2009 Minnesota Vikings NFL Season Predictions

Written June 15, 2009 by Jason Lowry

Minnesota Vikings 2009 Predictions The Minnesota Vikings were able to capture the NFC North title last season after going a respectable 10-6 in the regular season, but couldn’t make it past the first round of the playoffs. The Vikings got beat up by the Philadelphia Eagles 26-14, and with expectations so high, this could be the last go around for head coach Brad Childress. There is no question that this team is stacked with talent, but have yet to find the right mix of players to take them to the next level.

All the talks surrounding the Minnesota Vikings right now is whether or not Brett Farve will come back for another season, and take over as the Vikings starting quarterback. If the Vikings are unable to lure Favre out of retirement once again, there will be quite the battle for the starting spot between newly acquired Sage Rosenfiels and last year’s starting quarterback Tavaris Jackson. The Vikings didn’t really add much more help via free agency, but might of found some help for their receiving game out of the draft. With the 22nd pick in this year’s draft the Vikings took Florida receiver Percy Harvin who could be used in a number of different sets this season. The two players the Vikings will miss the most from the 2008 season are center Matt Birk and safety Darren Sharper.

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Its hard telling exactly who is going to be the Vikings starting quarterback when opening season rolls around. I personally think this team is going to reach a deal with Favre, and he will get the shot at leading this team. Either way whoever starts for the Vikings in 2009, one thing is for sure, running back Adrian Peterson is going to get the football a bunch. Peterson ran for 1,760 yards last season, and could run for even more if teams have to start respecting the passing game more. The Vikings also have a very solid backup to Peterson in Chester Taylor, and Taylor is the back that usually is in there on 3rd downs. Bernard Berrian is the go to guy on the outside, and could really have a good season if Favre comes to town. Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade will fight to keep their starting jobs over the rookie Harvin, but they could really use both of these guys to step it up in 2009. The left side of the offensive line is pretty well set with tackle Bryant McKinnie and guard Steve Hutchinson. It looks as though former 6th round draft pick John Sullivan will get a shot at taking over the vacant center position. On the right side Anthony Herrera will be the man at guard, but it looks as though there will be a battle at the right tackle spot and right now the edge goes to rookie Phil Loadholt, who was taken in the 2nd round of this year’s draft. Its hard telling what this unit will look like until a quarterback is chosen to open the season, but with Peterson in the backfield it should still be able to put enough points on the board to win football games. Bet the Vikings +160 to win the NFC North at Sportsbook.com.

On the defensive side of things the Vikings couldn’t be happier with their acquisition of defensive end Jared Allen last season, and this guy will once again be a threat to opposing quarterbacks in 2009. Allen joins a stellar group of defensive lineman, as the duo of Pat and Kevin Williams hold down the two tackle spots, and Ray Edwards is a solid end coming off the left side. The Vikings defense should get a boost with the return of middle linebacker E.J. Henderson, who played in just four games last season because of two dislocated toes. Surrounding Henderson is the emerging strong side backer in Chad Greenway and the veteran Ben Leber on the weak side. The Vikings will use 2nd year safety Tyrell Johnson to take over at strong safety, and should be a good fit alongside free safety Madieu Williams. The two corner spots will be held down by the improving Cedric Griffin and the hard hitting veteran Antoine Winfield. If this unit can avoid multiple injuries to key players they should be even better than they were in 2008. I think Allen has a chance to approach 20 sacks this season if the front 7 stays healthy. Bet the Vikings +2000 to win the NFL Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com.

My Prediction: 1st in NFC North (11-5) I am making this prediction in the anticipation that Favre will be the quarterback of this team, but even without Favre I feel like this is a good enough team to return to the postseason. I think the Vikings earn a first round bye with Favre under center, but I have the Eagles as the team coming out of the NFC this season.

Those of you looking to do some NFL betting this season, be sure to check back for our expert NFL picks and the latest NFL odds for every game at Betfirms. See where I have the Vikings compared to the rest of the league in my 2009 NFL predictions article.

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One Response to “2009 Minnesota Vikings NFL Season Predictions”

Jason on June 30th, 2009 11:45 am

These predictions are based on the assumption Pat and Kevin Williams miss the first 4 games-
Rosenfels QB- 9-7.
Jackson QB- 7-9.
Favre QB- 3-13.

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