Five Reasons the Vikings Are Still NFC Favorites

The Minnesota Vikings have looked pretty horrific the first few weeks in the 2010 NFL season. Their offense has been anemic; and while their coach has made a few good style choices, he has been unable to jumpstart the team. They have looked like a radically different team than the 2009 powerhouse. But not to worry! The 2010 Vikings are still the best team in the NFC.

1. The Minnesota Defense:

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Jared Allen #69 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on as he stands in the huddle against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ro

On opening week, Minnesota’s lauded Williams’ Wall held firm against the Saints offensive juggernaut. Had the Vikings mustered any offense, they would have easily manhandled the Saints. In week two, they held a Dolphin’s offense to only 14 points. Then last week, they kept a division foe to only 10 points.

2. Brett Favre Is Playing Better:

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on September 26, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Gett

That’s right, Favre is actually playing better than he had to this point last season. His yards are significantly improved over the first few weeks last year, when he hardly threw. His interception and completion percentage are concerning, but improving each week. Those can both be blamed on subpar line play and poor wide receivers.

3. Adrian Peterson Is Better Than Ever:

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings jumps through a hole while carrying the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on September 26, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minn

Peterson is second in the league in rushing yards. He has yet to fumble this year (his biggest knock over the last few years) and is much better in the passing game. Expect him to top his spectacular 2008 season at this rate. Chris Johnson move over!

4. Players Are Coming Back from Injury:

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MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 17: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings congratulates wide receiver Sidney Rice #18 on his 45 yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Hubert H. Humphr

Cedric Griffin, Chris Cook and Sidney Rice will all be returning in the next few weeks, and should make an immediate impact. The secondary has been the Vikings biggest weakness on defense and Griffin should shore this up. On offense, Favre has been without wideouts—but his number one 2009 target, Rice, should fix that.

5. Who Else Is There?

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers confers with officials during a challenge in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 2, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Sq

The NFC has only one undefeated team: the Chicago Bears. The seemingly strongest NFC teams, Green Bay and New Orleans, have looked modest the past few weeks. The Vikings should have a very good shot at gaining a playoff spot, if not home-field advantage in the playoffs.