Nate Davis of USA TODAY was optimistic when it came to predicting the Vikings’ record. But even with two extra playoff spots this season, his projection wasn’t good enough for the team to make the playoffs.
Davis had Minnesota going 9-7, and 6-6 against NFC teams. The NFC record is notable, because it eliminated the Vikings from playoff contention. Here’s what Davis said about the team:
“They parted with mainstays Everson Griffen and Stefon Diggs before selecting 15 players, most ever in a seven-round draft. While QB Kirk Cousins and Co. had a playoff breakthrough last season, building on that progress could be a challenge given this schedule takes the Vikes to Indianapolis, Houston, Seattle, Tampa Bay and New Orleans.”
It’s a tough schedule, but Minnesota still has a chance to win a lot of games. However, it’s much better to have a rebuilding year where the team can get a high draft pick, as opposed to the season Davis predicted for the Vikings, where the team has a 9-7 record and still doesn’t make the playoffs.