NFL.com’s Adam Rank is going to look at all 32 teams heading into next season. Rank had the Vikings among the top teams in the NFL, even saying that they could make the playoffs.
However, he didn’t think that they were among the elite few. Here’s what he said about the Vikings, referencing the World Wrestling Federation (currently known as World Wrestling Entertainment):
“They are good enough to make the playoffs. Even go on the road and beat the Saints. But they clearly looked out of their element against the 49ers. It was like the 2001 Royal Rumble, considered by some to be the best of all time. The final four of that match was The Rock, Stone Cold, Kane and … Billy Gunn. Did anybody in their right mind think Billy Gunn was going to win the Rumble? Absolutely not. The NFC playoffs felt that way last year. The Vikes could certainly make a run at the NFC North. But do they look Super?”
Rank said the Vikings must make the playoffs in order to be successful. I should point out that Rank has mentioned before that he is a Bears fan, but still I think this outlook isn’t too far out of left field. If Minnesota can make the playoffs with a young team, you never know what will happen. There’s also room for growth the following season, especially with the younger players at corner and the defensive line.