• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Vikings: Best in the NFC? They Just Might Be

Vikings: Best in the NFC? They Just Might Be

December 19, 2017
Andrei Vasilevskiy Favorite To Win The 2020-21 Vezina Trophy

Andrei Vasilevskiy Favorite To Win The 2020-21 Vezina Trophy

January 15, 2021
In Goff We Trust: Rams Ready for Green Bay

In Goff We Trust: Rams Ready for Green Bay

January 15, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
AL Notes: LeMahieu Deal Helps Yankees With Luxury Tax Issues

AL Notes: LeMahieu Deal Helps Yankees With Luxury Tax Issues

January 15, 2021
Die-Hard Ravens Fan Jason Song Predicts Baltimore Upset Over Buffalo

Die-Hard Ravens Fan Jason Song Predicts Baltimore Upset Over Buffalo

January 15, 2021

Chiefs vs Browns Preview: Three Keys To Victory

January 15, 2021
Jim Brown

Why Hall-of-Famer Jim Brown Has No Equal When it Comes to Respect From His Peers

January 15, 2021
Opening Night Win Affirms Bruins Have To Extend Tuukka Rask’s Contract

Opening Night Win Affirms Bruins Have To Extend Tuukka Rask’s Contract

January 15, 2021
2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: LB Zaven Collins

2021 Raiders Mock Draft 1.0: Bradley Heavy

January 15, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Nick Bolton

January 15, 2021
Fitting the Bills: Buffalo’s Defense Might Have the Answer for the Ravens High-Octane Offense

Fitting the Bills: Buffalo’s Defense Might Have the Answer for the Ravens High-Octane Offense

January 15, 2021
NFL

The NFL’s 500 Club Hasn’t Been Very Fortunate

January 14, 2021
Strong Third Period Powers Flyers To Opening-Night Win

Strong Third Period Powers Flyers To Opening-Night Win

January 14, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Saturday, January 16, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL NFC NFC North Minnesota Vikings

Vikings: Best in the NFC? They Just Might Be

Clayton Brooks by Clayton Brooks
December 19, 2017
in Minnesota Vikings, NFC, NFC North, Opinion
Reading Time: 4min read
0
Vikings: Best in the NFC? They Just Might Be

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota - Vikings quarterback, Case Keenum, setting up the Vikings offense during a drive versus the Los Angeles Rams. the Vikings would go on to win, 24-7.

1.5k
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Minnesota Vikings were supposed to be in the tank by now. They lost starting quarterback Sam Bradford after just one start. Rookie running back Dalvin Cook tore his ACL three weeks later. With Teddy Bridgewater still on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, the Vikings only had career journeyman Case Keenum to man football’s most important position for a Vikings team trying to bounce back from a disappointing 2016. That was the picture after the first four weeks of this season.

Move ahead to 13 weeks later. The Vikings are division champions for the second time in three years and focused on the race for homefield advantage. They’ve withstood a difficult five-week stretch in which they played four road games and came out with four wins. Their only loss was to the Carolina Panthers in a game that came down to the final possession.

More FromFPC

In Goff We Trust: Rams Ready for Green Bay

In Goff We Trust: Rams Ready for Green Bay

January 15, 2021

2021 Raiders Mock Draft 1.0: Bradley Heavy

January 15, 2021

The NFL’s 500 Club Hasn’t Been Very Fortunate

January 14, 2021

Hall-of-Fame’s David Baker on “Real Challenge” of Class of 2021 Elections for Hall, Voters

January 13, 2021

It’s time to tell it how it is: the Minnesota Vikings are the best team in the NFC. They have proven it all season, and particularly over the past six weeks. For those who are in doubt, let’s look at the reasons.

Strength of Competition

One of the signs that many use to declare a team a championship contender is how they play versus other playoff-contending teams. The Vikings check the box in this category.

They have wins over two of three current NFC division leaders; the Saints and the Rams. The Vikings have also won on the road against the defending NFC champion Falcons. Atlanta, by the way, is just a victory away from clinching the final wild card spot. The Vikings also beat the Baltimore Ravens in week seven, another team in their conference’s wild card race. Against teams over .500, the Vikings are 5-3.

Minnesota could potentially be facing a playoff field of three teams they beat during the regular season. Although win-loss records go out the window, the team who has a victory in a previous meeting arguably has a mental edge going into a rematch. That could be a factor for the Vikings, especially if they get all of their playoff games at home.

