Minnesota Vikings: Pondering Fourth for NFC North

Tennessee's Defense was no match for swift WR Harvin

It's hard to imagine the Minnesota Vikings having a worse season than they did last year, being fourth in their division and going 3-13, despite prospective runningback Adrian Peterson. However, it seems that the Vikings will prove themselves this season, already sporting a 4-1 record, 3-0 at home with impressive wins over the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville.

ESPN projects them still at fourth, but with a better record at 5-11. It's obvious though, with a schedule including again the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears, that the Vikings will probably post higher than a 5-11, easily allowing them to take higher than fourth for the first time since 2009. 

Christian Ponder is another huge variable in the Vikings' victory of the NFC North. Bucky Brooks stated, "...but Christian Ponder’s development will ultimately determine if Minnesota has closed the gap on its division rivals." This puts a huge strain on the young QB to improve from previous seasons. The lack of improved defense could hurt them in the long run as well, despite an upgrade with left tackle, Matt Kalil.

They may not be the best team in the North, but what the Vikings lack in passing, they sure make up for in rushing. Posting impressive stats like 133.2 rushing yards, and Peterson posting 102 yards in one game, the Vikings may be a force to be reckoned with this NFL season.