00 PM |
| 4 | Sun, Oct 4 | @ Denver | 4:25 PM |
| 5 | Bye Week | ||
| 6 | Sun, Oct 18 | vs Kansas City | 1:00 PM |
| 7 | Sun, Oct 25 | @ Detroit | 1:00 PM |
| 8 | Sun, Nov 1 | @ Chicago | 1:00 PM |
| 9 | Sun, Nov 8 | vs St. Louis | 1:00 PM |
| 10 | Sun, Nov 15 | @ Oakland | 4:05 PM |
| 11 | Sun, Nov 22 | vs Green Bay | 1:00 PM |
| 12 | Sun, Nov 29 | @ Atlanta | 1:00 PM |
| 13 | Sun, Dec 6 | vs Seattle | 1:00 PM |
| 14 | Thu, Dec 10 | @ Arizona | 8:25 PM |
| 15 | Sun, Dec 20 | vs Chicago | 1:00 PM |
| 16 | Sun, Dec 27 | vs New York Giants | 1:00 PM |
| 17 | Sun, Jan 3 | @ Green Bay | 1:00 PM |
Writer’s Prediction
The Vikings finish second in NFC North with a 10-6 record. Create a betting account now and lay some cash on profitable NFL futures.
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