Health and Depth

Like any team in the NFL, the Vikings have dealt with their fair share of injuries this season. Fortunately, unlike last season, the Vikings have not been hit nearly as hard and have overcome the few that they have had.

They were already setup at running back when they signed Latavius Murray in free agency back in March. Most originally projected him to be the starter before the team altered course and drafted Cook back in April. Between Murray and Jerrick McKinnon, the Vikings running game is ranked ninth in the NFL.

Quarterback has been the biggest shocker of all, and it has been to the Vikings’ benefit. Everyone expected Bradford to occupy this position if the Vikings managed to get this far. But as luck would have it, his history of injuries once again became a factor. Since opening week, he’s only played one half of football due to continued issues with his surgically repaired knee.

Enter Keenum. Most set the expectation of him just simply keeping the team afloat until either Bradford or Bridgewater returned. Someone forgot to tell Keenum that because all he has done is go 9-3 as the starter.Plus, he finished and won the game in Chicago where Bradford tried but failed to play through injury. Keenum has thrown 20 touchdowns against seven interceptions and completed 67.9 percent of his passes, all career-highs. His play in November earned him the NFC Player of the Month, and has kept a now healthy Bridgewater on the sidelines.

The Vikings have endured other minor injuries to other players, but thanks to the added depth, the team has continued to roll forward without missing a beat.

Balance on Both Sides of the Ball

What we have seen this season has been remarkable. The Vikings have treated their supporters to a very balanced team that can put up points and also keep them off the board.

The defense can simply shut down opponents or beat them with big plays when needed. They are second in the league in both total defense and fewest points allowed, having done so against some of the best offenses in football. The Saints, Rams and Falcons each have offenses capable of producing points. Yet when each of them played the Vikings this season, they combined for just two total touchdowns between them. One of those touchdowns came after the outcome had already been decided. Any way you look at it, this is the best defense in the NFC, maybe the entire NFL.

Offensively, the Vikings are in the top-10 in both passing and rushing. They have also been much better in red zone efficiency, particularly late in the season. It has led to much better scoring production. Minnesota has also proven to be up to the task in critical situations as they are in the top-three on both sides of the ball on third down: first on defense and third on offense. The Philadelphia Eagles are the only other team in the league even in the top five in both categories. They may not be the most explosive, but they also are not predictable. This group is as balanced as any and are capable of challenging any defense they face.

The Eagles may have the best record, and the Saints may have the best quarterback in the NFC playoff field. But when combining body of work, film, stats, roster talent and strength of opposition, the Vikings may have the strongest case for being viewed as the best in the NFC.

 

– Clayton R. Brooks II writes for Full Press Coverage and covers the Minnesota Vikings. Like and follow @ClaytonRBrooks2. Like and follow @fpc_vikings on Twitter and Full Press Vikings on Facebook.

 

Tags: Case KeenumDalvin CookJerrick McKinnonLatavius MurrayMinnesota VikingsSam BradfordTeddy Bridgewater
Share596Tweet373
Previous Post

Game Recap: Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills Week 15

Next Post

Bills down the Dolphins, now focus on the Patriots

Clayton Brooks

Clayton Brooks

Currently an active duty member of the US Air Force. 12 years of service and still going. Married 3 years, father to a baby boy. Into sports, primarily football and basketball. Also doing online college, majoring in communication/journalism. Also looking to expand this opportunity to social media (youtube account down the line). Absolute Minnesota Vikings fan. SKOL Vikings!!!

Next Post
Patriots-Bills Preview: Five Key Matchups

Bills down the Dolphins, now focus on the Patriots

Jets Waive Veteran WR Jeremy Kerley: Here's Why

Jets Waive Veteran WR Jeremy Kerley: Here's Why

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 6 Matchup against Carolina Panthers

October 14, 2020
Love

Cavs-Warriors Discussed Kevin Love Trade

November 14, 2020
Chicago Bears vs Los Angeles Rams

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 7 Matchup Vs. Los Angeles Rams

October 21, 2020
Nov 17, 2018; Athens, GA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Andy Isabella (5) runs past Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Christopher Smith (29) to score a touchdown after catching a pass during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Combine Edition

8
Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

7
LeBron

LeBron, not Michael, is the Greatest of All Time

5
AL Notes: LeMahieu Deal Helps Yankees With Luxury Tax Issues

AL Notes: LeMahieu Deal Helps Yankees With Luxury Tax Issues

January 15, 2021
Die-Hard Ravens Fan Jason Song Predicts Baltimore Upset Over Buffalo

