SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — A number of NFL prognosticators predict the Minnesota Vikings going deep into the playoffs–or maybe even to the Super Bowl.
They start the season at noon Sunday on sister station KWSN.
However, KWSN Craig Mattick–who is also a long-time Vikings season ticket holder, is more cautious.
“It’s going to be a tough NFC North,” Mattick said. “It’s the Vikings, the Packers, and the Bears. They’re just going to beat up on one another. It’s a tough schedule this year. It’s hard to predict where all three will end up at the end of the year.”
Notice that he didn’t mention the Detroit Lions?
If the Vikings don’t achieve this season, Mattick expects big changes next year.
“The coach and the general manager both got one-year extensions,” Mattick said. “If by chance the Vikings fall apart, yeah, there could be heads that roll.”
Nonetheless, Mattick says Minnesota has taken steps to improve.
“This is a team that put a few extra pieces of the puzzle together,” Mattick said. “Specifically, their offensive line and maybe the defensive line. All the pieces of the puzzle that may a little better than a year ago in U.S. Bank Stadium.”
Mattick also said because of their offensive weapons, quarterback Kirk Cousins may not have to be great for the Vikings to be successful this season.
“He’s got two of the best wide receiver in the league with Thielen and Diggs,” Mattick said. “They drafted a tight end, Irv Smith, Jr. So they have a two-tight end set that they can throw to.”
As to Sunday’s game against the Falcons at home, Mattick says the offensive key is if running back Delvin Cook is having a good day, the Vikings will have a good day. On defense, if cornerback Xavier Rhodes is having a tough day, the defense will have a tough day.
