Expectations remain high for rival Vikings

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (11-7)

New faces: WR Justin Jefferson, CB Jeff Gladney, CB Cameron Dantzler, WR Tajaé Sharpe, OL Ezra Cleveland, DT James Lynch, WR/PR/KR K.J. Osborn, DE Anthony Zettel.

Key losses: WR Stefon Diggs, DT Linval Joseph, DE Everson Griffen, CB Xavier Rhodes, CB Trae Waynes, CB Mackensie Alexander, RG Josh Kline, DE Stephen Weatherly, S Andrew Sendejo, S Jayron Kearse, offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, defensive coordinator George Edwards.

Strengths: Vikings will lean on continuity of their systems under head coach Mike Zimmer and newly appointed offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. Keeping playbook same ought to benefit QB Kirk Cousins, who had career-best season in 2019 while picking up first NFL postseason victory, on road no less. Dalvin Cook is also coming off his most complete year as pro. Jefferson will be brought along slowly but has limitless potential, drafted in first round out of national champion LSU. DE Danielle Hunter, LB Eric Kendricks, LB Anthony Barr and SS Harrison Smith have been picked for Pro Bowl combined 12 times, and FS Anthony Harris led league in interceptions last season.

Weaknesses: Interior of offensive line remains unproven. One week after win in wild-card round at New Orleans, Cousins and offensive line were overwhelmed by eventual NFC champion San Francisco's pass rush. After exit of top three CBs from last year, Mike Hughes and Holton Hill have stepped into two outside spots, with rookies Gladney (first round) and Dantzler (third round) getting looks in slot. Sudden inexperience at that position is glaring.

Pandemic development: Vikings had only one player across league who opted out of season due to coronavirus, but absence of DT Michael Pierce — chronic asthma sufferer — will weigh heavily on defense.

Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 25-1. Over/under wins: 9.

Expectations: Contract extensions for Cousins, Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman doled out this year left no doubt about organization's belief team can compete among league's elite and finally break through to elusive Super Bowl victory.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Former LSU receiver Justin Jefferson was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings and could see plenty of targets this season with veteran receiver Stefon Diggs now in Buffalo.