Top 10 favorites for Super Bowl 55

9. Minnesota Vikings

This is an interesting year for the Minnesota Vikings. Everyone is in a contract year. Head coach Mike Zimmer’s contract was extended through the 2020 season. General manager Rick Spielman also sees his contract end following next season. Two years ago, the Vikings signed their quarterback Kirk Cousins to a three-year deal that was fully guaranteed. That means the three most important people in this franchise are in a contract year.

That could go one of two ways. Either everyone steps up, or the entire team collapses under the pressure. Spielman is going to make “all-in” moves, because this might be the last chance he has to make it. Does he care about giving a defensive end another guaranteed year? No, because he might not be here to deal with the consequences. Then there’s Kirk Cousins, who with one good year make himself another three years and $75 million. There are so many aging QBs that one that’s still in his prime and available is appealing.

The Vikings beat the New Orleans Saints despite them being one of the biggest favorites in the league. This showed that maybe Kirk Cousins isn’t someone who’s going to shrink under pressure like we thought. Zimmer is looking to prove he’s a good coach, and there could be some very good pieces being added this offseason.