MINNESOTA VIKINGS (7-9)

Projected 2021 win total:

LAST YEAR: After a badly deteriorated defense and a rash of turnovers by QB Kirk Cousins left the Vikings at 1-5 entering their bye week, the brilliance of rookie WR Justin Jefferson and workhorse RB Dalvin Cook helped them finish on a better note. Cousins recovered from the rough start to post a career-high 35 touchdown passes and help the offense finish fourth in the NFL in yards and 11th in points, despite inconsistent protection. Still, the Vikings missed the playoffs for a fourth time in seven seasons under Mike Zimmer, putting the head coach in prove-it mode. IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: DT Dalvin Tomlinson, CB Patrick Peterson, DT Sheldon Richardson, CB Mackensie Alexander, CB Bashaud Breeland, S Xavier Woods, DE Stephen Weatherly, K Greg Joseph, CB Tye Smith, LB Nick Vigil, LT Christian Darrisaw, RG Wyatt Davis, QB Kellen Mond.

IMPORTANT LOSSES: LT Riley Reiff, TE Kyle Rudolph, S Anthony Harris, LB Eric Wilson, K Dan Bailey, DE Ifeadi Odenigbo, DT Shamar Stephen, DT Jaleel Johnson, LB Todd Davis, LB Hardy Nickerson, CB Mike Hughes, CB Chris Jones, RB Mike Boone, offensive coordinator Gary

Kubiak.

NOTES: Bringing rookies Darrisaw and Davis up to NFL speed will be high on the to-do list, as new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak puts his stamp on the scheme after succeeding his now-retired father. Most of the work to be done is on defense, with an influx of experience from the offseason shopping spree led by the eight-time Pro Bowl pick Peterson likely to help the cause.

EXPECTATIONS: The odd-numbered years under Zimmer have been the best ones, and the pieces are in place for a rebound. This will be a crucial season for him and GM Rick Spielman, not to mention Cousins, who now has a successor-in-waiting with Mond being drafted in the third round. Winning a playoff game or two will be paramount to their future in purple.