CBS Analyst Views the Vikings Highly Headed into Week 1
Josh Frey
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As the NFL offseason has worn on, there are certain teams that have grown in favor with fans and analysts nationwide. One of those teams is the Minnesota Vikings, who have gone from a projected .500 team to one that is now favored to make the playoffs in many sportsbooks. This recent optimism surrounding the purple team can be seen clearly in a recent power rankings. Pete Prisco, an esteemed CBS analyst, views the Vikings highly headed into their Week 1 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
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Following the NFL Draft, Prisco had the Minnesota Vikings at No. 20 in his power rankings. However, after a summer to deliberate, he moved them all the way up to No. 12 in his Week 1 rankings. His reasoning behind this jump is as follows:
New coach Kevin O’Connell has a different style from Mike Zimmer, which players say is refreshing. The defense has to be better than a year ago because the offense should be explosive.
Indeed, the defense does need to be better for the Vikings to be a competitive team in 2022. It received help from pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, and they have promising draft prospects in the secondary. The offense appears to be the strong point for this team, but a stout defense must complement it.
Minnesota won’t get a chance to ease their way into the season, though. They get their year started with a rivalry matchup against the reigning NFC North champs in the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers provides a huge test for the defense while the Packers defense looks to be one of the top units in the league. Green Bay actually came in as the second-ranked team in Prisco’s power rankings just behind the Buffalo Bills.
The NFC North showdown begins at 3:25 PM Central on Sunday, September 11th.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing as well as minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh can often be found training for a marathon, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his takes, NFL and otherwise, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken