Minnesota Vikings (13-3)

Biggest Strength: Defense

Mike Zimmer is a wizard when it comes to building great defenses and his latest incarnation hasn’t disappointed. This young Vikings unit is strong and largely young from front to back. They finished 5th overall in points allowed last season and were playing some of their best football late in the year. Throw in another quality corner in Mackensie Alexander with the maturation of players like Anthony Barr and Sharrif Floyd and this unit will dictate success in a lot of games this year.

Biggest Weakness: Teddy Bridgewater

When it comes to playing efficient, smart football there is no doubt one can trust Teddy Bridgewater to do all the right things. That is not the problem. It’s the explosiveness. For all his positives as a quarterback, the young man just doesn’t have the arm and downfield accuracy to create the kind of consistent big plays an offense needs. It’s a big reason why the Vikings have invested heavily in receivers who can make plays after the catch.

Final Record Reason

If it’s going to be time for the Minnesota Vikings, 2016 has that feel. They should’ve won their playoff game last year but didn’t because of a bit of bad luck and not being ready for playoff atmosphere. Now they are and the team as a whole is anxious to get that bad taste out of their mouths. Adrian Peterson should be able to give them one more great year. If the other pieces play as they should, this team is going to be good.