2021 Minnesota Vikings Preview

Alright, better late then never: my 2021 Vikings preview!

On the eve of opening day of the 2021 NFL season, the Vikings seem somewhat primed for a big year.

Some has changed since my original schedule predictions when I released them back in May. But largely I keep the expectations the same. I am fearing things will not be as they seem but it is time to just play the season and see how it goes.

Schedule Expectations
I am going to stick with my 13-4 ceiling I originally predicted. However I do think that they could go as low as 8-9 if things go bad. Minnesota had a bad preseason, didn't win one preseason game and lost two of them by single digits. I know the saying with preseason, it doesn't really matter. I would tend to agree with that statement, I don't think it will matter but it doesn't help either. The offense will need to prove to me that they are up to the task of scoring points, as it seemed they were allergic to it in preseason.
I think we are back to viewing the Vikings defense as the strength. Even though the offense has more then enough firepower, the defense is the enduring backbone. 

First Game
The Vikings start out the year in Cincinnati. This shouldn't present too much of a challenge. Even with now second year QB Joe Burrow back from an ACL injury, I don't think the Bengals will beat the Vikings. This should be an early season tilt for Minnesota. If the Vikings struggle against this Cinci team, we are in for trouble.

Kickoff
Minnesota kicks of the season at the Bengals, kickoff is at 12 PM CT on Fox.

​#SKOL