PFF lists the best and worst case scenario for the Vikings in 2021
The Vikings are coming off a 7-9 season, but the season before that, the team won a game in the postseason.
Minnesota added a lot of talent in free agency this offseason. On paper, the defense appears to be very good, but will that get the Vikings further this year?
Pro Football Focus thinks it could vary. PFF’s Ben Linsey gave a best and worst case scenario for the Vikings in 2021. Their 10th percentile outcome was 5-12, while their 90th percentile outcome was 11-6. Most likely, the team’s record will fall somewhere in between, but it’s interesting to look at how good or bad it could get.
In regards to the 90th percentile finish, Linsey wrote:
“Minnesota’s offseason moves strengthen the various areas that held them back in 2020. Hunter, Michael Pierce, Dalvin Tomlinson and Sheldon Richardson turn around a defensive line that ranked 31st in overall grade last year. Peterson’s career has a renaissance in a scheme that better suits his talents at this stage of his career, much like Xavier Rhodes’ career has in Indianapolis. Breeland and Mackensie Alexander add more veteran depth to a young cornerback group.”
Linsey thinks that if the revamped defense gets stops and the offensive line makes strides, that could lead to the 90th percentile outcome. It’s not impossible, but it’s unlikely.
However, 8-10 wins seems well within reach, so long as the defense improves and the offense stays healthy.
