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2008 Minnesota Vikings NFL Predictions

After an 8-8 season, which included a late run at the playoffs by winning five in a row, the Vikings appear to be heading in the right direction. What is in store for this team in year three under coach Brad Childress? Jimmy Boyd has your answer in his 2008 Minnesota Viking predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

The Vikings will go to battle with Tarvaris Jackson under center again in '08. He posted a solid 8-4 record as starter, but the fact that he threw 12 interceptions and just nine touchdowns in a little worrisome. He is mobile and he has Childress' support. The Vikes signed veteran Gus Frerotte to be the primary backup. Fifth round draft pick John David Booty will compete with Brooks Bollinger for third string.

The Vikings found offense when they drafted running back Adrian Peterson who emerged as one of the most explosive backs in football in his rookie season. The fact that he failed to reach the 100-yard mark in his final four games has more to do with teams playing the run and daring Jackson to beat them through the air. He rushed for over 200 yards on two different occasions last year and broke the NFL's single-game rushing record when he ran all over the Chargers for 296 yards. Backup Chester Taylor is no slouch. The two combined to make the Vikings the best rushing team in the NFL last season.

The Vikes needed help at the receiver position so they signed deep threat Bernard Berrian from the Bears. The Vikes hope that Berrian will be able to help them stretch the field to give their running back plenty of room to operate. Sidney Rice has a big upside as well. The 6'4'' Rice is great on those red zone fade routes.

The Vikes return all five offensive line starters from a unit which helped Minnesota lead the league in rushing – 164.4 yards per game. Center Matt Birk and left guard Steve Hutchinson are coming off Pro Bowl seasons.

Defense

The Vikings defensive line has proven to be effective in stopping the run, but it has failed to apply enough pressure to slow down opposing passing attacks. The Vikings look to take care of that deficiency with the addition of defensive end Jared Allen. Allen led the NFL with 15.5 sacks last season. It's crazy to think that his sack total was 10.5 more than the highest player on the Vikings.

The NFC North has some of the finest linebacker crews in the NFL and the Vikings might just have the best. E.J. Henderson has a Pro Bowl-caliber season at middle linebacker. He led the Vikings defense with 155 tackles and added 4.5 sacks. Chad Greenway rules the weak side and Ben Leber takes over at strong side.

Secondary

Darren Sharper will turn 33 this season, but he is still the leader of this defense at the safety position. Madieu Williams will play the other safety spot and Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin return as the starting corners.

Special Teams

Place kicker Ryan Longwell was able to improve his distance on kickoffs and connected on 20 of 24 field goal attempts last season. Punter Chris Kluwe got a big six-year, $8.3 million contract extension last fall and showed his appreciation by averaging 44.7 yards per punt. Running back Maurice Hicks is the leading candidate to return kicks.

Prediction – 1st NFC North

With Favre calling it quits, and with the Bears offense showing no signs of drastic improvement, Minnesota should win the NFC North by default.

Be sure to check out all of Jimmy Boyd's NFL predictions to help you with your futures betting prior to the NFL season. And make sure you sign up for Jimmy's NFL picks package to get all of his winners week 1 through the Super Bowl at a heavily discounted rate.

Check out the official site of the Minnesota Vikings and for more information.

June 19th, 2008