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Green Bay Packers 2018 opponent preview: Minnesota Vikings

By Freddie Boston

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 15: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings is wrapped up by Marwin Evans #25 of the Green Bay Packers after a reception during the third quarter of the game on October 15, 2017 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 15: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings is wrapped up by Marwin Evans #25 of the Green Bay Packers after a reception during the third quarter of the game on October 15, 2017 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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What to expect from the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, the team to beat in the NFC North.

The Minnesota Vikings have won the NFC North twice in the past three years. What can the Green Bay Packers expect from the division’s top team in 2018?

Are the Vikings ready to take the next step and reach the Super Bowl?

Let’s take a look at their offseason, and what to expect this year.

Last season

The Vikings were dominant in 2017, making easy work of the division and finishing with a 13-3 record. It was good enough for the NFC’s second seed, giving them a first-round bye in the playoffs.

After a thrilling last-second victory over the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round, the Vikings were well beaten by the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-7, in the NFC Championship Game, falling just short of the Super Bowl.

When are the games?

The first meeting between the Packers and Vikings is in Week 2 at Lambeau Field. It begins at 12 noon CT on Sunday, Sept. 16.

They meet again at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 12, at 7:20 p.m. CT on Sunday, Nov. 25. The game will be broadcast on Sunday Night Football.

Offseason additions

By far the biggest addition for the Vikings this offseason was quarterback Kirk Cousins. He signed a huge three-year, fully-guaranteed $84 million contract. But it was the right move. The Vikings wanted to find a franchise quarterback, and Cousins could be it. Not often does a passer with Cousins’ talent hit free agency.

Minnesota also signed defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson to a one-year, $8 million contract.

The team did lose running back Jerick McKinnon in free agency, but second-year Dalvin Cook will be back from injury to join Latavius Murray in the backfield.

The Vikings selected Mike Hughes in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, one of the top cornerbacks in the class. He will make their defense even stronger.

The biggest concern for the Vikings is along the offensive line. Did they do enough to improve the line? They used a second-round pick on tackle Brian O’Neill and a sixth-rounder on guard Colby Gossett.

Last meeting with Packers

Dec. 23, 2017: Vikings won 16-0 at Lambeau Field

Player to watch

Dalvin Cook: While Cousins’ arrival is big for the Vikings, and he could help them take the next step, don’t forget about Dalvin Cook.

Cook suffered a season-ending injury in just Week 4 of his rookie campaign, but he had impressed before then. The Vikings’ second-round pick a year ago rushed 74 times for 354 yards and two touchdowns in little over three regular season games.

While it was only a small sample size, Cook was on pace for 1,416 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

Next: Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history

Up against a strong Packers defensive line, can the Vikings’ offensive line open running lanes for Cook? And will the second-year back be able to have a big game in either meeting against the Packers? Stopping Cook will be a priority for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.

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