from Peter King's MMQB...

7. Minnesota. I can hear you all out there saying, "Too soon." Well, here's my question: What year in recent NFL history hasn't a Green Bay (2007), New Orleans (2006), Chicago (2005) or Pittsburgh (2004) jumped from nowheresville to Super-Bowl contention?

The Vikings do have a totally unproven passing game, but they still outscored Philly, Washington and Denver last year with the best running game in the league for about half the season. Minnesota had the biggest (by far) edge in average rushing margin per team last year, rushing for 5.3 yards a tote while surrendering 3.1 yards per carry. And though I don't love the Jared Allen signing for the long haul (too dangerous), I love it for 2008. Allen's quickness on the turf of the Metrodome ... scary. Maybe 20-sack scary.

Wow, Top 10 despite no QB...and one spot ahead of the Packers!!

Only Dallas (4) and the defending Super Bowl Champion Giants (5) are ranked higher than the Vikings in the NFC.

Remember, it was just three years ago (2005) that Peter picked the Vikings to go to the Super Bowl.  There hasn't been much to cheer about since.