NFL: Minnesota Vikings will be in the playoffs in 2014 if…

But: This is a team that for the most part has really struggled within the division as well as away from home in recent seasons. Improving both of these areas would go a long way to getting this team back in contention in the always-interesting NFC North.

However, first things first — the team hopes to avoid finishing last once again. In 2009, the Vikings were a combined 5-1 vs. the rival Packers, Bears and Detroit Lions. Over the past four years, including a Wild Card Round loss at Lambeau Field in ’12, Minnesota is just 7-17-1 in 25 encounters with their divisional brethren.

Since 2010 (including playoffs), the Vikings are also a disappointing 7-25-1 away from home and this past season, were the lone team in the league not to win a road game.

So how do Zimmer and his Vikings reverse this recent trend? Try and kill two birds with one stone? That aforementioned road record the last four seasons includes a dismal 1-11-1 slate within the division, with a victory at Detroit in 2012 the team’s lone victory over that stretch.