The Minnesota Vikings won back-to-back division titles for the first time since 1977, finishing at 12-4 (8-0 home, 4-4 away) and in a familiar number three spot – a spot they also occupied for seven straight weeks during the season. While Brett Favre and the Vikes were very impressive throughout much of the season, they still showed signs of being just an average football team at times, although there is no doubt that the addition of Favre made everyone on the Vikings’ offense play better.

En route to leading this team to the NFC Championship game, Brett Favre (363 of 531, 4,202 YDS, 33 TD) recorded a Viking-record 10 games with a passer rating of 100+, while surprisingly also finishing the season above 100 for the very first time in his career with a 107.2 total. In support of Favre, team-leading wide receiver Sidney Rice (8 TD) became the third player in team history to reach 80+ receptions (83) and 1,300+ receiving yards (1,312) in a season, along with former Viking superstars Randy Moss and Cris Carter, while running back Adrian Peterson – arguably the best RB in the NFL – rushed for 1,383 yards and 18 touchdowns, with the TD mark setting a team record for a single season. Additionally, while also having become one of Favre’s “go-to” guys, Visanthe Shiancoe (56 REC, 566) set the club record for touchdowns by a tight end with 11, while combo wide out/kick-return man Percy Harvin set a team rookie record with 2,081 combined yards (135 yards rushing; 790 yards, 6 TD receiving; 1,156 yards, 2 TD returning kicks) in addition to his 60 receptions setting a Vikes rookie record as well. This is an explosive offense that can attack on the ground or through the air, and from anywhere on the field!

The Minnesota Vikings D is driven by defensive end Jared Allen (50 tackles, 6 for loss, 5 forced fumbles, 1 interception) who not only tied his career-high of 14.5 sacks, but also leads by example – playing at only two speeds, fast or faster, and never taking a single play off! Inside Allen, holding down the middle at the defensive tackle positions are the Williams twins, Pat and Kevin, who are not related in any other way than having the knack of making it nearly impossible for opposing teams to run up the middle; Pat is the 10th leading tackler with 2 sacks and a team-leading 6 tackles for loss, while Kevin adds 6 sacks in addition to be being tied for the team lead for passes defended (7). Rounding out the team and statistical leaders are linebacker and leading tackler Chad Greenway with 99 (80 solos, 19 assists), fellow-LB E.J. Henderson (83 tackles – 2nd on team) who leads with 20 assisted tackles and 6 tackles for loss, while #3 tackler (78) cornerback Cedric Griffin led with 4 interceptions, defensive end Ray Edwards (8.5 sacks – 2nd on team) had 6 tackles for loss, and safety Tyrell Johnson headed the passes defended column along with Williams at 7.

If Brett Favre returns in 2010, there is absolutely no doubt that this team will once again be ranked amongst the NFL’s elite. But even if he doesn’t, there is still Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen – arguably two of the best at their position – to lead this team back to the top once again. Order your Minnesota Vikings tickets now, because no matter what this will be a team to watch when they take to the gridiron at Mall of America Field at the H.H.H. Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota.