The Detroit Lions and NFC North 2021 season preview

NFC North second place: Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings will be the NFC North bridesmaids. Despite last season’s poor play, Mike Zimmer is too good of a coach for his team, especially on defense, to collapse again.

Kirk Cousins will continue to be the Vikings game manager on offense. There are some I know who bristle at the notion that Cousins is just a game manager, but that’s what he is. He’s actually pretty good at managing the offense, but he isn’t a guy who will carry the Vikings. If he doesn’t get help, Minnesota loses, plain and simple.

The Vikings are building an offensive line for Cousins to work behind. Center Garrett Bradbury guard Ezra Cleveland are talented youngsters who should shine for a while. Expect the offensive line to be physical and good enough to allow the Vikings to find offensive success.

Dalvin Cook is the heart of the Viking offense and as he goes, so does the whole team. Alexander Mattison is a powerful back who is very productive when given the opportunity. The rushing attack should once again be the straw that stirs the drink and provides the threat Minnesota’s play-action needs.

When Cousins does run the play-action he will be looking for sensational second-year receiver Justin Jefferson and Mr. reliable Adam Thielen. They are an outstanding combo as Jefferson is explosive and can make plays all over the field, while Thielen just seems to always be open and catches everything thrown to him. Minnesota’s depth at receiver won’t scare anyone, but it is serviceable.

No longer will tight end Kyle Rudolph terrorize the Lions as a Viking. Instead, Tyler Conklin will step into the fray and try to prove he was worth allowing Rudolph to leave.

On defense, the Vikings will be looking for more consistent play in their front seven. Danielle Hunter is still one of the premier pass-rushers in the league. Up the middle Dalvin Tomlinson, Michael Pierce, and Sheldon Richardson should be strong, but the defensive line has to be better than last year for Minnesota to entertain any dreams of making a run at Green Bay.

Middle linebacker Eric Kendricks is fast, instinctual, and still among the best in the business. Anthoney Barr has started to show some wear in recent seasons, but he’s still good at what he does. Nick Vigil is the new man in the Vikings starting linebacker corps and will have to prove himself.

Last year the Minnesota secondary was repeatedly scorched by opposing offenses. New acquisitions Patrick Peterson and Brashaud Breeland at cornerback should help restore some order. Cameron Dantzler has some upside and the hope is that Mackensie Alexander will come around as well.

Harrison Smith is like a landmark at safety. He’s always there, always in the right place, and always makes plays. However, the loss of Anthony Harris to Philadelphia is a big one. If Xavier Woods can provide half the production of Harris, then the Vikings should be ecstatic.

The Packers with a super motivated Aaron Rodgers is more than the Vikings can overcome, but they might just make a push for the postseason.