Four reasons the Minnesota Vikings will win the NFC North

3)  The Eventual Return of Adrian Peterson

The face of the franchise is eligible to return from the Injured Reserve list this week against Arizona, but it’s more likely we won’t see AP return to the field for another few weeks. I am not suggesting here that all of the woes that have plagued the Vikings’ offense will magically disappear, but if he can return this season — even at 75 percent — he will help take pressure off of a unit that is struggling mightily.

Even though Peterson was slow out of the gate during the first two games of the season, he still represents a major upgrade over the likes of Matt Asiata, Ronnie Hillman, and Jerick McKinnon. The team with the 32nd overall running game (2.7 yards per attempt & 69.8 yards per game) will certainly welcome him back with open arms. Peterson may have averaged a paltry 1.6 yards per carry in his only appearances, but he is still a game-breaking playmaker that the Vikings desperately could use.

With him on the field, opposing defenses still have to account for his presence and respect the fact that he is always a threat to score whenever he touches the ball. Without Peterson, opposing defenses have had the luxury of dropping more defenders into coverage rather than loading up the box. At least Peterson in the backfield will keep opposing defensive coordinators honest when designing their schemes.

If not for nothing, think about how many times in recent weeks the Vikings have failed to convert when they only need a yard to do so. Yes, the offensive line consistently hasn’t been able to generate a push ahead, however, there’s a difference when it’s Adrian Peterson barreling forward instead of a player like Asiata.