Adrian Peterson

3 reasons why the Minnesota Vikings can win the Super Bowl

Published Jan. 5, 2016 11:25 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

Adrian Peterson

The Vikings breathed a sigh of relief when Peterson returned to the field late in last Sunday night's win over Green Bay after missing most of the second half with a back injury. Peterson is key to an offense that is struggling to move the football consistently well in the passing game under second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. After missing almost all of the 2014 season following a child-abuse scandal, Peterson rebounded to regain his status as the NFL's top running back. Peterson won his third rushing title this season with 1,485 yards along with 11 touchdowns.

Modern-day Purple People Eaters

The Vikings have assembled an impressive collection of defensive talent largely because of general manager Rick Spielman's drafts. The unit finished the regular season tied with Green Bay for seventh in sacks with 43, five of which came in last Sunday night's win over the Packers. Veteran defensive end Everson Griffen leads the team with 10.5, but Danielle Hunter has come on strong with six, which ranked second among all NFL rookies. Inside linebacker Eric Kendricks is another 2015 draft pick who has made a quick impact, tallying a team-high 92 tackles. Anthony Barr also has blossomed into a blue-chip outside linebacker during his second NFL season. The secondary is highlighted by ball-hawking safety Harrison Smith, who already has set a franchise record with four career interception returns for touchdowns in just his fourth NFL season. The defense is orchestrated by Mike Zimmer, who was one of the NFL's most well-respected defensive minds when hired as Vikings head coach in 2014, and coordinator George Edwards.

A winter wonderland

While being the NFC's No. 3 seed only guarantees one home playoff game, getting to host Seattle on Sunday should provide a home-field advantage that may move the Vikings one step closer to their first Super Bowl appearance since the 1976 season. The forecast high is slated to be a frigid 14 degrees, conditions the Vikings are far more comfortable playing in than the Seahawks. The Vikings also have made themselves comfortable at TCF Stadium while their new domed venue is being completed for 2016. The club's 11-5 record on the University of Minnesota campus is the best in league history for a team forced to play in a temporary facility. If the Vikings win their first two playoff games and top-seeded Carolina and Arizona lose, Minnesota will host the NFC Championship game.