5 bold predictions for Vikings in 2019

No one in Minnesota was happy with the Vikings’ 8-7-1 record last season. This year, Mike Zimmer and company want to be Super Bowl bound.

Kirk Cousins was supposed to be the signing to push the Vikings over the top last season. Instead, the team floundered to a mediocre 8-7-1 season. Suffice it to say, head coach Mike Zimmer is looking for a much different outcome in 2019.

The good news is that he has a lot of offensive talent to work with. Cousins might be overpaid, but he’s still a quality starting quarterback. That’s all the Vikings really need at the position considering their wealth of talent at wide receiver. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen combine to be one of the most dangerous duos in the NFL.

Zimmer’s defense was good last year, but it has the natural talent to be great. Danielle Hunter anchors a defensive front that can really cause problems for opposing offensive lines. The secondary needs for Xavier Rhodes to enjoy a bounce back campaign, but has the ability to blanket wide receivers. Anything less than a top-10 finish by this unit will be a major disappointment.

Add it all up and this team has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. Read on to discover five bold predictions for the Vikings in 2019.

5. Danielle Hunter won’t break 10 sacks

Hunter dominated opposing tackles to the tune of 14.5 sacks last season. He benefited greatly from the pressure Sheldon Richardson generated from the defensive tackle position. Richardson’s departure via free agency will force Hunter to do more on his own in 2019.

He production won’t fall off completely, but he’s going to struggle to get to the 10 sacks mark this season. Hunter will wilt down the stretch under the weight of the double teams he will see on a weekly basis.