The 2006 season looks to be a transitional one for Minnesota who will have a new coach, a new QB and tougher opposition in their division.
Minnesota is a below average team, and they will struggle to win more than seven games even with a schedule that isn't very difficult.
The Vikings have won nine games the past three years, but they did it with mirrors last year behind a 37-year-old quarterback, a manageable schedule, and a lot of breaks.
They went 9-7 despite scoring 19 points per game and giving up over 21. Four games were decided by 3-5 points. They won them all, including what could have been the most lopsided game in the NFL ever where the team that got pounded won. On 11/13 the Vikings gained less than 150 yards and got crushed by the Giants. Yet somehow they won with a kickoff, punt, and interception for touchdown. The interception was returned 92 yards, a true 14 point swing. They beat the Packers twice by 3, and won in Detroit by 5 late in the year when the Lion fans were revolting.
In their seven losses, they lost six by double digits, one by 7. Don't tease these guys up from +2 to +8 ever!
In 2006, Detroit will be better, and the Packers may show improvement.
The Vikings did pick up a HUGE addition, Seahawk all-pro guard Steve Hutchinson who may be the best OL in the NFL. Also, center Matt Birk returns. Look for lots of 4-yard runs by Chester Taylor and minimal passing by washed up Johnson with a subpar receiver group. The defense is mediocre. Mike Tice was fired, and new head coach Childress might make something out of this team with some time, a QB, and some receivers. But look for 2006 to be a transition year; these guys might fall to last place in the division, and they likely finish below .500.
Play: VIKINGS UNDER 8
NOTE: Tank Williams, projected to start at Safety for the Vikings is out for the year
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Vikings' Ship Will Sink In '06
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