Last year was not kind to the Minnesota Vikings, with plenty of distractions and scrutiny from start to finish. But Brett Favre finally falling apart enough to force his retirement, Brad Childress being shown the door, the Williams Wall finally learning of their punishment, and the Metrodome roof being rebuilt... well, 2011 will look significantly different for the Vikes than a season ago.
The question is, can they be significant and make a push for the playoffs? They still have plenty of talent, but also some holes that have yet to be filled. All eyes will be on the Bears and Packers (and possibly the Lions if they can keep Stafford healthy), but could the Vikings return to their 2009 form?