Seven Predictions For the Minnesota Vikings 2009 Season

The Minnesota Vikings are one of the better teams in the NFC, maybe even the entire NFL. In 2008, Minnesota finished with a record of 10-6 that got them the third seed in the NFC.

In their first playoff game, the Vikings lost in a 26-14 battle with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Since then, Minnesota has signed Brett Favre, drafted Percy Harvin, and had the likes of E.J. Henderson come back from injury.

Overall, the Vikings are a much improved team looking for revenge and a super bowl trophy this season.

I will be listing seven predictions I have for the Minnesota Vikings 2009 season. Please enjoy!

1. Adrian Peterson Will Rush for Over 2,000 Yards

Only five running backs have rushed for over 2,000 yards in a season. Those five are O.J. Simpson in 1973 (2,003 yards), Eric Dickerson in 1984 (2,105 yards), Barry Sanders in 1997 (2,053 yards), Terrell Davis in 1998 (2,008 yards), and Jamal Lewis in 2003 (2,066 yards).

Adrian Peterson has had a goal of rushing for 2,000 yards ever since the start of the 2008 season. Behind a great offensive line, Adrian has a great chance of achieving this goal.

Despite bringing in Brett Favre, the Vikings are still a run first type of team. Adrian received over 300 carries last season, and should receive even more than that in 2009.

Adrian is viewed by most to be the best running back in the league today. He runs hard and can break away for a touchdown at any point in the game.

Peterson escaped for a 75 yard touchdown on the first play of Monday Night Football against the Houston Texans.

2. Brett Favre Will Throw More Touchdowns Than Interceptions

The idea of Favre throwing more touchdowns than interceptions isn't much of a prediction, but when I say more touchdowns, I mean he will throw many more touchdowns than he does interceptions.

In 2008, with the Jets, Brett threw for 22 touchdowns and matched that with a ridiculous 22 interceptions.

Brett Favre is back with an arm that seems to be as good as it once was, believe it or not.

The reason for Favre throwing so many picks last year is because he had a torn bicep muscle that limited his power, and diminished his accuracy.

Favre will throw for 20 touchdowns and under 15 interceptions in 2009. Mark my words.

3. Tarvaris Jackson Will Get Released

Minnesota currently has four quarterbacks on the roster. They consist of Brett Favre, Sage Rosenfels, John David Booty, and Tarvaris Jackson.

One of these quarterbacks is likely going to wind up on a different team for the 2009 season.

Brett Favre is guaranteed a spot, of course. Sage Rosenfels likely won't be cut because he was brought in for a fourth-round-pick only 6 months ago. John David Booty is a project player, and he won't be released because he has potential to one day be a good quarterback.

This scenario leaves out Tarvaris Jackson.

Tarvaris has been with the Minnesota Vikings ever since we drafted in the second round in 2006.

He is a great backup quarterback, but as a starter he is simply rubbish. I don't want to see him go, but tough decisions like this have to be made before the first week of the regular season.

4. Jared Allen Will Lead the League in Sacks

Jared Allen is easily one of the best defensive end's in the league today. In 2008, he wracked up 14.5 sacks which landed him in the pro-bowl.

In 2009, Jared will look to improve these stats. He is an incredibly gifted athlete who the Vikings traded for prior to the 2008 draft.

The Vikings are excellent at rushing the quarterback, and will look to blitz the passer quite often.

Jared Allen is the Vikings defensive MVP for a good reason. He can get sacks, force fumbles, rush the passer, and tackles the running back before he can even think of where to go.

Look for Jared Allen to record 16 or more sacks even with his sexy mullet weighing him down.

5. Minnesota's Pass Defense Will Vastly Improve

Minnesota has been known for the past few years as having a secondary that you can pass all over every game.

Not this year.

The Vikings are concentrated on improving their secondary so they can limit the opposing team from converting big pass plays on them,

They have two young studs at safety in Madieu Williams, who the Vikings signed in the 2008 off-season, and a second-round-pick in 2008, Tyrell Johnson.

At corner back is Pro-Bowler Antoine Winfield. Winfield is known for being one of the best tackling corners in the game today. On the opposite side is Cedric Griffin. Cedric is getting better every year, and that is why he received a contract extension this year.

6. Minnesota Will Win the NFC North

The Minnesota Vikings are a great team with a very easy schedule. If you take a look at it, they could easily win 11 or 12 games.

A few weeks back I predicted that Minnesota would go 12-4 in 2009. Nothing has changed in that prediction.

They have to play teams like Pittsburgh, New York, and Carolina, but Minnesota often plays their best against teams they're supposed to be defeated by.

I don't consider Chicago or Detroit to be real threats. Green Bay worries me a little bit because of how good their passing game is.

When all is said and done, Minnesota will win the NFC North by at least one game, maybe even two.

7. Minnesota Will Win It's First Super Bowl in History

I would be a terrible fan if I didn't think the Vikings would win the Super Bowl. As a homer I do believe Minnesota will come home with the Lombardi Trophy.

Realistically, are they the best team? No. But Minnesota is a very talented team that could win up winning the Super Bowl if they stay healthy and play up to potential.

In the NFC, Philadelphia, Carolina, and the New York Giants are threats, but Minnesota has shown they can play well against these three teams.

Minnesota will wind up going 12-4 and receiving the first or second seed in the NFC. This will give them a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Super Bowl 44 is the Vikings to win. It will be one heck of a ride!