Teams that could be a surprize in 2015

Every season the NFL has it's share of teams that surprise fans by either exceeding expectations or by taking a dump for the season.  Last year we saw teams like the Saints, Falcons, and the Niners disappoint their fan bases while teams like the Cowboys, Cardinals,Texans and the Lions give some renewed hope to their respective followers.   Lets take a look at a one team that we Lions fans should not overlook this season.




    First up the Minnesota Vikings,  The Vikings finished 2014 season with a 7-9 record, 3rd in the NFC North.  Offensively and defensively they were ranked 27th and 14th respectively.  On paper that does not seem like something to to worried about, but you look closer you will see why they could be a dangerous team.

   Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater started the last 12 games of the season where he went 6-6.  As a first year starter Teddy had some pretty solid numbers,  2919 yards, 14 touchdowns against 12 interceptions while gaining a 85.2 quarterback rating.  Now he is coming into his second season as "the guy" to lead this offense, and keep in mind that the OC is quarterback/offensive guru Norv Turner.  One more thing that should help the Vikings offense is the return of the "Father of the Year" Adrian Peterson.  That should help take some pressure off of the young quarterback.

   Defensively this is one of the younger units in the NFL.  Of the returning starters 8 of them are under the age of 28.  With a head coach that was a very good defensive coordinator this unit should only get better as the players start to hit the prime of their careers.

   Lastly, Minnesota went 3-2 the last five games of the season, losing those two games by a combined 4 points they certainly seem headed in the right direction.    I am not saying that they will win more games than the Lions, but I do think this team could be in the hunt for a wild card spot.  I am feeling that they will go 9-7 or 10-6, stealing a win a road win from the Bears and other non-divisional opponent.