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5 bold predictions for Minnesota Vikings in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 20: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass during the second half against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 20: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass during the second half against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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Vikings predictions, Mike Zimmer
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 03: Minnesota Vikings head football coach Mike Zimmer watches the action during the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 03, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Minnesota defeated Detroit 37-35. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

The Vikings are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 7-9 campaign. Here are five bold predictions for Kirk Cousins and his teammates in 2021. 

Critics of the Vikings roster will argue that no offense led by Kirk Cousins deserves to finish with anything better than a .500 record. Fans in Minnesota believe better days are in store for their franchise if head coach Mike Zimmer can improve the team’s woeful defense from a season ago.

It’s reasonable to think a defensive guru like Zimmer can improve a defense that gave up an astounding 29.2 points per game last season. The unit doesn’t have the talent required to finish in the top-10, but a significant improvement over last year’s No. 29 finish should be in the cards for Minnesota.

The big question is whether or not Minnesota’s offense can continue to put up 26.9 points per game next season. Cousins was pretty decent last season after an awful start to the campaign. The emergence of Justin Jefferson as a bona fide star buoyed the team’s passing attack. Any sign of a sophomore slump for the former LSU standout could spell big trouble for Minnesota.

The Vikings have no margin for error in 2021 if they want to get back to the playoffs. Here are five bold predictions for Minnesota as they approach this pivotal campaign.

5. Kirk Cousins will throw for 4,500+ yards

Cousins is far from perfect, but more often than not, he makes the right throw to give his receivers a chance to produce yards after the catch. He’s never going to be the All-Pro he needs to be to justify his massive salary, but he’s still a quality starter at the game’s most important position.

Modest improvement from the team’s offensive line should allow him to put up big numbers in 2021. Flirting with 5,000 yards passing is very doable for Cousins if he stays healthy for a full 17-game slate. Set 4,500 as the minimum threshold he should reach with a healthy season.

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