There are still skeptics regarding the dramatic facelift the Minnesota Vikings experienced in the offseason. But there are people out there, including a former two-time Super Bowl champion, that believe this is the year the team takes the NFC North.
When appearing on CBS Sports HQ, former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden picked the Vikings not only to end the season with double-digit wins, but he also picked them to overthrow Aaron Rodgers and the Packers for the NFC North throne.
“I think when you look at the roster, when you look at the schemes on both sides of the football—the experience in key positions—this is a team that’s set up nicely to get at least 10 wins,” said McFadden. “And I’ll say this also, even though you didn’t ask me. I’m giving you my opinion. …I believe the Minnesota Vikings will win the division this season.”
Part of that opinion stems from what the Vikings have done in the offseason. They’ve completely changed the culture in the locker room by going out and hiring Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as general manager and former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell as the head coach.
They’ve also made some intriguing personnel moves in free agency and the draft.
However, the other part to that opinion is the fact that the Green Bay Packers have taken some losses in the offseason, including the trade that sent their star receiver, Davante Adams, to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Rodgers has gone from his No. 1 option being arguably the best receiver in the league to the oft-injured Sammy Watkins or rookie first-round pick Christian Watson.
The Boogeyman Packers might still be dangerous, but they aren’t as scary as they used to be. This is as good as any time for the Vikings to overtake the division.
