In the 21st of a 32-part series, we will feature all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Today we will look at the Minnesota Vikings.
Key Off Season Acquisitions
The Vikings signed two players in the offseason on defense. They acquired nose tackle Harrison Phillips of Omaha, Nebraska to a three-year deal worth $19.5 million from the Buffalo Bills and cornerback Chandon Sullivan of Winder, Georgia to a one-year contract from the Green Bay Packers.
Phillips had 51 tackles last season with four tackles for a loss, six quarterback hits, one pass deflection, one fumble recovery and one sack. Sullivan had 31 tackles last season with two tackles for a loss, three interceptions for 14 yards and four pass deflections.
The Vikings also have a new head coach. Kevin O’Connell of Knoxville, Tennessee took over from Mike Zimmer. O’Connell had been the offensive co-ordinator the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.
Fantasy Stars
The Vikings have four players ranked in the top 10 for their respective positions in fantasy football. At wide receiver, Justin Jefferson of St. Rose, Louisiana is ranked fourth. Last season Jefferson had 108 catches for 1616 yards and 10 touchdowns, along with 14.3 scrimmage yards per touch, which led the NFL.
At running back, Dalvin Cook of Miami, Florida is ranked third. Last season he had 249 rushes for 1159 yards and six touchdowns, and 34 catches for 224 yards.
At quarterback, Kirk Cousins of Barrington, Illinois is ranked ninth. Last season he completed 372 passes in 561 attempts for 4221 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also had 29 rushes for 115 yards and one touchdown.
At kicker, Greg Joseph is ranked eighth. The native of Johannesburg, South Africa completed 33 of 38 field goals, and 36 of 40 converts in 2021.
Predicted Finish
The Green Bay Packers and Vikings have separated themselves from the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions in the NFC North. Due to the fact the Packers traded Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason, the Vikings have the advantage over the Packers at wide receiver. However, the fact that the Packers gave up 55 fewer points than the Vikings last year shows they still have the advantage on defense. The Vikings are projected to be number two in the division.
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