Quote Me, Howie: Vikings predictions

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Arik Forsman, Duluth City Councilor – “Falling leaves and football, please! Expectations for the Vikes should no doubt be lowered this year having lost (Kirk) Cousins to free agency and (J.J.) McCarthy to injury. But slingin’ Sam Darnold and the offense should do enough to put some points on the board and a revamped defense should keep the purple in many games. I expect them to be competitive and entertaining as always. Maybe just maybe they’ll push for a playoff spot in what is likely to be one of the hardest divisions in football. Skol!”

Don Ness, legendary former Duluth mayor – "I'm coming into the season with low expectations - a transition year in a tough division. I like the upgrades on the defensive front 7, but the secondary will lose them games. I think they'll be fun to watch and Darnold will be good, but inconsistent. I think (Justin) Jefferson could make a run at becoming the first receiver to gain 2,000 yards in a season. Overall, I think they'll be around .500 with an outside chance at a Wild Card berth." 

Mike Zagelmeyer, Hermantown football coach – "I think the Vikings will have a very long season. I hope we see glimpses of the future that come to the forefront as the season progresses. But with (Jordan) Addison out, huge question marks at quarterback and DBs who I feel are inadequate at the professional level. I think 6-11 would be considered a successful season for this year."

Fred Friedman, The Legend – "The Vikings have less talent than all of their division opponents. They are below average in the interior offensive line, the defensive line and cornerback. I root for them but a tough schedule, backup quarterback play and weak protection from the interior line suggests a five-win season." 

John Gilbert, Duluth Reader – "Like all Vikings fans, we watched as our Purplewarriors roared through the exhibition games. But unlike most of them, I realize they didn’t face any regulars or starters in those counterfeit wins. UMD could have won those games! Consider the Eagles; impressive game for the  Vikings, but when it counts, Philly will be one of the NFL’s best. Sam Darnold is more of a question than an answer at QB, although Vikings receivers are a team strength. Running game and demand for offensive creativity are huge questions. Green Bay and Chicago are improved, and Detroit is by far the best in the division, so we should celebrate any wins in what could be a long season!"

Erik Lofald, Duluth Denfeld football coach – "I’m optimistic. The pressure to play (J.J.) McCarthy early is gone and now we are locked into Darnold. I think KOC will get his best. Bold prediction: JJ (Justin Jefferson) will break 2,000 yards receiving. I love Brian Flores and the possibility of the defense being a top-10 unit this year. I believe the North will be competitive and the best in the NFC and will send three teams to the playoffs with the Vikings being one of them."

Scott Lyons, former Duluth Central and Bulldogs great – "Like most of us, I try not to get too pumped up on the team as we notoriously get let down. Vikes will be above .500 but not get into playoffs. The NFC Central is too good."

Jon Carlson, former football ref – "I'm optimistic about this season, not based on the preseason record. When I refereed high school football we talked about blocking and tackling wins football games, so I see that as a key this season. The loss of our rookie quarterback may seem like a setback but the Vikings have countered that with some good additions at QB. The O-line needs to do a good job of protecting the QB so the other offensive can be used to their advantage. I'm excited to see what kind of offensive weapon the kicker from Alabama will be."

Kenny Kalligher, radio host – "It's all about the quarterbacks, Sam Darnold, Nick Mullins, Scott Rypien, yikes! A new NFL metric named Net Win Probability (considered luck factors) lists the Vikings last. A 7-10 record might have them in 3rd place in the NFC North and having your Bye in week 6 is not favorable. A playoff spot seems unlikely, but I'll be watching and cheering for the boys to pull the proverbial rabbit out of a hat and make the playoffs but it could be a long season, I hope I'm wrong!"

Tom Elwell, retired Duluth Transit Authority executive – "The only comment I have concerns the Vikings is the QB situation. Not the big number one Viking pick J.J. McCarthy but former number one overall pick seven years ago, Sam Darnold. He's never had a good chance to break out and stand out. He was ready to start at San Francisco, but injury gave Purdy a chance to start and he brought the team to the Super Bowl. Now with McCarthy out for the year, Darnold has a clear path to prove his worth. I think he will with all the weapons he has available to him. We hope Darnold is a winner. Cousins was never a winner. He thought he died and went to heaven when the Vikes won one playoff game. Good luck, Sam Darnold. We'll be pulling for you."