Brett Favre Retires: 10 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Vikings Season

So there you have it.  The Vikings now have to make quick work to fashion a team without Brett Favre.  The team now looks a bit weaker than it might have.  They no longer have the calm and strength that comes from being lead by Brett Favre.  Here are some things we can expect to happen this season in Minnesota because of that fact.

10: They Will Suffer at The QB Position, at First

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You remember Tarvaris Jackson,  he was the reason Minnesotans were clamoring for QB help in 2007.  His 12 interceptions that year left a bad taste in their mouths. 

However, he did show some life last year in spot duty. One thing the "Old Gunslinger" leaves behind is capable backups.  Look at Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.  Watching Favre do his thing every week seems to inspire young quarterbacks.  Viking fans are hoping the same is true this time around.

9: The Vikings Will Make The Playoffs

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MINNEAPOLIS - DECEMBER 28: Tarvaris Jackson #7 of the Minnesota Vikings passes under pressure from Fred Robbins #98 of the New York Giants on December 28, 2008 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giant

There is no reason to mope in Viking land.  The team is still solid on defense and can run the ball with regularity.  The fact that they are in a division with the Bears and Lions helps as well.

I believe this is the Packers' year to put it all together and win the division.  But the Vikings will not be far behind, especially if Tarvaris Jackson can complete some passes.

8: Adrian Peterson Will Have Over 350 Attempts

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Many NFL teams have gone to a more pass friendly system as of late.  The name of the game is to extend a star running back's career as much as possible.  But with the loss of Favre comes an emergence of Adrian Peterson as the true focal point of this offense.

The Vikings will have him as their number one weapon.  He will need to get over 350 touches, something he has not done since 2008.  A successful Peterson opens up the game for another playmaker.  And I am talking about the electric...

7: Percy Harvin Will Be a Stud

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 22: Percy Harvin #12 of the Minnesota Vikings against the Seattle Seahawks at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 22, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

This, like so many of my predictions, weighs heavily on the assumption that Tarvaris Jackson will be more than serviceable.  He needs to, as he has one of the best young wide receivers in the game. 

Harvin can beat anyone on defense to the spot.  He has an uncanny ability to cut.  After the catch he hits his top speed immediately.  These are all the tools a QB salivates for in a receiver.  Look for Harvin to get a lot of looks throughout the season.

6: The Vikings Will Make a Trade

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Cedric Griffin #23 of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the field with his head down against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sai

They have to.  This team is built to win now.  Minnesota will make sure to shore up any weaknesses quickly.  The Vikings are an old team and can ill afford to have a couple more seasons of failure.

With Childress wanting to keep his job, he will demand some help.  Trust me when I say somewhere in Minnesota men with suits are scrambling to make sure the Vikes have a successful season.

With defensive back Cedric Griffin out for the start of the season, look for the first move to be on defense.

5: Vikings Will Be Better On Defense

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Jared Allen #69 of the Minnesota Vikings lines up in a three point stance on defense against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Pho

With uncertainty on offense, you can count on the defense getting a closer look.  While Minnesota's rushing defense is one of the best in the league, they could still use some help against the pass. 

By way of trade or otherwise, the Vikings will have to shore up those shortcomings.  You can't count on 21-plus points on the scoreboard this year, and the front office realizes this.

4: The Vikings Will Sign an Old Quarterback

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Kurt Warner #13 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to pass against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Louisana Superdome on January 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 45-14.

Sure, we can all cross our fingers and hope that Jackson emerges better than he was before Favre came to Minnesota.  You would not be doing your job as a GM of the Vikings if for the next few weeks you sat around crossing your fingers. 

Look for general manager Rick Spielman to throw some money at a veteran.  I hear Kurt Warner is free.

3: Brad Childress Will Be On The Hot Seat

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Head coach Brad Childress of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty I

So, you just lost one of your best players and you may not have a viable backup option.  Well you either regroup, forge ahead, and succeed or you fail miserably.  If the latter happens, look for the Vikings to not only rebuild the roster but the sidelines as well.  Losing a marquee player is the kind of thing that sets a franchise back a few years.

2: The Vikings Will Bolster The Offensive Line Stat

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CHICAGO - DECEMBER 5: Offensive linemen Chris Liwienski #76 and Bryant McKinnie #74 (R) of the Minnesota Vikings line up against the Chicago Bears on December 5, 2004 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 24-14. (Photo by

What is one thing that scares a young QB into throwing interceptions?  Huge men coming to hurt you.  If Jackson is indeed all the Vikings have left at this late stage, they will look to protect him by padding a fairly weak offensive line.

They were fine with it last year because Favre could always find a quick outlet.  But they will need to strengthen the line with a shaky Tarvaris Jackson at the helm.

1: Favre Will Return

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 31-28 in overtime. (Photo

Remember, this is bold prediction time.  Favre has stated that he has delayed a decision to return to the Vikings because he was unsure about his ankle.  Well, as with any injury to an aging athlete, time is precious. Favre just does not heal as quickly.

Already knowing the system the Vikings run and still being in good health despite the ankle, there are good reasons the Vikings may come calling sometime this season if Jackson falters.  Also, Favre does have a knack for un-retiring.