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Vikings NFC Playoff Outlook




The NFL postseason is looming, and the Minnesota Vikings (13-3, No. 2 seed in NFC) are certainly in the driver’s seat.

The Philadelphia Eagles (13-3, No. 1 seed in NFC) have their issues heading into the playoff season with the absence of quarterback Carson Wentz. The Los Angeles Rams (11-5, No. 3 seed in NFC) are a young team of the future but are they a team of the now is the question. The New Orleans Saints (11-5, No. 4 seed in NFC) have future Hall of Famer Drew Brees under center, paired with an explosive offense and a young defense. The Carolina Panthers (11-5, No. 5 in NFC) have had great moments paired with abysmal, and their level of play will rely on 2015 MVP Cam Newton to keep the pace. And last but not least, the Atlanta Falcons (10-6, No. 6 in NFC) will have a long road ahead of them if they want to repeat their success from last season.

The Vikings are trying to become the first team to win a Super Bowl in their home stadium. Their defense will be relied on heavily going forward, as that has been the case during the regular season. Here, we will take a look at some aspects of the team that will need to play at a top level for the Vikings to gain success.

CASE KEENUM


It has been a storybook season for the University of Houston product, as his valuable work on and off the field has put the Vikings as legitimate contenders. The reason for concern here is Keenum’s lack of playoff experience. Out of the five other NFC playoff teams, he has faced three of them this season (Carolina, Atlanta, and Los Angeles). In those three games combined, Keenum has thrown for 787 yards, five touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Both of his turnovers were against the Panthers, as well as his only loss out of those three teams. His performance will be heavily weighed on the offensive line as well; Brees was the only other quarterback to be sacked less than Keenum this season. Having a majority of home-field advantage will play into the 29-year-old’s success as well. Keenum will need to remain sharp in the clutch, as every mistake is magnified this time of year.

KAI FORBATH


Vikings fans know just how valuable a clutch kicker is-- or isn’t -- in the playoffs. Forbath ranks 18th overall in the NFL in field goal percentage, which could definitely be better. Considering the Vikings finished the season in the top ten in field goals made and attempted, one would like to see a better conversion percentage than advertised. These games may come down to field goals or even extra points, and a valuable kicker is everything to a Super Bowl-winning team. Minnesota also ranks second-to-last in extra point conversion percentage, trailing only the New York Giants. For Minnesota to rise above the rest, Forbath will have to dig deep to do his job well and put it through the uprights.

DEFENSIVE PRESSURE/TAKEAWAYS


It is known all over the league that Minnesota’s defense is a monster, historically, even. They are ranked No. 1 overall in total defense, No. 2 in passing defense and rushing defense, and tied for No. 10 in sacks. The only issue the defense has had is creating turnovers, but regardless of that, they are able to dictate the game and get timely turnovers when it counts. They will need to continue to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks; Brees, Newton, Matt Ryan, Jared Goff and even Nick Foles could hurt them if they let up. It would be surprising to see a letdown from a group like this, but after all, it is the playoffs and literally, anything could happen.


The Vikings will play next at home on Jan. 14. They will have many different matchup possibilities. They will face either the Rams, Saints or Panthers. If the Falcons defeat the Rams in the wild-card round, the Vikings would host the winner of the Panthers-Saints winner. If the Rams defeat the Falcons, the Vikings would host the Rams.

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