What We Know About The Minnesota Vikings After 8 Games

The Minnesota Vikings have emerged as legitimate contenders this season, and are tied for first place in the NFC North after winning four straight games on their way a 6-2 record. Here are three things we've about the Vikings through the first half of the season:

3) Teddy Bridgewater's development

Bridgewater hasn't put up any eye-popping numbers this year, but that's because the Vikings haven't asked him to win games by himself. He's completing a very good 64.2 percent of his passes and has consistently made the plays necessary to keep the chains moving for the Vikings. Adrian Peterson is the definite star of the offense (more on him in a second), but Bridgewater's efficiency in a complementary role gives this team a lot of hope for the future.

2) Adrian Peterson's resurgence

Peterson only played in one game last season, but he's quickly recaptured his place as the top running back in the league. He's rushed for 758 yards and four touchdowns this year and has four games with over 100 yards (along with another 98-yard performance). Peterson is the biggest reason why the Vikings have the No. 6 rushing attack in the NFL, and he has proven he is still capable of winning games by himself.

1) Amazing defense

Only one team in the NFL is giving up fewer points than the Vikings. Minnesota is allowing a mere 17.5 points per game, and the defense is the biggest reason why the Vikings have started the season so well. Mike Zimmer's unit has shown they can shut down any opponent, as no team has scored 24 points on them this season. That dynamite defense gives the Vikings a chance to win every game they play this season.