My Prediction For The 2010 Minnesota Vikings

Getting Pumped For The Minnesota Vikings Opener vs New Orleans Saints

I saw this video on YouTube titled ‘I Got A Feeling – Vikings Song’ last year just before the NFC Championship game vs the New Orleans Saints and with just about 10 days till the Vikings and Saints meet again to kick off the NFL season opener I thought I’d post it again as the video still rings true.

What do I expect from the Vikings this season?

I am a little worried about Favre’s health. Obviously he’s 41, a grandfather and not getting any younger. I do believe this is his last year no matter what happens (no seriously) so I do think he’ll give it everything he’s got this one last time.

His ankle also seems to be bothering him quite a bit although we know that’ll never keep him off the field. I mean hell… he hasn’t missed a start since 1992 which still just boggles my mind.

I’m not sure we can expect Favre to replicate what he did last year which statistically was the best of his storied career, but I do think we can expect about 30 TD’s and under 12 int’s which would still be a phenomenal year for any NFL QB. The main thing with Favre is protection from the offensive line. He obviously isn’t going to move around much outside of the pocket so mobility isn’t that much of a factor, but keeping him healthy is so the less hits the better. I’d also like to see the Vikings use TJacks a little more in certain situations on first or second down. He’s a great runner so that’ll keep the defenses scrambling to adjust which Favre can then take advantage of later in the game.

Our defense looks solid as usual. The Vikings are consistently one of the best run defenses in the league and we have a great group of linebackers. The only thing that worries me are the corners. That’s always been an issue for the Vikings and although Cedric Griffin and Antoine Winfield are solid corners they tend to give up the occasional big play. On the other hand I am pretty excited about the young rookie Chris Cook.

Overall the teams biggest concern right now is the health of Brett Favre and it’s injured receivers. The Vikings should have Sidney Rice back around week 6 or 7 and hopefully Percy Harvin and the doctors can finally figure something out for his migraines. The recent additions of Javon Walker and Greg Camarillo should be huge to fill the void left my Rice. They both had a good game against the Seahawks the other night and you could see right away how Favre went to Camarillo many times on 3rd downs. I could see him being used similar to how the Patriots use Wes Welker. I know this sounds a little crazy, but I still think Chris Carter could play. Now hear me out before you start laughing. I know he’s 45, but the guy stays in amazing shape and still runs a camp each summer where he works out with top NFL talent. I’m really just suggesting the Vikings use him in red zone situations and short yardage. I mean what does Chris Carter do? All he does is catch touch downs.

Predictions:

In the division I expect the NFC North to come down to the Packers and Vikings fighting it out with the Vikings winning the north at a record of 13-3 or 12-4 which would be right around their record from last year. The 3 or 4 games I think they have to be the most worried about are the games against New Orleans who I think they’ll meet again in the NFC Championship game, the Patriots game and both games against the Packers. The Packers games are always close and they of course have a solid team this year again. Some could argue the Cowboys game as well, but that game in played in Minneapolis at the Dome and honestly this preseason the Cowboys look in disarray.

Look for the Vikings to go 13-3, play in the NFC Championship again vs the Saints and maybe this time Brett will just fall down or at least not throw it across his body into double coverage. Out of the AFC I’ll take the Colts. Look for a Colts vs Vikings Super Bowl down in Dallas this year.

Here’s to hoping for another magical run. Whatever happens all I know is last year was by far the most fun I’ve ever had watching the Vikings and I’ve been a diehard fan since I could walk. I credit most of that to the play of Old Man Favre. Even as a Packer I still loved to watch him so hopefully the old man has one last season left in his tank. Go Vikes!

[Update] Oh and just a side note… This play (below) sums up how exciting every week was last year. I’ll always remember where I was that day right when that happened. I should have been jumping around hugging friends like every other Vikings fan. Instead I left the bar that day with 4 minutes left and had to catch the last couple minutes at home. What a waste of time that was! Lesson learned.

[2nd update] Well week 7 is over and we’re now 2-4 (bye week) so this prediction has definitely gone down the shitter. Here’s to going on a 10 game winning streak:)