The Vikings are one of 10 teams with a new head coach in 2022. Mike Zimmer was not a bad coach, but it felt like his message was falling flat with the team. Minnesota brings in Kevin O'Connell from the Rams. Going from a defensive minded coach to an offensive mind should provide a spark to the offensive side of the ball. That didn't stop Minnesota from addressing the defense in the draft though. They used 5 of their first 6 picks to address needs on the defense. That could be the philosophy of new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, or it could have been the way the board fell. All that and more for the Minnesota Vikings preview entering the 2022 season.
The Minnesota Vikings enter 2022 with answers on offense and question marks on defense. Minnesota's offense is set with a talented group of skill position players. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen are one of the best tandems in the league. Dalvin Cook, when healthy, is an elite running back. And Kirk Cousins catches a ton of flack, but he is consistent, and can win with talent surrounding him. As mentioned earlier, Minnesota used 5 of their first 6 draft picks on defensive players, with 3 of those picks being DBs.
There are still question marks with the Vikings though. Tight end Irv Smith Jr. is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Vikings fans have been high of Smith for a few seasons now, but he needs to show that he is the guy for the future. Can Kevin O'Connell make the successful transition from coordinator to head coach? There are real questions with the offensive line, and how they can hold up against elite pass rushes. Let's check out the Minnesota Vikings preview for the 2022 season.
Schedule Breakdown
9/11 vs. Green Bay Packers
9/19 @ Philadelphia Eagles (Monday Night Football)
9/25 vs. Detroit Lions
10/2 @ New Orleans Saints (London, England)
10/9 vs. Chicago Bears
10/16 @ Miami Dolphins
10/23 BYE
10/30 vs. Arizona Cardinals
11/6 @ Washington Commanders
11/13 @ Buffalo Bills
11/20 vs. Dallas Cowboys
11/24 vs. New England Patriots
12/4 vs. New York Jets
12/11 @ Detroit Lions
12/27 vs. Indianapolis Colts
12/24 vs. New York Giants
1/1 @ Green Bay Packers
1/8 @ Chicago Bears
This is a pretty manageable schedule for the Vikings. I think they split the opening 2 games hosting the Packers and at Philly. They should get at least 2 wins over their next 4, but could easily run the table, so let's split the difference; 3-1 with the loss coming in Miami against the Dolphins. Coming out of the bye, they've got the Cardinals and at Washington- they lose to the Cards and beat the Commanders. Then they hit the toughest 3 game stretch of the season; @ Buffalo, and home games against Dallas and New England. They'll lose the Buffalo game, but split Dallas and New England. They'll sweep the Jets and Lions, but lose to Indianapolis. The final home game is a win against the Giants before going 1-1 in road games against green bay and Chicago.
Prediction: 10-7
Key Additions
OLB Za'Darius Smith (Green Bay Packers); 3-year/$42 million
DT Harrison Phillips (Buffalo Bills); 3-year/$19.5 million
LB Jordan Hicks (Arizona Cardinals); 2-year/$10 million
G Chris Reed (Indianapolis Colts); 2-year/$4.5 million
3. Fantasy Outlook
The Vikings have an elite Running Back and Wide Receiver on their roster. Dalvin Cook is a legit #1 back, and if you're drafting in the back half of the 1st round, or beginning of the 2nd, he is a name you should have on your short list. Justin Jefferson is one of 4 receivers that will be the first to go in your draft. Again, target him in the back half of the 1st, or early in the 2nd round. Adam Thielen will be the next Viking to go in your fantasy drafts. He is a solid Flex player, or WR3. Irv Smith Jr. and Kirk cousins are backup players, but there is serious upside with each guy. Stay away from the defense.
Best Case Scenario
This team could be 5-1 entering their week 7 bye week. Apart from Kirk Cousins on Monday Night Football, the rest are winnable. They've got 5 more games against teams they're far more talented that after the bye (Washington, Jets, Lions, Giants, Bears). That's 10 wins. Give them the Thanksgiving game against new England, and the home game against Indy, and it's 12 wins!
Best Case: 12-5- NFC North Champs
