The Minnesota Vikings went 8-8 last season, barely missing the playoffs. But they did find the league's best rookie running back and lead the NFL in rushing. Without a decent quarterback, count on another heavy dose of running this season, and a defense that'll be among the league's best.
QB: Tavaris Jackson looked lost last season, throwing for 1911 yards and 9 TDs with 12 INTs. If Rex Grossman doesn't get Chicago's starting job, Jackson will be the NFL's worst starter. Avoid him like the plague.
RB: Jackson's ineptitude could make things more difficult for Adrian Peterson, who gained 1341 yards and 12 TDs as a rookie. If Jackson doesn't show at least an ability to complete passes, opponents will put eight defenders in the box and focus on stuffing Peterson. That, coupled with the fact that Peterson missed two games to injury last season, is the reason Peterson's not in the same category as LaDainian Tomlinson. There are no risks with Tomlinson. There's at least a bit of a concern with Peterson, though he'll easily surpass 1200 yards and 10 TDs. And he's still the No. 2 overal fantasy running back. ... Chester Taylor is Peterson's backup, but would be a No. 1 almost anywhere else. He rushed for 844 yards and 7 TDs in limited action last season. He'll see a lot of carries again as Minnesota tries to keep Peterson fresh, but not enough to be a fantasy starter. Grab him as insurance though, because Peterson is an injury risk.
WR: Bernard Berrian (71 catches, 951 yards, 5 TDs with Chicago) signed in the offseason to be Minnesota's No. 1 receiver. He's also an intriguing fantasy pick, because he put up quality numbers last season with Grossman as his quarterback. But Minnesota will be too much of a rushing team, and Jackson is too much of a risk to rate Berrian as anything more than a low-level No. 3 fantasy receiver. ... Bobby Wade (54, 647, 3) and Sidney Rice (31, 396, 4) will also catch passes, but not enough to draw any fantasy interest.
TE: Jim Kleinsasser (4, 43, 1) rates among tight end around where Jackson rates among quarterbacks. Right near the bottom of the league.
K: Ryan Longwell made 20 field goals, 28th in the league last season. He plays in a dome, which is an important thing to look for in kickers, but Minnesota doesn't score nearly enough to consider him.
D: Minnesota had 38 sacks, the eighth highest total, and 32 turnovers last season. The Vikings had the top rushing defense (74.1 ypg) but were undone the worst pass defense (264.1 ypg). They brilliantly traded for pass rusher Jared Allen in the offseason, thinking his pressure will take a burden off the secondary. Allen will add sacks and reduce points. Count on Minnesota being a top-five defense.
One more thing: Minnesota closes the season with an easy schedule, good news for Peterson. The Vikings don't play a game in a bad-weather city after Chicago on Oct. 19 (They have late-season road games at Jacksonville, Arizona and Tampa Bay). Week 14 they play at Detroit, Week 15 at Arizona and Week 16 vs. Atlanta. Peterson should have any trouble cracking 100 yards in all three.
Wednesday we'll finish off the NFC North with looks at Detroit and Chicago.
