By: Jake Rajala

Kirk Cousins clearly liked his 2021 season, as he threw 33 touchdowns, unleashed 4,221 passing yards, and only tossed 7 interceptions. I firmly believe Captain Kirk and his new partner in crime, Kevin O’Connell, will take the next step in 2022. With that said, I believe the outlook for Cousins suggests that he is one of the biggest darkhorse MVP candidates at this moment. Here are three reasons why Cousins could surprise the world and win MVP gold at 33 years old next season.

Healthy weapons

It’s impressive that Cousins threw 33 touchdowns in 2021, but it’s forgotten that Cousins was a TD machine without Adam Thielen for four games and Irv Smith Jr. for the entire 2022 season. The former UDFA Thielen hauled in 10 touchdowns last season, so it’s clear he still has a lot left in the tank. Meanwhile, the young TE in Smith Jr. will reportedly be very involved in the Vikings offensive attack, per NBC Sports. The Vikings 23-year-old TE is clearly one of the biggest dynasty TE sleepers.

NFC North competition

The Vikings are fortunate to reside in a porous NFC North division. The Detroit Lions ranked 31st in PPG allowed and the Chicago Bears ranked 21st in PPG allowed a season ago. Plus, the Vikings were able to pour it on the Packers defense in Minny last season (as the Vikings won 34-31). Although, they were stifled in their second contest against the Pack (with GB winning 37-10). Nonetheless, the Vikings should feel very confident in their match-ups against the DET, CHI, and GB defenses next season. Perhaps the Vikings will run up the score against CHI or DET late in the season, so Cousins and Jefferson can have a stronger 2022 outcome.

The rise of Justin Jefferson

Kirk Cousins may have a very productive 2022 season, but the Vikings most gifted player will always be Justin Jefferson. The former LSU WR has nicely climbed the ladder over the past two seasons. Jefferson had career-high marks in targets (167), receptions (108), yards (1,616 yds), and touchdowns (10). If Jefferson can have a slightly more productive season in 2022, while helping his QB in prime-time games, he may help Cousins be utterly productive and help his team oust a playoff berth (and potentially a divisional title). It would be poetic if Jefferson won OPOY, while his QB won MVP.

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