The Minnesota Vikings will be one of the top teams in the NFL once again this season thanks to the addition of quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency. Before trying to win their first-ever Super Bowl, however, they'll need to prove they can stave off the Packers with a healthy Aaron Rodgers in the NFC North. With that in mind, let's identify three reasons why they're absolutely up to the task.

3. Coaching

No offense to Mike McCarthy, but Mike Zimmer has put on a coaching clinic since he's joined the Vikes. He has his guys ready to ball week in and week out, while McCarthy's bunch has been caught with their pants down-- note last season's sputtering down the stretch even after Rodgers returned. Zimmer is one of the main reasons why the Vikings should be favored to win the division.

2. Superior Playmakers Out Wide

It happened almost overnight, but the Vikings suddenly have a better receiving corps than the Packers. Davante Adams and Randall Cobb can definitely play, but you're out of your mind if you'd take them over Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Minnesota has a big edge there, and Cousins stands to take them to a whole new level.

1. Defense, Defense, Defense