Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2016 regular season. Today, the Minnesota Vikings.
2015 in a nutshell: The defense is fantastic and the ageless Adrian Peterson shines again, but quarterback Teddy Bridgewater fails to take a big step forward as the passing game struggles. Still, they finish 11-5, win the NFC North, and fall just short of reaching the divisional playoffs.
Why 2016 could be different: Bridgewater is entering his all-important third season, and they’ve given him some extra support.
Major additions: Top pick Laquon Treadwell should have a chance to play a large role within a receiving corps that lacks standouts. They also added veteran guard Alex Boone and tackle Andre Smith to a much-maligned offensive line.
Major losses: They cut wide receiver Mike Wallace, who started 12 games but wasn’t particularly productive in 2015.
Breakout watch: Fifth-round pick Stefon Diggs had a very strong rookie season in 2015, picking up 720 receiving yards. Now he’ll be expected by many to explode as a regular starter from the get-go in 2016, with help from Treadwell, Charles Johnson, Cordarrelle Patterson and Jarius Wright.
Position to watch: That line, which needs to be better for Bridgewater, has two new starters in Boone and Smith, and they’re still waiting for 2012 first-rounder Matt Kalil to become a star.
Prediction: The defense, which surrendered just 18.9 points per game last season, is virtually the same. So they’ll be contenders, especially if Bridgewater has improved. I’ll give them 10 wins and a playoff spot.
