Three NFC Teams Most Likely to Make Playoffs After Missing in 2021

1. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings put their fans through the ringer in 2021, losing eight of their nine games by one possession (five of those by less than a touchdown). Dalvin Cook battled through injuries, but still had to miss a little time. Danielle Hunter looked great when he was on the field, but unfortunately that only amounted to seven appearances. The cornerback room was a revolving door of low quality players, outside of the youngster Cameron Dantzler of course. First-round pick Christian Darrisaw did not develop as quickly as expected, so Kirk Cousins had to make up for lackluster offensive line play more often than not.

I say all of this in order to showcase how much went *wrong* for Minnesota in 2021, and yet, they still found a way to be in every single game they played. Following the season, long time head coach Mike Zimmer was let go, along with general manager Rick Spielman. The new regime, spearheaded by first time general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and rookie head coach Kevin O’Connell might just be the breath of fresh air needed to take the next step.

Kirk Cousins is coming off the best season of his career, Justin Jefferson is blossoming into the best wide receiver in the game, and Dalvin Cook (when 100%) is as good as any running back in this league. If Danielle Hunter is able to log a full season, and if the secondary additions that the front office added via the draft can make immediate contributions, there’s no excuse for the Vikings to miss out on one of those available playoff spots. Don’t be surprised if O’Connell finds himself squarely in the discussion for Coach of the Year.