2009 Minnesota Vikings NFL Predictions
August 27, 2009
What a crazy offseason it has been for the Minnesota Vikings, after going out and signing Sage Rosenfels to compete with Tavaris Jackson for the starting quarterback job, the Vikings started talking with Brett Favre, and after a crazy series of events Favre is now with the Vikings for good and ready to make yet another run at Super Bowl. The Vikings finished 2008 at 10-6 and atop the NFC North, but were outmatched in their opening playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Favre in town current NFL odds have the Vikings at +1200 to win the Super Bowl this season.
Offense: With Favre under center the Vikings are now a complete offensive team, where they can throw and run the football. I would be shocked if the Vikings went away from being a run first offense, as they have arguably the best running back the game has seen in quite a while in Adrian Peterson, plus a very solid backup in Chester Taylor. With the addition of Favre teams can no longer stack the box to stop Peterson, and that should create great opportunities for receivers like Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, Bobby Wade, and rookie Percy Harvin. Also, keep a close eye on tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, as Favre has made a living at throwing to his tight ends in the redzone. The offensive line will have to adjust to the loss of veteran center Matt Birk, who signed with the Ravens after 11 seasons with the Vikings. The left side looks solid with both tackle Bryant McKinnie and left guard Steve Hutchinson. On the right side look for Anthony Herrera to return at the right guard spot, while rookie Phil Loadholt takes over at right tackle. The key for this offense will be whether or not Favre can move away from his gun-slinger mentality, and focus more on making the right reads and securing the football. Bet the Vikings +140 to win the NFC North this season at Sportsbook.com.
Defense: Its scary to think, but the Vikings defense should be even better this season. Last year the Vikings made a huge splash in the offseason when they traded for defensive end Jared Allen, and he didn’t disappoint playing in all 16 games recording a team high 14.5 sacks. Allen has to love playing alongside the dynamic tackle duo of Kevin and Pat Williams, as they keep teams from loading up on Allen on the outside. At linebacker the Vikings get middle linebacker E.J. Henderson back after he played in just 4 games last year, and this is a guy who has Pro Bowl written all over him. On the outside there is no loss of talent with Chad Greenway and Ben Leber, as both are coming off solid seasons in 2008. The secondary will have to adjust to the loss of veteran strong safety Darren Sharper, but the Vikings seem set on letting Tyrell Johnson take over in just his 2nd year in the league. The rest of the positions are set with Cedric Griffin and Antoine Winfield at the two corner positions, and Madieu Williams holding down the free safety spot. Bet the Vikings +500 to win the NFC title this season at Sportsbook.com.
2009 Prediction: 1st in NFC North (11-5)
The Vikings start the season with two road games, but luckily for them its against the Browns and Lions. I think this team gets off to a fast start, as I have them 5-0 heading into a rough 3 game stretch, where they play Baltimore at home and then road games against the Steelers and Packers. The Vikings also have a tough 5 game finish to the season, as they have to go on the road against the Cardinals, Panthers, and Bears, before finishing up the year with the Giants at home. I think the Vikings will have what it takes to win the division, but I look for the Bears and Packers to be right there all season long. See how far we have the Vikings going in our 2009 NFL predictions.
If you are planning on betting on the NFL this season, and are ooking for some help with your NFL predictions this season, check out our expert NFL picks from the top handicappers in the business.
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