ESPN analyst makes bold prediction regarding the Vikings

The NFC North is the toughest division in football, that much isn't up for debate. The expected leaders in the clubhouse is a three-headed monster in the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears. All three could have a strong case to win the division, but what about the Minnesota Vikings.

>For months, they have been trhe forgotten challenged in the NFC North, until recently. ESPN's Benjamin Solak recently wrote up 10 predictions for the season, one of them centered around the NFC North and the Vikings. He went as far as to predict that they will win the division in 2026.

>He lays out several key talking points centered around the defense and Brian Flores being their coordinator. Beyond that, he also hints that the roster is simply too good to be the de-facto basement dweller.

>Solak sums up his thinking, writing, "I'm not particularly down on the Lions or Bears (though a little dubious of the Packers), so any outcome in the NFC North wouldn't surprise me much. I just don't think the Vikings deserve to be a clear fourth in the pecking order of what should be a highly competitive group once again."

>The Vikings could easily be in the bottom of the division, but they also could easily be in contention. It will come down to health and quarterback play, but if those boxes clear, they can make Ben Solak look like a genius.

>This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: ESPN analyst makes bold prediction regarding the Vikings