The Minnesota Vikings have found themselves in an unfamiliar place at the end of 2011: dead last in the NFC North for a second straight year. Never before in the franchise's history had the Vikes brought up the rear of their division in consecutive seasons. Just three years ago, Minnesota was one game away from the Super Bowl. Heading into 2012, they're as far away as ever.
 
Predicting surprises for the Vikings might seem a bit silly at first glance. After all, if we're able to forsee these things before they happen, how surprising can they be? But Minnesota, with a young quarterback, a veteran defense and two legitimate stars in Jared Allen and Adrian Peterson, makes for an interesting case study.
 
Peterson's status for Week 1 remains uncertain, despite the running back's insistence that he'll be fully recovered from a torn ACL at the end of last season. Even if Purple Jesus is medically cleared to play, will he be ready to go?
 
Another offensive skill player, wide receiver Percy Harvin, is bringing his own baggage into the Twin Cities. Harvin was bouncing in and out of minicamp, squabbling with coach Leslie Frazier (squabbling, I say!), and requesting to be traded.

Part of that truculence probably stems from his displeasure with the rookie contract, which still has two years left on it. But some of that might be from his allegedly taking advice from Randy Moss.
 
Christian Ponder was a reach as the 12th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Still, the onus is on him to perform, or at least progress. The Vikings quarterback has shown little hope of doing neither. But any predictions on Ponder's 2012 performance could only be written in sand.
 
Enjoy my video above and predict your own surprises in the comments.