Vikings Over / Under Season Wins
The Vikings surprised everyone in 2012 by going 10-6 and earning a Wild Card spot, then followed up by barley staggering to a 5-10-1 record in 2013, just enough for last place in the NFC North.
Over Under Lines
2013 Record: 5–10–1 (4th in NFC North)
Minnesota Vikings o6 (-115) u6 (-115)
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That finish cost head coach Leslie Frazier his job. Enter the Mike Zimmer era.
Zimmer has never been a head coach, but knows his way around an NFL franchise after spending the last six years as the Bengals’ defensive coordinator, and serving in the same role with both the Falcons and Cowboys.
Adding Zimmer should help to improve a Minnesota defense that ranked 31st in yards allowed (397.6 ypg) and dead last in scoring (30.0 ppg) in 2013.
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To make matters worse, the Vikings defensive line lost two key pieces this offseason when veteran defensive end Jared Allen and veteran defensive tackle Kevin Williams left via free agency. Minnesota did a solid job replacing Williams, but they are going to need to dig deep to replace Allen.
One player who could help the Vikings defense, who ranked 31st against the pass (287.2 ypg), is a healthy Harrison Smith at safety.
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Harrison will be paired with newly acquired veteran corner Captain Munnerlyn who came over from Carolina.
In the meantime offensively, the Vikings will want to improve on their 23rd ranked passing attack (214.2 ypg) from 2013, which has probably seen the last of quarterback Christian Ponder who started in nine games last year, but eventually was sidelined to make way for veteran Matt Cassel.
Backing up Cassel will be 1st round pick, Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater. And while I am sure that new offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s plan will be to use Bridgewater as a backup in 2014, he could thrust him into the driver’s seat earlier than expected this season if things go bad.
Nevertheless, whoever plays at the QB position will need to establish some kind of passing game for the Vikings, in order to keep opposing defenses from stacking the box against All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson.
Peterson managed to rush for 1,266 yards and 10 touchdowns, despite being hampered by a groin injury last season, and should have a monster season in 2014, if he can remain healthy.
Matt’s Free Prediction — UNDER—
Cassel is better than Ponder, but he’s average at best. And unless Peterson puts up another monstrous season, the Vikings are going to struggle to score points.
I am just not convinced the Vikings are going to be a stronger team this year, so, I have them going just 4-12 in 2014.
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