2014 Record: 7-9
2015 Non Division Opponents: AFC West, NFC West, New York Giants, & Atlanta
2014 in review: The Vikings shocked everyone by going into St. Louis on opening day and demolishing the Rams 34-6. Adrian Peterson ran for 102 yards in the romp. Then Adrian Peterson was suspended for child endangerment and didn’t play another snap in 2014. Matt Asiata struggled and the Vikings decided to run with rookie Teddy Bridgewater. The results were promising, but inconsistent.
2015 Offseason: Most importantly, Adrian Peterson was reinstated. One of the best Running Backs in the league is back and will take a lot of pressure off of Bridgewater. Mike Wallace was acquired from Miami and will be Bridgewater’s new deep threat. The offense has a chance to take a step in year two as Bridgewater continues to develop.
2015 Draft: First Round pick Trae Waynes is currently slated as the backup Corner behind veteran Terrence Newman. Most expect Waynes to beat him out in training camp. Second round pick Eric Kendricks has been handed the MLB job and should anchor the defense.
Player on the hot seat: Adrian Peterson. He missed all of last year. Will he be rusty? It’s a given he will play with a chip on his shoulder, but all eyes will be on him this year. In the new NFL, all of your transgressions are brought up at all times. He will take a beating on the road, and the best thing for him to do is to shut up and play football. His contract has been fixed, so he should be able to get to work.
Players you want on your fantasy team: Peterson, without a doubt. He’s been a superstar fantasy running back for years, and him having a second year QB isn’t a big deal. Check out Peterson’s QB’s since his rookie year 2007. Tavaris Jackson, Kelly Holcomb, Brooks Bollinger, Gus Frerotte, Brett Favre, Joe Webb, Christian Ponder, a washed up Donovan McNabb, Matt Cassel, and Josh Freeman. So I wouldn’t worry about Bridgewater hindering AP’s numbers. Bridgewater could be a backup, I don’t see the Vikes airing it out that much. I’m down on Wallace as well. Bridgewater is a downgrade from Ryan Tannehill, who Wallace could never get on the same page as.
Season Prediction: The return of Peterson should make them better. The addition of Wallace should make them better. Unfortunately, better will be able to keep them in games with Denver, San Diego, Green Bay, and Seattle. But better will not allow them to beat those teams. I think the Vikes are a year away. SFTB prediction: 5-11