2007 Previews: Minnesota Vikings

Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.

Last year: 6-10 (third in NFC North)

Best addition: Mike Doss (S, Colts)

Key personnel loss: Fred Smoot (CB, Redskins)

2007 outlook: The Vikings have a lethal secondary after adding Doss to play alongside Darren Sharper, but the loss of Smoot means they are still searching for someone to play opposite Antoine Winfield. But three studs in the secondary is a great start. Add that to a defensive line showcasing Kevin Williams, Pat Williams and Kenechi Udeze and you've got a strong defense - at least until you look closer at the LB corp, which leaves something to be desired.

On offense, Minnesota is turning the reigns over to unproven QB Tarvaris Jackson and with no veteran backup, things could get interesting. One thing Jackson will have is plenty of RB's to play with after the drafting of Oklahoma product Adrian Peterson in the first round. But Jackson won't have much help in the receiving department so any judgments of Jackson's performance may not be entirely accurate.

Key to success: Fans will look to the progress of Jackson to determine if Minnesota made the right move in letting journeyman Brad Johnson walk away a second time, but the real key here will be the WR's and their ability to help their QB. None of them have really lived up to expectations and if they continue to fall short this year, defenses will be able to stack the box against the run and then it won't matter how many decent RB's the Vikings throw out there, they will have no room to run.

Against Washington: The Skins will travel to Minnesota with two weeks left in the season and if things go as planned, both teams will be hoping to be playing for a playoff spot. This game comes during a tough December for Washington in which it will host Chicago and Dallas while traveling to New York and Minnesota in between.

Fantasy sleeper: Troy Williamson. This is a make or break year for Williamson, who will be counted on to help bail out Jackson in times of trouble. If Williamson wants to stick in Minnesota, he will need to have a big year. And any owner smart enough to draft him in later rounds will be rewarded when Williamson's speed leads to big plays. But if he flops, he will frustrate owners who decide to play him before he has given any reason too.