The Minnesota Vikings had high expectations heading into last season but the Chicago Bears burst onto the scene and took control of the NFC North.

That was last year though and with a new year upon us, there is no doubt the Vikings can take back control of the North.

Let's break down some key reasons why this year will be different.

4. The offensive line can't get much worse

The Vikings finished with an 8-7-1 record and that is impressive with how bad the offensive line play was last year.

The good news for the team is the only place this team can go is up in terms of protecting Kirk Cousins. The team brought in Gary Kubiak to be an offensive consultant and he has always been known for having good offensive lines and he should be able to get the best out of the guys left.

The Vikings have also taken Riley O'Neil and Pat Elflein the last two drafts and both have worked out well.

They should be able to find another starter in the first couple of rounds this year that they can just put in and play right away.

3. Kirk Cousins is a good quarterback

Kirk Cousins has gotten a lot of heat for his play last season but statistically, he had one of the best seasons in Vikings history.

Cousins finished the 2018 season throwing for 4,298 yards, 3o touchdowns, and ten interceptions. He had a rating of 99.7 percent and completed more than 70 percent of his passes.

What he did last year is even more impressive when it's considered just how often he was running for his life.

Don't let all the negative talk about Cousins make you forget that he is still an above average quarterback in this league.

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2. This is still a Mike Zimmer defense

There was a lot of talk about how the Vikings defense had taken a step back last year and that might be true considering what the team had done in previous years, but this is still one of the best defenses in the league.

Last year they gave up only 21.3 points per game which was 9th best in the league, and most of the defense from last year is back.

The team resigned Anthony Barr and he is the heart and soul of the defense and that is going to be a big key if he can stay healthy.

This defense should be back in the top five.

1. U.S. Bank Stadium

The Vikings get to play eight games a year at U.S. Bank Stadium, and that is a huge advantage for this team because it's one of the best home-field advantages in the league.

A big reason the defense has been so strong is because of how loud the Bank gets rocking when they are trying to put pressure on opposing offenses.

As long as this team can have success on the road, they should be able to get back in contention for the NFC North and finish above the Bears and the Green Bay Packers.