With the start of the NFL regular season just over a couple weeks away let’s look at some bold predictions that could happen this year in Minnesota. The Vikings have a new head coach in Kevin O’Connell (former offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams). With the offensive minded coach taking over, I have higher expectations than most on how the Vikings will do this season. People aren’t high on Minnesota with their new head coach, but I’ve seen enough to say otherwise. With that, let’s look at my three bold predictions for the 2022 season.
Justin Jefferson Will Have The First 2,000 Yards Receiving Season
Yes, that’s right. Justin Jefferson will become the first player in NFL history with 2,000 yards receiving in a single season. Jefferson has been one of the league’s best receivers since joining the league in 2020. In his two years in the league Jefferson has had 196 receptions for 3,016 yards, 17 touchdowns, averaging 15.4 yards per reception. Jefferson is also averaging 91.4 yards per game. His 3,016 yards leads the league over the past two seasons. Jefferson has said he’s coming for the title of best wide receiver in the NFL, and I think he will by the end of the year. Kirk Cousins should be much better under head coach O’Connell and that will only help Jefferson by raking up 2,000 yards this season.
Minnesota Gets The One Seed
This isn’t as far-fetched as it seems. The Vikings have one of the easiest schedules this season with their strength of schedule being ranked 20th in the league. The Vikings play six teams that made the playoffs last year. Of those six games only two of them are on the road. During their last eight games of season the Vikings only leave the state of Minnesota three times (and only travel as far as Detroit). Their toughest games consist of the Bills (road) and Packers (twice).
The NFC is fairly weak this season. The Rams are the defending Super Bowl champs, and just lost their offensive coordinator to the Vikings, so who knows how that could affect them. Tampa has been hit hard with injuries losing half of their offensive line before the season has even begun. The Packers have lost Davante Adams, and the offseason has not been without some drama. The Vikings have a very talented roster and are loaded offensively with weapons. With O’Connell leading the way they should have a very dominant offense this season, leading them to the number one seed in the NFC.
Two Vikings Finish 1-2 In MVP Voting
Yes, you read that right two Vikings will be 1-2 in the MVP voting this year. With Jefferson having 2,000 yards receiving he will win and Kirk Cousins will finish second behind him. For MVP odds, Kirk currently sits at +5,000, while Jefferson is at +15,000 to win the MVP. Kirk had a really good season last year statistically, and Jefferson has been one of the best wide receivers since entering the league in 2020.
Last season Kirk had a completion percentage of 66.3%, throwing for 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions with a passer rating of 103.1. These statistics put him in the top ten in the majority of these categories last year. With an offensive minded coach in Kevin O’Connell taking over the playing calling, this isn’t as far-fetched as you may think. The dominance of Jefferson over the past two years and Kirk stepping up in an offense that lets him open up the passing attack, will allow both of them to have a monster season and end up 1-2 in the MVP voting.
Summary
My favorites of these to happen are Justin Jefferson having 2,000 yards receiving and winning the MVP. Due to how good he has been in his first two years; I am expecting him to take a massive leap this season. O’Connell’s offensive will allow him to be more dangerous than when Zimmer was there. With Kirk Cousins at quarterback, Jefferson should have no problem getting the ball and unless someone else has a record-breaking season, the MVP crown should be his.