Minnesota Vikings might be very dangerous in NFC playoffs

The Minnesota Vikings are likely going to be the NFC’s sixth seed. They aren’t to be taken lightly.

Minnesota is 10-4 and clinches a playoff berth by either winning one more game or with a loss by the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16 or 17. The Vikings moved one step closer on Sunday to the postseason by pounding the Los Angeles Chargers, 39-10, fueled by seven L.A. turnovers.

While the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints are getting much of the NFC buzz, it’s the Vikings who could take center stage come January. Make no mistake, Minnesota will need to be a road warrior, but the talent is there to cause problems for any opponent.

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Offensively, Kirk Cousins rebounded from a disappointing 2018 to make his three-year, $84 million deal look solid. This season, Cousins has thrown for 3,481 yards with 25 touchdowns against five interceptions. Yes, he’s been helped out by running back Dalvin Cook, but his play still stands on its own. The veteran has made big throws in key spots all season.

Speaking of Cook, the third-year pro has been utterly dominant. If not for Christian McCaffrey, Cook would be in the conversation as the NFC’s best running back, right up there with Ezekiel Elliott and others. He’s been the workhorse in Minnesota, rushing for 1,137 yards and 13 touchdowns.

On the perimeter, the Minnesota Vikings are loaded up as well. Stefan Diggs and Adam Thielen give Minnesota arguably the best 1-2 punch on the outside, providing both a deep threat and the ability to move the chains with polished route-running.

Defensively, there is household talent on all three levels. Up front, Danielle Hunter is one of the best defensive ends going. Only 25 years old, Hunter has established himself and is rolling once again with 12.5 sacks. Behind the line are Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr. In the secondary? All-Pro safety Harrison Smith. For head coach Mike Zimmer, it’s an embarrassment of riches, even if the corners have been surprisingly suspect.

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To argue Minnesota as a favorite would be folly. The Vikings are in all likelihood going to be a wild card team in a stacked conference. There’s not a team in football anybody would pick to win a trio of road games against a gauntlet such as San Francisco, New Orleans and Green Bay.

Still, the Vikings will be no easy out. Any opponent should be very weary of the prospect of sending them home.