Minnesota Vikings: 5 Predictions for the 2021 Season
On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings will open the regular season in Cincinnati against the Bengals and sophomore quarterback Joe Burrow. However, before we dive into daily news and kick-off our season coverage of the Vikings this weekend, here are 5 predictions for their upcoming season.
Dede Westbrook will be an effective WR3
While this may seem an optimistic take with the Vikings recent history of lackluster performances behind their immediate stars, Dede Westbrook is a proven commodity in this capacity. Despite Westbrook’s preseason being slightly hampered by his injury recovery and facing competition for the role from K.J. Osborn, if he manages to secure the position there will be ample opportunities to contribute and produce in a similar manner to what he did previously in Jacksonville with the Jaguars. (50+ receptions, 500+ yards, 3+ touchdowns)
Danielle Hunter will have a double digit sack season
It is never easy to estimate what a player will do when returning from a significant injury but considering Danielle Hunter’s age and previous production it is not hard to imagine a quick and seamless return to form. The significant improvement of the defensive line with the acquisitions of Dalvin Tomlinson, Michael Pierce, Sheldon Richardson, and the return of Everson Griffen should also deter teams from placing all their focus solely on Hunter.
Justin Jefferson will record over 100 receptions
It will be incredibly hard to replicate the success of his rookie campaign but there are plenty of reasons to believe Justin Jefferson’s second year can be equally as productive. While it may be hard to eclipse his yardage totals from last season, as Jefferson continues his progression and with a full offseason under his belt, we can expect some adjustments to incorporate him further into the offense and develop his role. In 2018 the Vikings had two receivers log over a hundred receptions each through the course of the season, so it is not unheard of in the Mike Zimmer era.
(104 receptions, 1265 yards, 9 touchdowns)
Rashod Hill will start at LT for half the season or more
Despite the Vikings drafting Christian Darrisaw in the first-round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the rookie lineman has had his preseason growth deterred due to being limited throughout camp by a lingering groin injury. As per Courtney Cronin of ESPN, Darrisaw has undergone two minor surgeries since the start of the year in January to address the issue. Under normal circumstances, Darrisaw would be a lot closer and more prepared to assume the role of starting tackle, however that is unfortunately not the case. Over the course of the last three years since Rashod Hill had his last prolonged period of consecutive starts in 2018, he has matured into a viable and respected swing-tackle amidst his peers. In time there is no doubt that Darrisaw will assume the role of starting LT but for the first half of the season the role is Hill’s to lose. Look to the Vikings’ week 7 bye for a potential shift to take place at the LT position.
The Vikings finish 10-7 and return to the postseason
The roster has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball but is lacking depth in key areas and is only a few injuries away from combustion. The Packers will likely claim the NFC North title but a healthy season should allow the Vikings to actively and consistently compete for a playoff spot all season. What do you think? Share your predictions in the comments!
Photo Credit: © Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
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