The Minnesota Vikings expectations for the 09′ season went up dramatically with the potential of landing QB legend Brett Favre, which they did. It was a circus like atmosphere the entire off season with “Will he return? Won’t he return?” and so on.

The Vikings were a descent team before with quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels, but they are not Brett Favre. Many feel that Brett Favre will put the Vikings over the top with his leadership abilities, play making skills and veteran experience. Favre isn’t what he use to be but he is still one of the top QB’s in the NFL and can help the Vikings reach the game that has eluded them for many years, the Super Bowl.

Adrian Peterson is the best running back in football; he is explosive and a game breaker without question. The Vikings have an outstanding running game with “All-Day” Adrian Peterson and a very good wide receiving core with Chester Taylor, Percey Harvin, Bernard Berrian, and Sidney Rice.

Favre doesn’t have to make the spectacular play every game for the Vikings to win - which he did against the San Francisco 49er’s to help the Vikings win the game in dramatic fashion.

Despite the fact that these are two of the weaker opponents the Vikings will play through the course of the season, there’s one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked here.

The Vikings defense in one of the best in the league and can stop opponents in critical situations. They’re one of the top units against the run and strong against the pass. Don’t forget, “offense wins games, defense wins championships.”

Besides Favre and Adrian Peterson, another notable player is Jared Allen. If you’re a QB, you don’t want to play against this man!

Anything less then a Super Bowl appearance for the Vikings would be considered a disappointment - Favre isn’t a young man anymore but his sole reason to comeback and play was to win another Super Bowl.

Discuss the latest on the Vikings at RootZoo’s Vikings forums and be sure to play their daily sports futures.