Kirk Cousins
Pressure abounds as Vikings' season starts and ends with Cousins
When the Vikings plunged dramatically into free agency for Kirk Cousins, they made it clear that 2018 is win-now time.
Sheldon Richardson
Richardson's interior push could create a nastier Vikings' defense
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer sought and bought pressure up the middle in veteran Sheldon Richardson..
Vikings history
2018 expectations for Vikings call to mind the failure of 1972
The fall of 1972 was a missed opportunity for a Vikings team that had gone 35-7 the previous three seasons and was adding an elite passer.
Stefon Diggs
Souhan: This is Diggs' time to shine as most-talented, highest-paid receiver
Stefon Diggs signed a five-year contract valued at $72 million during training camp. He's 24, entering his prime with a quarterback eager to spin him the ball. This is Diggs' moment.
Analytics
Head game: Cousins' 'brain coach' helps him stay in a 'flow state'
North Score: Kirk Cousins goes through extensive and atypical training to mold his brain — so he can be in the right state of mind, all the time.
NFL injuries
Scoggins: Depth, not stars, may tell Vikings season
Star power rules the NFL, but with injuries inevitable so often a season is defined by the strength of the full roster.
Running backs
Cook: 'It's time for everybody to just watch me play football'
The Vikings running game remains the starting point for the offense, which will be bolstered by the healthy return of second-year back Dalvin Cook.
Receivers
Pressure builds for a Diggs, Thielen repeat as NFL's best deep-threat tandem
Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs stand out, but the Vikings' line play will matter this season, too, in how far the duo threat can go.
Special Teams
Vikings rookie kicker Carlson must channel the good Walsh
Rookie kicker Daniel Carlson faces stresses as he moves along the same path Blair Walsh followed.
Defense
Vikings secondary, linebackers have one option — adjust or fall prey again to run-pass option threat
The Vikings' loaded secondary — and their linebackers — spent this offseason studying run-pass option plays after the Eagles used the concept to perfection in the NFC Championship Game.
Expert views
Star Tribune writers' takes on the Vikings' season
Two writers and two columnists give their thoughts on the upcoming season.
Behind the lens: Vikings put on game faces for 2018 season
The Minnesota Vikings preseason portraits.
Vikings 2018
Boiling points for the Vikings defense in 2018
What to watch for this season on defense.
Vikings 2018
Boiling points for the Vikings offense in 2018
What to watch for on offense this season.
What to watch for
Vikings' boiling points 2018
Likely talkers for the Vikings as the 2018 season rolls on.