NFC North Predictions: Vikings Lead with Defense

This is the sixth in a series of articles previewing the NFL season, featuring the NFC North. Whatifsports.com will utilize our NFL simulation technology, statistical research capabilities, and up-to-the minute roster and depth chart information to preview the upcoming NFL season.

Rosters and depth charts are up-to-date and as accurate as possible as of June 8, 2008. A schedule of upcoming NFL preview content, including links to other previews that have already been posted, is located here. 

For details on how we generate the results and the definition of the Absolute Record, click here.

Minnesota Vikings (11-5)

In 2008, they may not be as good as historically great defenses such as that of the 1985 Bears or 2000 Ravens, the Vikings figure to have the best defense in the NFL. Jared Allen is the perfect addition to this team. He should benefit by a strong interior defense (and vice versa). The expected wins keep creeping higher despite the questions at quarterback, but whomever the Vikings ultimately settle on as the answer to those questions could mean plus or minus a few wins. The Vikings average 25.3 points per game (#9 in the NFL) and allow 18.1 points (#1) against a schedule featuring seven games against 2007 playoff teams.

Absolute Record: 14-2

Most Significant Newcomer: Jared Allen, DE - This is just the second topic,and we have already talked about how much Allen can mean to this team. In 2007, the Vikings gave up just 3.1 yards-per-carry on the ground, but were sometimes susceptible to big plays in the passing game and finished near the middle of the league in passing yards-per-attempt and sacks. Allen will help the latter two relative weaknesses without hurting the rushing defense. Playing in all 16 games, the simulated season has Allen with 76 tackles and a league-best 18 sacks.

Biggest Strength: Defense - Have we told you it is the best in the league yet? With the addition of Allen and the maturation of young players Brian Robison, Cedric Griffin, Marcus McCauley and Chad Greenway, Minnesota is not just a run-stuffing, strong-up-the-middle team. The Vikings have great talent at every defensive position. Everyone knows about what Pat and Kevin Williams, E.J. Henderson and Darren Sharper mean to this team, but bringing in veteran free safety Madieu Williams and drafting Tyrell Johnson were great moves to offset off-season losses to the position. And we still have not even mentioned Adrian Peterson and the offensive line...

Most Exploitable Weakness: Passing Game - Not only has this been a theme for the Vikings since Randy Moss left, it will be a theme this year in the division. The team seems confident in Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback, and Bernard Berrian was a great pickup, so this phase will be improved. Jackson has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns and his career 58.1% completion rate is not spectacular. Plus, with the best defense and rushing attack in the league and a very strong special teams, the passing game would have to be on par with that of the Colts or Patriots not to be mentioned here.

Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Bernard Berrian, WR - We are not going too deep here, but few think as highly of Berrian as this analysis. We have the deep threat catching 71 balls for 1,160 yards and eight touchdowns.

Closest Game: @ Jacksonville (Week 12) - The Vikings play five games where the average score is within three points, so there are some from which to choose. Jacksonville presents a very similar opponent. The Jaguars have given Minnesota the blueprint. We will see in Week 12 if the new kid on the block can thwart the team that has been there before.

Fantasy Notables: Tarvaris Jackson (22) 2,652 yards, 19 TDs, 14 INTs; Adrian Peterson (3) 1,921 total yards, 15 TDs; Chester Taylor (38) 804 total yards, 8 TDs; Bernard Berrian (8) 71 receptions, 1,160 yards, 8 TDs; Visanthe Shiancoe (31) 30 receptions, 312 yards, 2 TDs; Ryan Longwell (14) 43/43 XPs, 26/29 FGs

Projected 2008 Results:

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