The Minnesota Vikings' defense has become the identity of the team in two years under Mike Zimmer, though the group's modest takeaway numbers have kept it from becoming a top-flight fantasy pick. As the Vikings' secondary, in particular, grows more sound in its fundamentals, though, it should get more interception opportunities.
Vikings defense/special teams
ESPN fantasy projection: 44 sacks, 12 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries, 4 touchdowns, 354 points against
Over or under: The ESPN fantasy staff has the Vikings allowing 52 more points than last year, based on the number of high-powered offenses on the Vikings' schedule. Yes, the Packers should be healthier, a Week 3 trip to Carolina represents a tough test, and the second-half slate includes home games against Carson Palmer, Tony Romo and Andrew Luck. But the Vikings have often been able to stand up to prolific quarterbacks, and I'd expect their defense might be better than it was last year. I'll take the under on points allowed and the over on interceptions.
