Are the Vikings really a legitimate contender in the NFL?

[MusicCityViking]

AP and the Vikings' defense has helped this team to an impressive 8-3 record, but do they have what it takes to make a deep playoff run or maybe even contend for a Super Bowl? Over the tough final stretch of games, we should begin to see how the Vikes fare against some of the league's finest, and a sense of completeness or well-roundedness is seemingly all that we need to come out on top in this division. If some of our weaknesses, such as the passing game and the offensive line improve as they gain experience from now through January, we could definitely see ourselves finish above Green Bay and make a run in the playoffs. These are my opinions, but I want to know what y'all think. Do we have the tools to be elite and fight for an NFC Championship spot or a Super Bowl?

I have a lot more to say about this, which is why I wrote an article discussing the Vikings' chances to make a deep postseason run, going into detail about their strengths and weaknesses, reviewing the season, and looking towards the future of this year: http://theaosn.com/2015/12/05/are-the-m ... n-the-nfl/

[DK Sweets]

At this point, I would be shocked and devastated if we didn't make the playoffs. In the NFL, you always have a chance to win as long as you play hard, have a strong defense, and avoid costly mistakes. So...yeah, we're technically contenders.

Realistically, nobody expected us to challenge for the Super Bowl this year and nobody should expect it moving forward. Our QB is young, our O-line is ####, and our best players on defense are getting banged up late in the year.

In short, I expect a playoff berth and possibly a division title. I will be excited in the playoffs and cheer for our squad. But by no means do I think the Super Bowl should be the expectation.

[IrishViking]

Best case I think would be us, with a healthy helping of luck, making it to the NFCCG and being thoroughly dismantled.

[PurpleKoolaid]

We've had some hard games, and some hard ones to come. I am hoping/guessing 10 wins gets us in the playoffs. If AD gets hurt, I dont see that happening, or even if it did, we aernt going anywhere in the playoffs. This team is built around the running game. And a solid D. Like the old days. Its been working so far, we just get very little luck, turnovers, and help from the refs.

[soflavike]

The answer is "no".

[HardcoreVikesFan]

Nope.

[Just Me]

At this point, I would be shocked and devastated if we didn't make the playoffs. In the NFL, you always have a chance to win as long as you play hard, have a strong defense, and avoid costly mistakes. So...yeah, we're technically contenders.

Realistically, nobody expected us to challenge for the Super Bowl this year and nobody should expect it moving forward. Our QB is young, our O-line is ####, and our best players on defense are getting banged up late in the year.

In short, I expect a playoff berth and possibly a division title. I will be excited in the playoffs and cheer for our squad. But by no means do I think the Super Bowl should be the expectation.

I don't know if I'd be 'shocked' if we didn't make it, but I'm still expecting we will. Most likely as a wildcard, I think. I'll cheer for them because anything can happen, but I really expect one-and-done if we get there. That's not 'sour grapes' that's just an honest assessment of where the Vikings are at right now...

[Raptorman]

Contenders? No, I don't think so. Playoff team? Most likely, unless they do a complete meltdown the next 4 games. But in the playoffs I wouldn't expect much.

[The Breeze]

I had them not making the playoffs until I saw that the Bears, Giants and Falcons lost today.
That may take some of the startch outta those matchups against CHI and NY...and even allow the vikes to back into the playoffs if need be.
But I don't see them as contenders (1 playoff win) unless they get healthy on D and make some philosophical changes on offense.

[Laserman]

no, We are not a contender. We lose to every decent team we play

[Pondering Her Percy]

Contenders? No, I don't think so. Playoff team? Most likely, unless they do a complete meltdown the next 4 games. But in the playoffs I wouldn't expect much.

Well it's a plus from last year if we make the playoffs. This offense needs retooling and we need another safety.

[mansquatch]

With 5 defensive starters hurt on a team whose identity is it's defense, no we are not a contender.

The offensive problems we saw yesterday are a legitimate issue, buy you cannot expect to give up 21 points to a team with a top defense in the first half and have a very good day. To be honest I feel people are over focused on the offense. If our D is going to give up points like it did on Sunday against a mostly toothless Seattle offense, then we will not win another game this season. It is as simple as that.

[chicagopurple]

the only way we are in the playoffs is if GB self destructs. It isnt ours to win (we are not capable of that) , its GBs to lose......once we get in we will be summarily executed by a quality team anyway. I hope we get a clue after this season and draft a flock of Ol........

[PurpleKoolaid]

The Vikings are 8-4 not 4-8. So theres a chance.

Right now Zimmer and Rick started building the D, and the decided to run the offense through AD. And not around their 1st round draft pick at QB from the year before. I like the idea of building a D first. I love team with dominating D's. I didnt realize how dependent this D was on a few players though. I had hoped they would have looked into the offense a bit more. And the QB spot. Neither Hill Nor Heinenkie is a solution to anything. Wonder if Ryan Mallet is flipping burgers somewhere, or if he got picked up.

[akvikingsfan]

Wonder if Matt Ryan is flipping burgers somewhere, or if he got picked up.

I'm confused by this. Matt Ryan still plays for the Falcons. He hasn't been cut.