MINNESOTA

2017 | 13-3, 1st in North Last year in playoffs | 2017

THREE PLAYERS WHO MUST COME THROUGH

QB Kirk Cousins: The Vikings signed Cousins to a threeyear, $84-million deal and sent packing their three quarterbacks from last season — Case Keenum (Denver), Teddy Bridgewater (New York Jets), and Sam Bradford (Arizona).

WR Stefon Diggs: Who can forget the “Minnesota Miracle”? Diggs’ last-gasp playoff touchdown against New Orleans is firmly entrenched in Vikings lore. But now that he has his massive contract, can he prove that he’s among the NFL elite? Teammate Adam Thielen was better last year.

LB Anthony Barr: Now that the Vikings have signed their quarterback and extended defensive end Danielle Hunter, linebacker Eric Kendricks and Diggs, Barr is next in line for a monster contract. He is a wrecking ball. THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH C Pat Elflein: A second-round pick last season who was hurt in the NFC championship game, Elflein is the linchpin to Minnesota’s offensive line and makes all the calls.

RB Dalvin Cook: Cook suffered a knee injury early last season, opening the door for Jerick McKinnon. This year, the Vikings see Cook and Latavius Murray forming a devastating 1-2 punch at running back.

QB Trevor Siemian: Why is a backup such a big deal? Well, coach Mike Zimmer has had only one season in which he ended with the same quarterback who started the season. FANTASY SLEEPER TE Kyle Rudolph: He’s got everything you want — great hands, size and an ability to get open, especially in the red zone. Look what Cousins did in Washington; he likes throwing to his tight end.