Kickoff Primer: An instant guide to the 2016 Minnesota Vikings
AFC Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD
NFC Previews
DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS
CHI | DET | GB | MIN
ATL | CAR | NO | TB
ARI | LA | SF | SEA
Minnesota Vikings
| 2015 Record | 2015 Finish |
|---|---|
| 11-5 | Lost in wild-card round |
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
Offensive Coordinator: Norv Turner
Defensive Coordinator: George Edwards
Key Additions
- QB Sam Bradford
- RT Andre Smith
- WR Laquon Treadwell (1st round)
- LG Alex Boone
- CB Mackensie Alexander (2nd round)
Key Departures
- C John Sullivan
- WR Mike Wallace
- T Phil Loadholt
- T Austin Wentworth
Preseason Power Ranking - #7
The only thing potentially working against the Vikings' ascent is that they're in the same division as Green Bay. Teddy Bridgewater taking the next step this season could have this team positioned for a deep playoff run. More...
Projected Starting Lineup
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| WR | Stefon Diggs |
| WR | Charles Johnson |
| LT | Matt Kalil |
| LG | Alex Boone |
| C | John Sullivan |
| RG | Brandon Fusco |
| RT | Andre Smith |
| TE | Kyle Rudolph |
| QB | Shaun Hill* |
| RB | Adrian Peterson |
| FB | Zach Line |
*quarterback Shaun Hill is reportedly expected to start Week 1 while Sam Bradford adapts to his new team.
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| DE | Everson Griffen |
| DT | Linval Joseph |
| DT | Sharrif Floyd |
| DE | Brian Robison |
| OLB | Anthony Barr |
| ILB | Eric Kendricks |
| OLB | Chad Greenway |
| CB | Xavier Rhodes |
| SS | Andrew Sendejo |
| FS | Harrison Smith |
| CB | Terence Newman |
Questions to Answer
- Was Sam Bradford worth the draft picks?
- Can the Vikings hold off the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North again?
- Does Adrian Peterson have another monster season in him?
Best-case Scenario
Bradford comes in as motivated as possible to prove he's capable of taking this Super Bowl ready roster all the way, but also accepts that this is a run-first team. Peterson busts off his second 2,000-yard season of his career at age 31. The defense improves on their lights out 2015 performance. With a conservative game plan and a well-coached team, the Vikings could go all the way to the Super Bowl with a 12-4 record before Bradford's mediocrity is exposed by the AFC champ.
Worst-case Scenario
Bradford can't learn the offense fast enough to make a real contribution and Shaun Hill ends up under center by Week 10. Peterson can't overcome the 30-year-old running back mantra when defense sell out to shut him down. The offense is so ineffective that the defense can't stay off the field long enough to catch their breath, but still rattle off enough wins to avoid a high draft pick going 6-10.