2006 Minnesota Vikings Preview

2006 season preview of the Minnesota Vikings NFL football team from Maddux Sports expert sports handicappers. Once the regular season starts don't miss any of Maddux's Expert NFL Picks and you will want to check out the free NFL odds section of the site featuring live odds from the best online sportsbook websites.

Brad Childress takes over one of the worst disciplined off field teams in America. Ten new veterans have been hired, Daunte Culpepper was sent to Miami and the West Coast offense is about to come to Minnesota. Viking fans are certainly hoping these are signs of better times to come.

So much rides on the shoulders and in the arm of 38 year old quarterback Brad Johnson (294 ATT, 184 COMP, 1,885 YDS, 12 TDs, 4 INT), who played well last season as Culpepper’s replacement. Johnson, QB for the championship Buccaneers, is a cool-headed leader, with an accurate arm and good field vision. He’s also familiar with the West Coast scheme.

The receiving corps has been thinned, with Randy Moss traded last season and Nate Burleson (Seattle) leaving this year. What’s left is good, with Jermaine Wiggins (69 REC. 568 YDS. 8.2 AVG, 1 TD) and Travis Troy (50 REC. 604 YDS. 12.1 AVG, 4 TDs) providing dependable play. Rebuilding efforts include developing the talents of Troy Williamson and Koren Robinson.

RB Chester Taylor (Baltimore—41 ATT, 417 YDS, 7.1 AVG, 1 TD) and FB Tony Richardson (Kansas City—9 ATT, 68 YDS, 7.6 AVG, 1 TD) have been added as starting rushers. A rebuilt offensive line along with the new starters should help the 27th ranked ground game.

On defense, tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams lead an effective unit. At free safety, veteran Darren Sharper is stellar, while Tank Williams (Tennessee), who has struggled since having knee surgery, replaces strong safety Corey Chavous (St. Louis). Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot should be great at the corners.

The linebacking group needs help and will get some from first-round draftee Chad Greenway. The middle is questionable, especially with the loss of starter Sam Cowart (Houston).

2006 Minnesota Vikings Predictions

With receiving and linebacking groups in transition, the Vikings will need great play from all others to make the post-season. The first three weeks against Washington, Carolina and Chicago will be brutal, while games against Seattle and New England offer top challenges. Can the Purple ice a playoff berth? Stranger things have happened, but it will take some luck to do so.

With 2 of the other NFC Division's being so tough we see the Vikings finishing second in the North, but probably won't have a good enough record to squeak into a wild card birth.

For more info on the Vikings NFC North division rivals check out the Bears, Lions, and Packers team previews that Maddux Sports has compiled for the football bettor.

For more info and news on the 2006 Minnesota Vikings football team visit the Minnesota pro team page at NFL.com.