NFL Predictions 2009: Head Coach Brad Childress begins his fourth season in Minnesota with one of the most talented teams in the league. The Vikings went 10-6 last year and won the NFC North before they were unceremoniously dumped by the Eagles in the Playoffs by a score of 14-26. Eighteen starters return from last year's squad and BetUS.com is favoring them to finish over 9 wins (-140) in their Minnesota Vikings NFL Predictions 2009.
The Vikings flirted with Brett Favre the entire off-season, but they will not be tying the knot with the future Hall of Famer. Childress has indicated that with Favre taking himself out of the picture, the starting quarterback will be decided upon over the course of training camp and the pre-season. The two candidates are Sage Rosenfels and Tavaris Jackson.
Rosenfels comes over from Houston where he threw for 1431 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 interceptions backing up Matt Schaub. Jackson began last season as the starter in Minnesota but was benched in favor of journeyman Gus Frerotte. He had 1056 passing yards and nine touchdowns in his third year with the club.
The unit, regardless of who starts, should be able to put points on the board. They ranked 12th in scoring a season ago at 23.7 points per game and will, again, rely on running back Adrian Peterson as the primary option. Peterson rushed for 1760 yards and 10 touchdowns last year.
Minnesota added another receiving threat through the draft, picking up Florida standout Percy Harvin. Harvin's skills will be a nice compliment to Bernard Berrian, who, as his 20.1 yards per catch average would indicate, has the ability to stretch defenses and open things up for slot type receivers.
The Vikings defense has been one of the best in the league over the past couple of seasons and Vikings fans should expect nothing less this year. Nine starters return from a unit that ranked sixth in yards allowed (292), first in rushing yards allowed (77), and fourth in sacks (45).
The defensive line is arguably the best in football with Kevin Williams and Pat Williams in the middle and Jared Allen and Ray Edwards at the ends. Allen is one of the most dynamic pass rushers in the league (30 over the last two seasons) and he is also adept at playing the run and creating turnovers.
The linebacking core, led by Chad Greenway (115 tackles, 5.5 sacks last year), is stout as well and gives the Vikings one of the most imposing front sevens in the NFL.
Minnesota opens the year at Cleveland on September 13th; their first division game comes in week two when they take on the Lions in Detroit.
BetUS.com Minnesota Vikings NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowl Odds 2010
Minnesota Vikings Regular Season Win Total:
Over 9 (-140)
Under 9 (+110)
Minnesota Vikings Odds to Win the NFC North:
+160
Minnesota Vikings Odds to Win the 2010 NFC Championship:
+750
Minnesota Vikings Super Bowl Odds 2010:
+1800
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