Minnesota is a team with unclear expectations for the 2021-22 season, and the questions begin with quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins has put up good numbers throughout his career as a starter, averaging 29 touchdowns, over 4,200 yards and 11 interceptions per 16 games over his last six seasons. What Cousins has failed to do though is consistently win games, especially big games. Cousins is 49-44-2 over his last six seasons, including going 25-21-1 in his three seasons with Minnesota. Regardless, Cousins can get the job done; he isn’t a quarterback that is going to necessarily hold a team back, but he won’t elevate the team either. The Vikings have one of the best skill-position trios in football in Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, which helped them gain the fourth-most yards per game and 11th-most points per game as an offense last season. Minnesota’s biggest concern from an offensive perspective is their offensive line. The Vikings attempted to address this issue by drafting tackle Christian Darrisaw out of Virginia Tech, but other moves were – and still are – needed to repair the weakness.
The Vikings’ defense was abysmal last season: Minnesota allowed the fourth-most points and sixth-most yards per game. Minnesota’s biggest defensive additions came in the form of Patrick Peterson and Dalvin Tomlinson. Outside of those two, the Vikings made a bevy of minor moves to improve their defense. It should be noted that Danielle Hunter, Harrison Smith and Anthony Barr are still with the team and will have an impact. Time will tell if more was needed in the offseason.
The Vikings have had varying levels of success over the last six seasons. Over this time frame, they have missed the playoffs three times, but have won the NFC North twice and have made an appearance in the NFC Championship Game. This season will carry more of the unknown, with Minnesota unlikely to win the division, but having more than enough potential to have a winning record and be a threat for a wild card spot.
Regular season record prediction: 8-9