Despite ‘noteworthy subtractions,’ NFL.com taps Vikings as playoff contender

NFL.com still thinks Minnesota will contend for the division, or at least a wild card spot in 2020.

Minnesota has lost its starting cornerbacks, released a starting guard and a starting defensive end announced he was leaving. The list doesn’t end there.

Despite this, and what NFL.com considers ‘puzzling additions’ this offseason, the outlet still thinks that it’s hard not to view the Vikings as a division contender or at least a wild card favorite.

Here’s what the outlet said about the team:

“Minnesota will look vastly different this season after parting ways with so many veteran starters due in large part to salary cap limitations. Stefon Diggs is just one of the several key contributors the Vikings will have to replace in the coming months, a task made all the more difficult due to the uncertainty surrounding offseason programs. This will be a huge draft for the Vikings — in the number of picks (12 total) and their importance (five in the first three rounds).”

Those 12 picks will have to turn into some starting-caliber players if the Vikings want to be successful next season.