3 Fatal Flaws That Could End Vikings' Playoff Run

The Minnesota Vikings are still seeking their first Super Bowl in franchise history, and one could argue that they are positioned better than ever to overcome that colossal hurdle in 2019.

Whether they clinch a Wild Card berth or win the NFC North remains to be seen, but either way, the Vikes will feature in the postseason. But, how long will the Vikings last? In our eyes, not very long.

Here are a few reasons why Mike Zimmer's squad will come up short in the postseason.

3. Questionable Health of Dalvin Cook/Alexander Mattison

Minnesota Vikings star tailbacks Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison. / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Lacking durability is a flaw, is it not? The one-two punch of Cook and Mattison is THE best RB tandem in the league, no questions asked. However, both players are nursing injuries and it's virtually impossible to expect that they'll be fully healthy come playoff time. Are we supposed to believe that Minnesota will roll through the loaded NFC while asking Kirk Cousins to take on more of a burden on offense? With a hobbled Adam Thielen? No thanks.

2. Their Leaky Secondary

Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes in action against the Lions. / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Xavier Rhodes' sheer plummet from elite cover corner to unplayable head case is one of the more confounding storylines of 2019 that isn't getting enough attention. Defense, of course, travels, but the Vikings' unit has been about as inconsistent as any across the league. Their run defense ranks in the Top 10, but they struggle through the air, ranking 18th in the NFL in terms of yards per game. That stat inspires anything but confidence in a conference with the likes of Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy Garoppolo, and (potentially) Carson Wentz competing for a championship.

1. Kirk Cousins' Unpredictability on the Big Stage

Kirk Cousins dropping back to pass. / Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Cousins' 2019 campaign has indicated that he's finally gotten over his laughable primetime woes. However, the playoffs are an entirely different monster, and Cousins has only appeared in one (!) of those throughout his eight years in the NFL. With 25 touchdowns and 5 interceptions this season, the 31-year-old signal caller has proved he's more than a game manager, but his unpredictability under the bright lights could seal the Vikings' dreams of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.