Die-Hard Ravens Fan Jason Song Predicts Baltimore Upset Over Buffalo

January 15, 2021

Chiefs vs Browns Preview: Three Keys To Victory

January 15, 2021

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep 21: The Best Weekend of the Year
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 12:50 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9554796639.mp3
  • Ep 166: Divisional Round
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 4:21 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9495604360.mp3
  • Ep.169: Tequila and Triscuits
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 3:13 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1539594975.mp3
  • Ep #84: Chiefs vs Browns Preview w/ Nick Swanson
    by Full Press Coverage on January 15, 2021 at 4:01 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2474736703.mp3
  • Episode 2: Wild Card recap/ Divisional round preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 15, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/42951902/fps_2_thu_1137_edited.mp3
  • Vino, NFL Playoffs Key Stories and Predictions, CFP Championship game, Wandele Robinson
    by Full Press Coverage on January 15, 2021 at 12:18 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/42950573/ep_11_fpr.mp3
  • Episode 29: An EmBEARassing Press Conference, Rams @ Packers Preview with Alexis Kraft of Downtown Rams
    by Full Press Coverage on January 15, 2021 at 3:41 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7842310093.mp3
  • Ep.55: Inside the Mississippi Dynasty
    by Full Press Coverage on January 14, 2021 at 9:21 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3590480455.mp3
  • Ep. 54: Inside the Georgia Thrashers
    by Full Press Coverage on January 14, 2021 at 9:20 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4200105006.mp3
  • Ep. 168: Behind Closed Doors
    by Full Press Coverage on January 14, 2021 at 6:56 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1384662148.mp3

  • AEW Dynamite Recap, Grades, and Opinion: January 13th, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 14, 2021 at 4:14 am

    AEW Dynamite Results: January 13, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where It’s New Year’s Smash Night Two […]

  • NXT Results, Grades & Opinion: January 13, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 14, 2021 at 3:24 am

    NXT Results: January 13, 2021 A.K.A. The One With The Rascalz Debut Results: Candice LeRae def. […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: January 11, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 12, 2021 at 4:55 am

    WWE Raw Results: January 11, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Hunter Shows Up Results: Lacey Evans def. […]

  • WWE Champion Drew McIntyre Tests Positive for COVID-19
    by Evan Gomes on January 12, 2021 at 12:47 am

    WWE announced on Monday that current WWE Champion Drew McIntyre tested positive for COVID-19. The […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 45: Chavo Guerrero
    by Evan Gomes on January 9, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

More Wrestling News

  • Andrei Vasilevskiy Favorite To Win The 2020-21 Vezina Trophy
    by Jim Biringer on January 15, 2021 at 9:33 pm

    The NHL season is finally here and Andrei Vasilevskiy is the early favorite to take home the Vezina […]

  • Devils Show Promise In Opening Night Loss
    by Jim Biringer on January 15, 2021 at 9:25 pm

    The 2020-21 New Jersey Devils have begun their season and despite a good effort early indications […]

  • Opening Night Win Affirms Bruins Have To Extend Tuukka Rask’s Contract
    by Matt Kalman on January 15, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    The Boston Bruins have to sign Tuukka Rask to a contract extension and keep him from becoming an […]

  • New York Islanders Blank Rangers 4-0 In NHL Opener
    by Curtis Rush on January 15, 2021 at 5:16 am

    The New York Islanders made an impressive start to the NHL season. We break down how they blanked […]

  • Key Takeaways from the Penguins Season Opener
    by Luke Talotta on January 14, 2021 at 10:34 pm

    The much anticipated start to the 2021 NHL season was met with great disappointment for Penguins […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
  • Ep 47: Recapping the Bruins Offseason to this Point
    by Full Press Coverage on October 21, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Ian and Chris the free agent moves the Bruins have and haven't made as […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/21440275/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F5e55ff65a935458b843f84f596268c6e.m4a
  • Ep 46: NHL Free Agency Wishlist; Krug and Chara's Future; Rask to Stay
    by Full Press Coverage on October 9, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    Ian and Chris recap the Bruins draft and take a look ahead to the start of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/20863092/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F02c7a7b0f8c9979d30155fe48c48dfba.m4a
  • Ep 40: Former Bruin Jay Miller Joins the Show
    by Full Press Coverage on September 15, 2020 at 5:39 pm

    Former Bruin, Jay Miller, joins Ian and Chris to talk Bruins, UNH, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/19652154/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F78efb8b40427b178fea3e054267f01b4.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage