The Minnesota Vikings have won 9 games per season for the past three years. It’s been a while since they broke that mark. Could this year be the one? In the weakened NFC, winning 9 games could get you to the playoffs. The Vikings caused offseason waves by signing OG Steve Hutchinson. They also let QB Daunte Culpepper go.

Quarterbacks

As mentioned, Daunte Culpepper finally took off. The offense will rest on Brad Johnson’s shoulders, yes, he’s still in the league. It seems like Brad Johnson has been around for quite some time. In fact, he is entering his fourteenth year in the NFL. Johnson is 38 years old and there are concerns about his durability. He still has some talent left, but it is fading. The Vikings also need to bring in a solid possible replacement for Johnson. In general, the quarterback position is average.

Running back

Chester Taylor plans to get the most carries this season. However, it is not proven. He came from the Ravens, where he had 292 yards on 41 carries. He showed some potential, but we’ll have to see how he does in the starting role. The Vikings need Taylor to be a 1,000-yard running back. To help him, the Vikings signed FB Tony Richardson from Kansas City. He’s a great blocker and could even be a pass receiver. At the very least, the Vikings should be average in the running game. They have the chance, thanks to recent signings including OG Steve Hutchinson, to be above average.

Receivers

Koren Robinson should be Brad Johnson’s main target. This is good and bad. Robinson can go to the field and make some plays. However, he has the untimely ability to throw critical passes. That’s what made Seattle let him go, that and a host of personal problems. For shorter routes and critical possessions, Johnson should turn to Travis Taylor. He is stable and will give you those critical shots. With a good combination, the Vikings could mix it up in the passing game. While they most likely don’t wreck the field, they could be slightly above average.

Defense and special teams

Linbackers are the weak link in defense. The Vikings are hoping the changes will take place, and their linebacker unit bumps it up a bit. The defensive line will feature a snub from Pro Bowl Pat Williams. He had a great season in 2005 and should have been a Pro Bowl selection, according to many. The high school is full of veterans and they could help make a difference. The defense has some work to do, but they could do a good job of winning games. Special teams received a much-needed boost with the addition of veteran Green Bay Packer Ryan Longwell.

Prediction 2006

The Minnesota Vikings made big moves in the offseason. If history is any guide, they will win 9 games this season. They have a mixed schedule. Eight of the games – Seattle, New England, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Washington, Carolina, Chicago (twice) – should be tough. Predicting that they will win 8-9 games in 2006 is a pretty safe bet.