2008 Minnesota Vikings
Written August 10, 2008 by Jason Lowry
Its that time of year to really start getting your mind ready for another great season of NFL action, and to help you get started professional handicapper Jason Lowry is going to bring you his 2008 Minnesota Vikings season predictions. The Vikings really came on strong last season with the addition of one of the best rookie running backs we have ever seen in Adrian Peterson, as he went on to set the all-time single game rushing record against the Chargers last season. This year the Vikings have high hopes for an even bigger year, and while the offense still has some question the defense looks like its going to get even better with new defensive end Jared Allen. To see just what the Vikings are going to look like this season in the NFC North, lets take a closer look at who they got on all sides of the field this season.
Offense:
There is no question that the offense is going to be run first and pass second, as Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor put together one of the best 1-2 combos in the game. Peterson is the work horse and gets the majority of the carries, but its easy to see why when he had the season he did. The team is sticking with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback, and all they really need of him is to protect the football and keep the turnover numbers down. The Vikings tried to bolster their receiving core when they added Bernard Berrian in free agency, as he will team up with Bobby Wade and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. The offensive line must be doing something right if the team is so successful in the running game. Center Matt Birk and left guard Steve Hutchinson are both coming off Pro Bowl seasons. The team is really counting on left tackle Bryant McKnnie to live up to the big contract he landed in 2006. Overall the offense should be able to control the clock and really ware down defenses with their running game.
Vikings +500 odds to win NFC Championship at Sportsbook.com
Defense:
The Vikings defense took a big step forward when they added Allen to the defensive line, as he led the NFL in sacks last season. The scary thing is he might even put up bigger numbers this season playing along side two of the best defensive tackles in the game in Kevin and Pat Williams. At linebacker the team has some real solid talent and they might not have seen the best of starters Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson, as both played very well when on the field. The team remains solid in the secondary and the team will welcome in Madieu Williams to step in at the open safety spot left by Dwight Smith. At corner the team is pretty set with the veteran Antoine Winfield and is hoping that in time Cedric Griffin will become a star as well. Overall this unit could really put some pressure on the quarterback, and we all know what pressure can do for a defense (New York Giants).
Vikings +1500 odds to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com
Special Teams:
This unit is pretty solid as they have a solid kicker in the veteran Ryan Longwell, and they just gave their punter Chris Kiuwe a new 6 year deal, so they aren’t to concerned there. The return game is likely to be led by Bobby Wade and newcomer Maurice Hicks. This unit should win the team more games than it loses next season.
Vikings Over/Under 8.5 wins in 2008 at Sportsbook.com
Prediction: 1st in the NFC North
Thats right without Favre in Green Bay we think that its time the Vikings return to the top, as they have put together a real solid defense, and a strong offense, that could get even better if Jackson continues to improve. We think that the Vikings could of won the division even if Favre remained a Packer, mainly cause we see this team winning 11-12 games this season.
If you want to get a good start to the upcoming football season, get over and get a bet in on the Vikings odds this season at Sportsbook.com. Also, for those of you looking for a little more on the Vikings this season, be sure to check out these great Vikings predictions.