2023 Minnesota Vikings Season Preview

In one week from today, the 2023 NFL Season will have kicked off already with the first Thursday Night Football game. College football started this week, so its time to talk about what I expect from the Vikings this season!

Preseason Thoughts
I always tell people in that the preseason games typically have no effect on the regular season, other then the starters maybe being a bit rusty for Week 1. My opinion has not changed this year. Especially since HC Kevin O'Connell has a firm stance on not letting any impactful returning starters play in the preseason, there really isn't much you can gather from the 2023 Vikings Preseason games. 
However, the preseason did tell us a few things about the Vikings defense. This defense is quite young, and it seems that Minnesota leadership is very keen to let it play out this way. I don't think Kwesi or KOC are eager to get rid of the young defensive players, even if the defense hardly improves, which I think is the right move. There were lots of flashes of talent from this young secondary over the past few weeks, and that gives me cause of curiosity and excitement. Here's why: if the Vikings can put together a good young core on defense, this group could lead the Vikings back to the hallowed halls of great defenses for at least 5-6 seasons. Now, I am not saying they will look like it this season necessarily, but if they develop properly and there is a noticeable improvement from Week 1 to Week 18, then I think Kwesi and co have done their job. 
The preseason didn't tell us much about the offense, however I will still speculate anyway. Personally, I believe that Jordan Addison is going to be a stud for the purple. While he did have some minor injury issues in the preseason and training camp, I think he will be fine. The offensive line always has issues and this season will be no different, the hope though is that the team keeps the same lineup for several weeks.

Depth Chart Impressions
The Vikings released their first in-season depth chart recently, and I want to discuss a few things. There are a few surprises on the depth chart for the offense. First is that rookie WR Jordan Addison is not listed as our starting WR2. This is due to a couple reasons I think. First, is Jordan is still very much a rookie and hardly knows the harsh nature of the NFL yet. He has a lot to learn and just isn't quite ready to start. He also sits behind KJ Osborn, one of Minnesota's most consistent players last season, and seemingly this preseason as well. However, this does not mean that Addison will ride the bench. I would expect Osborn and Addison's time on the field to be very similar. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Addison does eclipse Osborn in playing time by Week 4. People like to forget that Justin Jefferson wasn't listed as a starter until Week 3 or 4 of his rookie season, its all a process folks.
The other surprise, to me, is that the Vikings have 3 quarterbacks on the roster. This is the first time in at least 3-4 years that Minnesota has 3 signal callers on the active roster. Rookie QB Jaren Hall is the surprising 3rd QB and while he didn't necessarily impress people, he seemed to show KOC some potential. I don't know how he would be on the roster otherwise. Personally, I think Hall is probably going to be on the roster for maybe one year or two depending on what role the Vikings want him to play. Many believe Minnesota is looking to draft a QB in next year's draft since Kirk Cousins is in the final year of his contract and it does not seem the Vikings are eager to resign him. 
Something pretty cool on the depth chart, is the appearance of NaJee Thompson. The undrafted rookie impressed the Vikings in training camp, and made a special place in fans hearts after his spectacular play during the preseason. It has earned him a roster spot as the 5th cornerback. Speaking of cornerbacks, Minnesota's starting two at that position will be second-year guy Akalyeb Evans and free agent signee Byron Murphy Jr. 2023 draft pick Mekhi Blackmon is the backup for Murphy and 2022 draft pick Andrew Booth Jr. is the backup for Evans. Lots of youth here, and I am excited to see if these guys can put something together. The Vikings defense does have multiple veterans though, with seasoned veteran safety Harrison Smith heading up the secondary along with linebacker Jordan Hicks. The defensive line is anchored by star defensive end Danielle Hunter and defensive stalwart Marcus Davenport. 
The offense will be very similar to last season, minus the departures of longtime Vikings stars Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook. In those positions, KJ Osborn is set to replace Thielen at the WR2 spot to start the year. Trusted backup Alexander Mattison replaces Cook as the featured running back. The tight end room is headed up by TJ Hockenson, who just received a sizeable contract extension that keeps him in Minnesota for a few more years. The offensive line is unchanged from last year, and I am sure they hope to stay healthy for the majority of the year.

Season Expectations
I don't think its unreasonable to expect the Vikings to at least finish 11-6 with a spot in the playoffs. Whether that is as the division winner or as a wild card remains to be seen though. In my opinion, I think the North will finish in this order: 1. Minnesota (12-5) 2. Green Bay (10-7) 3. Detroit (10-7) 4. Chicago (7-10). There is a lot of hype surrounding Detroit and Chicago this year. I only really believe one of these, as the Lions played quite well last year compared to their typical season. I believe that Green Bay and Detroit could easily swap spots in my order as they are both likely to finish just over .500 and make the playoffs. The Bears, however, I am not very convinced. I just find it hard to believe they will make this huge turnaround, I just haven't seen that spark yet.
While I expect Jefferson to accrue at least 1,000 receiving yards again this year, I also think that the combo of Osborn and Addison will achieve at least 1,500 yards. Could be a big year for the Vikings offense.

What's Next
Now all that is next is for the season to begin! Minnesota begins the season at home on Sunday, September 10th at 12 PM CT when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

​#SKOL