2018 Record - 8-7-1
Head Coach - Mike Zimmer
Newcomers for 2019 -Dakota Dozier(OL), Josh Kline (OL), Shamar Stephen (DL), Sean Mannion (QB), Jordan Taylor (WR)
Keys on Offense - Quarterback Kirk Cousins being consistent and a healthy Dalvin Cook at running back is what the team needs most on offense. Cousins passed for 4,298 yards with 30 touchdowns and ten interceptions. Cook is the primary back but was limited to only 133 carries a year ago, going for 615 yards (4.6 ypc average) and two touchdowns. He also had 40 receptions for 305 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The receiving tandem is in fine hands with Stefon Diggs (102 receptions, 1,021 yards and nine TD) and Adam Thielen (113, 1,373, nine TD) and tight end Kyle Rudolph, who made 64 catches for 634 yards and four touchdowns. Laquon Treadwell (35, 302, one TD) and newcomer Jordan Taylor add some depth to the position.
Keys on Defense - Danielle Hunter had 14 1/2 sacks a year ago from the end position and leads the charge up front. Everson Griffen had 5 1/2 sacks from the opposite end position.
Eric Kendricks (two interceptions), Ben Gedeon and Anthony Barr anchor a solid linebacking unit while Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith each had three interceptions in the secondary and along with cornerbacks Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes form an excellent squad in the defensive backfield.
Minnesota ranked fourth overall on defense in 2018 (309.7 ypg allowed) and was third against the pass, allowing 196.3 yards per game. The Vikings registered 50 QB sacks and made twelve interceptions while giving up 21.3 points per game, which was ninth best in the NFL.
OUTLOOK FOR 2019 - After a disappointing season which saw them drop out of the playoffs following an appearance in the NFC title game in 2017, the Vikings are looking to challenge the Chicago Bears in the NFC North.
Head Coach Mike Zimmer has an outstanding defense, especially against the pass. The Vikings can get after quarterbacks while limiting opponents on the ground (14th against run in 2018) and that gives them a chance each week.
Whether Cousins and the offense can step it up on offense remains to be seen, but having Cook back at full strength in the running game would be a huge lift. Cousins was sacked 40 times a year ago, so taking some pressure off him and getting better protection when he drops back would help the team get back to where they want to be.
The division is always a battle and the Vikings know they must win these games. If they have success there, a second division crown in three seasons could happen. Whether they can get back to that level and make the playoffs will be a challenge with a rough schedule and question marks on the offense. A 9-7 finish seems likely this season, but with some breaks, the Vikings could do better and get back to the post-season.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - vs. Atlanta
Week 2 - at Green Bay
Week 3 - vs. Oakland
Week 4 - at Chicago
Week 5 - at NY Giants
Week 6 - vs. Philadelphia
Week 7 - at Detroit
Week 8 - vs. Washington
Week 9 - at Kansas City
Week 10 - at Dallas
Week 11 - vs. Denver
Week 12 - BYE
Week 13 - at Seattle
Week 14 - vs. Detroit
Week 15 - at LA Chargers
Week 16 - vs. Green Bay
Week 17 - vs. Chicago
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