The foundation of the Minnesota Vikings’ offense has a veteran feel, except for WR Justin Jefferson. They went 15-18 over the past two seasons with fading defense and a regressing offense. QB Kirk Cousins starts the year at age 34. The Vikings thought enough of his future to extend him through 2023 for an additional $35 million. The luster of RB Dalvin Cook and WR Adam Thielen faded due to both players failing to play an entire season in any of the past three years. The questions needed to be answered this year are: can Minnesota rebuild their defense in one offseason, and does the offensive have one special season left in the tank?
OFFENSE
The Vikings have the tools to run and pass the ball well, with game score determining their opportunity on each side of the offensive equation. Their weakness on defense requires Minnesota to control the clock with a ball-control offense. Unfortunately, the scoreboard leads to peaks and valleys in the weekly passing stats.
QUARTERBACKS
Kirk Cousins – click here for fantasy projections
Kellen Mond
Over four seasons at Texas A&M, Mond passes for 9,661 yards with 71 touchdowns and 27 interceptions while offering value on the ground (438/1,609/22). His best play came in 2018 (3,581 combined yards with 31 touchdowns and nine interceptions).
In his rookie season, the Vikings gave him only three attempts (five yards).
Mond has the foundation to run the ball and throw well on the move. His challenge comes from his poor accuracy to the sidelines and the deep passing game. The Vikings hope he can develop into a productive game manager.
Other options: Sean Mannion, Nate Stanley
