5 bold predictions for Packers, the NFC North in 2019

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GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 16: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes under pressure from Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the Green Bay Packersat Lambeau Field on September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Vikings and the Packers tied 29-29 after overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

4. Vikings will return to the playoffs

Despite their incredible 2017 season, which saw the Minnesota Vikings win the NFC North in dominant fashion then go all the way to the NFC Championship Game, they’ve actually only made the playoffs twice in the past six years. And it’s far from a guarantee they’ll get back there this season in such a competitive division.

The pressure is on for head coach Mike Zimmer. Zimmer only has one losing season since being hired in 2014, and he’s also won two NFC North titles, but his team underachieved last year and they’ll need to bounce back in 2019.

But that’s exactly what I expect to happen. The Vikings have addressed multiple areas of need this offseason, none more important than the offensive line. Minnesota could have two new starters along the offensive line with rookie Garrett Bradbury and Josh Kline.

If the offensive line improves, the entire offense will benefit. With superstar wide receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, and an excellent running game led by Dalvin Cook, Minnesota’s offense has the potential to very good. And the defense — which ranked fourth in the NFL last season — should again be one of the league’s best.

An improved offense and a dominant defense should lead the Vikings back to the playoffs.

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