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3 reasons the Vikings could make the playoffs and be a problem

By Cole Thompson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 08: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by Jamie Collins Sr. #58 of the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 08: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by Jamie Collins Sr. #58 of the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 27: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 27: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. Offensive talent hitting their stride in divisional games

Ultimately, it’s about divisional wins to keep you in postseason contention. Right now, the Vikings have two with a third on the horizon after being named the favorite over Chicago for Monday Night Football. Perhaps the biggest reasoning for that is due to younger talent stepping up in a big way.

Justin Jefferson, the team’s first-round pick, has shown the ability to take over Stefon Diggs’ role as the No.2 opposite Adam Thielen. Through eight games, the LSU product has tallied 34 receptions for 627 yards and three touchdowns. He also ranks second among starting receivers, averaging 18.4 yards per catch.

Second-year tight end Irv Smith Jr. has seen his role expand as well, hauling in 13 catches for 159 yards and scoring a pair of touchdowns last week against Detroit.

Offense will win you games and that’s what’s happening in Minnesota. Teams now have four weapons to cover consistently in the open field while hoping Cook doesn’t break free to a big-time reception after a quick dump pass. Currently, of the games Minnesota should be favored in, the best defense it faces is ranked 16th-overall in Chicago.

If the offense continues to play at a high level, they’re going to win several outings. The more they win, the more momentum they’ll have closing out the season.

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