In my eyes, this team is a sleeper this year and could make a playoff appearance in 2015. The onus will be on second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson to lead the Vikings to a first playoff appearance since 2012.

This season will be their last of their two-year tenure at the University of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium before settling sail to a shiny new stadium in 2016, the U.S Bank Stadium.

So can Teddy and Adrian buoy the Vikings onto a playoff appearance in 2015, or will they sink?

2014 summary



The 2014 offseason saw a back room clear out with new head coach Mike Zimmer, offensive coordinator Norv Turner, and defensive coordinator George Edwards all taking over at their respective roles.

The loss of Adrian Peterson to the Vikings offence was monumental as it literally ran through him. Late first-round draft pick Teddy Bridgewater was given an early opportunity in the NFL following the season-ending injury for Matt Cassel.

Neither the franchise nor Bridgewater looked back from then on.

His season included comebacks, highlight plays and leadership beyond his years on the field. He set franchise records for a rookie quarterback in wins (six), starts (12), passer rating (85.2) and completion percentage (64.4). His completion percentage is the third-highest by a rookie in NFL history, only behind Ben Roethlisberger (66.4) and Robert Griffin III (65.6).

But can he repeat or improve upon that, or will he have second season syndrome?

Personnel changes



With the return of 2012 MVP Peterson to the backfield, things could open up a whole lot more downfield for the Louisville product.

First-round pick Trae Waynes will look to steadily grow into the cornerback position in the NFL, as the season goes on, as definite starter Xavier Rhodes will be supported by veteran Terence Newman and Captain Munnerlyn in the nickel.

Erik Kendricks is still adapting to the speed of the NFL compared to college, like most rookies – but says he is pleased with his transition to the pros and he’s making fewer mistakes with each passing day.

Expect free-agent signing Mike Wallace to be a deep threat for Bridgewater to open up the run game, and play action to help the team on offence. The addition of Terence Newman will help in the development of rookie corner Waynes. Plus, he will not have to be thrown into the deep end as he’s surrounded by talent, Rhodes in particular.

To protect Teddy Bridgewater, T.J Clemmings was taken in the fourth round to add to an already young and growing offensive line which will give them plenty of depth and punch in the run game if they can click under Norv Turner’s blocking schemes.

Team strengths



The quarterback and running back tandem. Led by Bridgewater and tailed by Peterson with a promising young offensive line in front, this team could do some real damage. Cordarrelle Patterson will also be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2014 and can be used by the Vikings to stretch the field to help Peterson. Likewise, Peterson and Bridgewater can help in the play action to open up the deep ball for Patterson.

Team weaknesses



The Vikings’ wide receivers. Overall, it’s a pretty underwhelming group filled with question marks and talent that’s not living up to its potential. However, big things will be expected of Charles Johnson this season in his second year in Minnesota.

But with Bridgewater slinging the ball to them and his efficiency in not turning the ball over, does it really matter? Only time will tell how successful this group of receivers will be.

Best case



Bridgewater throws touchdowns for days and Peterson has a season similar to 2012 and opposing teams don’t know what they are doing, getting lost in a trance of covering downfield or stacking the box to stop the run. Who’s to say they don’t run the Packers all the way for the division title and make the playoffs for the first time since 2012? 11-5 record, second in the NFC North, lose in the divisional round.



Worst case



Bridgewater can’t find his receivers and struggles with second season syndrome. On top of that, Peterson struggles to find his groove after a year out and can’t have the same impact that he once had. The defence also struggles do deliver in the big moments and they go back to square one after making progress last season. 6-10 tied for last in the NFC North.

Prediction

So will it be sink or swim for the Vikings? An NFC North title could be a step too far for the moment, but they’ve got the pieces in place for a fifth or sixth seed spot this upcoming season and second in the NFC North division. It’s a case of getting a bit of luck and avoiding injuries to stay in the hunt – in what could turn out to be a very closely contested NFC North. I’d say the Vikings just scrape into the playoffs and bow out in Wild Card weekend. 10-6, second in the NFC North.

