This is the sixth in a series of articles previewing the NFL season, featuring the NFC North. Whatifsports.com will utilize our NFL simulation technology, statistical research capabilities, and up-to-the minute roster and depth chart information to preview the upcoming NFL season.
Rosters and depth charts are up-to-date and as accurate as possible as of June 8, 2008. A schedule of upcoming NFL preview content, including links to other previews that have already been posted, is located here.
For details on how we generate the results and the definition of the Absolute Record, click here.
Minnesota Vikings (11-5)
In 2008, they may not be as good as historically great defenses such as that of the 1985 Bears or 2000 Ravens, the Vikings figure to have the best defense in the NFL. Jared Allen is the perfect addition to this team. He should benefit by a strong interior defense (and vice versa). The expected wins keep creeping higher despite the questions at quarterback, but whomever the Vikings ultimately settle on as the answer to those questions could mean plus or minus a few wins. The Vikings average 25.3 points per game (#9 in the NFL) and allow 18.1 points (#1) against a schedule featuring seven games against 2007 playoff teams.
Absolute Record: 14-2
Most Significant Newcomer: Jared Allen, DE - This is just the second topic,and we have already talked about how much Allen can mean to this team. In 2007, the Vikings gave up just 3.1 yards-per-carry on the ground, but were sometimes susceptible to big plays in the passing game and finished near the middle of the league in passing yards-per-attempt and sacks. Allen will help the latter two relative weaknesses without hurting the rushing defense. Playing in all 16 games, the simulated season has Allen with 76 tackles and a league-best 18 sacks.
Biggest Strength:
comments (7) write a comment »
write a new comment
6 months ago
Excellent piece, Paul. I find an 11-5 record very appealing right now. Thanks for this!
6 months ago
You realize Tarvaris Jackson is incapable of throwing 19 TDs to his own team. He has the worst mechanics of any starting QB in NFL history. With that said, they'll still win the division and could easily hit 11-5. The Bears might have the worst offense in NFL history this year. They have no line, a receiving core that makes the Titans core look like last year's Patriots, and Rex & Kyle as their quarterbacks. It's gonna be real ugly in the Windy City. That defense is going to be worn out by week 10.
from 6 months ago
I wouldn't be surprised if the defense goes on strike. I'd say the over/under is four weeks.
from 6 months ago
The worlds biggest myth is that the Bears have a bad O-Line. They are strong at 3 of the 5 spots. If the guards can stay average, the Bears are going to be perfectly fine at O-Line. However, there are no receivers, and the quarterback situation is pathetic. Also, TE is a strong point.
6 months ago
While I don't think the Vikings will go 11-5, I think if their defense will do as well as some games (look at the Giants game, picked Eli 4 times), then they could surprise some people. I'd give my record more at 9-7 though.
My prediction is that the Packers do better than everyone is saying. While Favre was an important leader on their team, they have so much more depth at other positions. This will prove true as long as Rodgers isn't absolutely terrible. I would have them winning the division, possibly at 10-6.
6 months ago
I think you are going to be suprised by the Lions this year. You spoke of the significant improvement they made to their secondary, a unit that was exploited every game. They have simplified the offense and still boast two of the best recievers in the league. The new balanced attack will make the lions far less predictable and one dimensional making it easier for both of them to break free in coverage. Smith will be an impact player and Cherilus will certainly improve the offensive line with his raw power and mean streak. I agree the vikings will finish first in the division but would not be suprised to see the lions steal a game from them and finish in second. The lions could potentially be undefeated going into their matchup with the Vikes this year.
6 months ago
You are giving the Bears more credit than they deserve. They quite possible have the worst offense in the NFL by leaps and bounds. They have no legitimate WR's, RB's, and most glaringly QB's. The defense has only a couple of years left before it is completely blown up. The Bears have never had a good quarterback (Jim McMahon was a great field general not a good QB) and will not have a good QB as long as this regime is in power. To say they get off the buss running is not only a joke it is an inditement to the entire organization. The NFL is a pass oriented scoring league. Unless you can put up big numbers and do it consistantly you are going nowhere. There is the occasional fluke, like the 2006 Bears, that can win a game or two based solely on defense, but that seems to be the exception and not the rule. Bear fans, we are all in for a forgetably horrible year. Expect one of the top 3 picks in the 2009 NFL draft.
write a new comment