NFL Handicapping – 5 Top Super Bowl Contenders

NFL Season Begins with More Super Bowl Contenders

In my recent article at Off Shore Gaming Association, I analyze 5 top contenders to consider for Super Bowl 51 (LI).  Review the full article and read up on the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars. I’ve provided the insight and analysis on the Vikings below, and we’ll watch with interest to see if the defense dominates opening week at Tennessee and how veteran Shaun Hill fares taking over for injured QB Teddy Bridgewater.

The big trade for QB Sam Bradford from the Eagles has Vikings fans and bettors still high on the purple to provide plenty of polarizing moments this season on their way to another playoff berth. The opening of the magnificent new U.S. Bank Stadium is another reason for the excitement in Minneapolis, as

Minnesota Vikings (22-1). The loss of injured QB Teddy Bridgewater saw the Vikings Super Bowl odds rise to as high as 35-1 before dropping back down. That’s a reaction to the addition QB Sam Bradford from the Eagles. But this team is a title contender because of its defense, which may be the NFC’s best this season after finishing No. 2 in scoring defense last year. Seattle and Denver rode elite level defenses to Super Bowl wins in recent seasons, and the Vikings have that talent level on defense to dominate on the road and at home in their brand new super stadium. Minnesota rose from 7 wins to 11 victories and a surprising NFC North division title last season securing it on the road in Week 17 with a victory over rival Green Bay. A sickening chip shot missed field goal versus Seattle sent them frozen out of the playoffs, but there is no arguing the purple have the pieces to make it back to the playoffs and a deeper run. Bradford is expected to take over as starter quickly after he gets up to speed on the playbook. He can make all the throws and could thrive in this offense with a better offensive line, a dependable TE and some speedy targets to throw to including rookie No. 1 pick Laquon Treadwell and last year’s emerging receiver Stefon Diggs. He’ll have a terrific offensive coordinator to call plays in Norv Turner, and a super head coach in Mike Zimmer, who has surrounded himself with a strong staff that includes three former NFL head coaches. The Vikings offense still relies on a heavy ground game with last year’s leading rusher RB Adrian Peterson, but the offense overall was not productive last season ranking No. 29 in total offense. Expect them to be much better with a healthier and improved offensive line plus the key addition of Alex Boone at guard. A more balanced and less conservative approach is likely. The defense made significant strides last season and has top units across all three levels with a solid front four, and star Pro Bowl players in LB Anthony Barr and safety Harrison Smith. The special teams units are also solid, and while a tougher schedule for Minnesota won’t make it any easier, the Vikings are rising up to be a contender to reckon with led by an elite level defense.