Let’s take a deep look at the Vikings 2019 season, 2020 offseason and what lies ahead in 2020. 

2019 Team Ranks

Total Offense 16th (5656 yards)
Passing Offense 23rd (3523 yards)
Rushing Offense 6th (2133 yards)
Total Defense 14th (5465 yards allowed)
Passing Defense 15th (3737 yards allowed)
Rushing Defense 13th (1728 yards allowed)
PPG 25.4
PPG Allowed 18.9
Offensive Line Ranks
PFF 19th
Football Outsiders (Run Block) 7th
Football Outsiders (Pass Block) 14th

Coaching Staff Changes

Gary Kubiak replaces Kevin Stefanski as OC
Andre Patterson and Adam Zimmer promoted to Co-DC’s
Andrew Janocko replaces Drew Petzing as WR Coach
Daronte Jones replaces Jerry Gray as DB Coach

Offseason Additions 

Michael Pierce DT
Anthony Zettel DE
Tajae Sharpe WR
Yannick Ngakoue DE

Offseason Losses

Stefon Diggs WR
Linval Joseph DT
Xavier Rhodes CB
Trae Waynes CB
Stephen Weatherly DE
Mackensie Alexander CB
Andrew Sendejo S
Josh Kline G
Jayron Kearse S
Laquon Treadwell WR
David Morgan TE

2020 NFL Draft

Round 1 (22) – Justin Jefferson WR LSU
Round 1 (31) – Jeff Gladney CB TCU
Round 2 (58) – Ezra Cleveland OT Boise State
Round 3 (89) – Cameron Dantzler CB Mississippi State
Round 4 (117) – D.J. Wonnum Edge South Carolina
Round 4 (130) – James Lynch DE Baylor
Round 4 (132) – Troy Dye LB Oregon
Round 5 (169) – Harrison Hand CB Temple
Round 5 (176) – K.J. Osborn WR Miami
Round 6 (203) – Blake Brandel G Oregon State
Round 6 (205) – Josh Metellus S Michigan
Round 7 (225) – Kenny Willekes DE Michigan State
Round 7 (244) – Nate Stanley QB Iowa
Round 7 (249) – Brian Cole II S Mississippi State
Round 7 (253) – Kyle Hinton G Washburn

2020 Schedule with record vs opponents since 2017 

Week 1 – vs Green Bay Packers 1 PM ET FOX 3-2-1
Week 2 – at Indianapolis Colts 1 PM ET FOX 0-0
Week 3 – vs Tennessee Titans 1 PM ET CBS 0-0
Week 4 – at Houston Texans 1 PM ET FOX 0-0
Week 5 – at Seattle Seahawks 8:20 PM ET NBC (SNF) 0-2
Week 6 – vs Atlanta Falcons 1 PM ET FOX 2-0
Week 7 – BYE
Week 8 – at Green Bay Packers 1 PM ET FOX 3-2-1
Week 9 – vs Detroit Lions 1 PM ET CBS 5-1
Week 10 – at Chicago Bears 8:15 PM ET ESPN (MNF) 2-4
Week 11 – vs Dallas Cowboys 4:25 PM ET FOX 1-0
Week 12 – vs Carolina Panthers 1 PM ET FOX 0-1
Week 13 – vs Jacksonville Jaguars 1 PM ET CBS 0-0
Week 14 – at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1 PM ET FOX 1-0
Week 15 – vs Chicago Bears 1 PM ET FOX 2-4
Week 16 – at New Orleans Saints 4:30 PM ET FOX (Christmas) 3-1
Week 17 – at Detroit Lions 1 PM ET FOX 5-1

Miscellaneous Notes 

Vikings haven’t had a losing record since 2014
Only Aaron Donald has more total pressures than Danielle Hunter since 2018
MIN had the most draft selections in the 2020 NFL Draft (15)
2019 Offense Play Selection
Pass – 50.9%
Rush – 49.1%
PFF Top 5 Graded Players in 2019
1. Anthony Harris FS 91.1
2. Eric Kendricks MLB 90.1
3. Danielle Hunter LE 89.0
4. Harrison Smith SS 88.4
5. Kirk Cousins QB 84.2
Players who opted out of 2020 season
Michael Pierce NT

 

Burning Question: Can the Vikings handle losing key veterans?

Bottom Line: The Vikings have a very good offense even with the loss of Stefon Diggs. Kirk Cousins is a dependable QB and he seems to be comfortable in the Minnesota system. Dalvin Cook had a breakout season in 2019, and will probably get a more expanded role in the passing game.

The problem is they have inexperience at the CB position, shaky WR2 options, and holes on the offensive line. If they were in the AFC they would be in the playoffs every year. I just think in a brutal NFC conference they will ultimately miss out on the playoffs.

Predicted Win Range: 7-9