USA TODAY’s Nate Davis picked the Packers to regress in 2020, but that’s where the good news stops for Vikings fans.
Minnesota was tabbed as an 8-8 team by Davis. Under Davis’ prediction, the team would miss the playoffs and finish second in the division. He picked the Packers to win the division at 9-7. Davis picked the Lions to come in third at 7-9 and the Bears to come in last at 5-11.
Here’s what he said about the Vikings:
Mike Zimmer has long been one of the league’s most formidable defensive coaches. But aside from Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter, this group is virtually unrecognizable up front and on the corners, decimated by free agency and DT Michael Pierce’s opt-out. An offense sans WR Stefon Diggs might also be overly dependent on rookie WR Justin Jefferson. Just too many questions – while throwing in a schedule that includes four 2019 playoff teams in the first five weeks – to hope the Vikes build on last season’s playoff progress.
The schedule will be tough and there are some question marks. However, an unrecognizable cornerback corps is probably a good thing considering the group’s struggles in pass protection this past season. I think a lot of it will come down to whether the defense got better or worse in the offseason. It remains to be seen.
