Offense
QB: Brett Favre
Coming off arguably his best season as a pro. And now he’s even a grandpa!
RB: Adrian Peterson
Could be angling for a new contract in 2010. Has led the league in rushing over the last three years.
RB: Toby Gerhart**
Bruising runner who must learn to find a rhythm without a high volume of carries. Better athlete than people realize.
WR: Sidney Rice
Not quick-twitch or explosive, but good long-striding vertical threat. Will he keep working?
WR: Bernard Berrian
Solid No. 2 receiver, especially when defenders don’t physically challenge his frail frame.
WR: Percy Harvin
Became more and more of a focal point as his rookie season wore on. Outstanding stop/start ability, shiftiness and burst.
TE: Visanthe Shiancoe
The exact type of tight end you want playing with Favre. Not a go-to guy, but versatile and very good at keeping plays alive.
H-Back: Jim Kleinsasser
Utility veteran who may lose playing time if coaches decide they want more power-blocking on the edges.
LT: Bryant McKinnie
Below average left tackle. Is never the aggressor in run blocking and struggles with mechanics in space.
LG: Chad Hutchinson
Has lost a bit of his power but still creates holes through angles and second-level mobility.
C: John Sullivan
Not strong enough to win in a phone booth, though shows bright signs for future as a technician and finesse-based blocker.
RG: Anthony Herrera
If he dips to anything below 100 percent, he becomes a liability, particularly as a run-blocker.
RT: Phil Loadholt
Someone needs to tell the second-year pro that he’s 6’8”, 343 and long-armed.
6 OL: Ryan Cook
Sloppy athlete but has starting experience and is capable of playing all five positions.
Defense
Coordinator: Leslie Frazier
LDE: Ray Edwards
Might not be underrated anymore after his 3-sack, 2-tackle for loss performance in the playoffs against Dallas.
UT: Kevin Williams
Down-to-down, the most disruptive defensive tackle in the NFL.
NT: Pat Williams
Turns 38 in October but is delaying retirement for one more year. Good – he’s still immovable against the run.
RDE: Jared Allen
High-octane superstar who commands double teams and makes plays no matter the situation.
5 DL: Brian Robison
Speed and space pass-rusher who can be an excellent fill-in guy off the bench.
SLB: Chad Greenway
Outstanding in coverage and quick wrap-up tackler. Should be getting more Pro Bowl consideration.
MLB: Jasper Brinkley
Was not completely terrible filling in for injured E.J. Henderson last season. Must fight the urge to play east and west rather than downhill.
WLB: Ben Leber
The definition of a solid role player.
4 LB: Heath Farwell
Primary value comes as a special teams standout.
CB: Antoine Winfield
Broken foot basically ruined his ’09 campaign. The best run-defending corner in the game, but at 33 he must prove he’s not running low on gas.
SS: Tyrell Johnson
Good straight-line speed, but coaches want to see the highly-touted ’08 second-round pick make more plays.
FS: Madieu Williams
High-character leader off the field. Lately, has been a tad too quiet on the field. Understands Leslie Frazier’s Tampa 2 scheme well.
CB: Cedric Griffin
Finally figured out how to be at least a borderline-elite cover corner last season. However, tore his ACL in Conference Title Game and may begin year on PUP.
NB: Lito Sheppard
Has become a maligned journeyman, but Vikings realize he was a two-time Pro Bowler when he played in an Eagles scheme that was somewhat similar to this one.
6 DB: Chris Cook**
Second-round rookie could see action right away in nickel. If he’s not ready, Benny Sapp and Asher Allen are decent options.
Special Teams
K: Ryan Longwell
Has unhappily ceded the kickoff duties to Rhys Lloyd, but won’t be giving up the field goal duties anytime soon. He made 92 percent of his attempts last season.
P: Chris Kluwe
One of the smartest people in the NFL. His punting is fine, too.
RS: Percy Harvin
Electrifying breakaway speed makes him a home run threat.
Minnesota Vikings Schedule
9/09 Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints
9/19 Miami Dolphins @ Minnesota Vikings
9/26 Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings
Vikings Bye Week
10/11 Minnesota Vikings @ New York Jets
10/17 Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
10/24 Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
10/31 Minnesota Vikings @ New England Patriots
11/7 Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings
11/14 Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears
11/21 Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings
11/28 Minnesota Vikings@ Washington Redskins
12/05 Buffalo Bills @ Minnesota Vikings
12/12 New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings
12/20 Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings
12.26 Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles
1/2/2011 Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions
