This needs to happen to win big and Where Vikings stack up

Most importantly, Favre needs to return. If Favre jerseysurprises everyone and decides to retire, the Vikings could go from being one of the favorites in the NFC to being a middle of the pack team.

Tarvaris Jackson almost certainly would be the starter if Favre retires, and he has yet to prove he can be consistent in that role since being selected in the second round of the 2006 draft.
Rice, who is still recovering from a hip injury suffered in the playoffs, is going to need to repeat his outstanding performance of 2009 andnew Harvin jersey is going to have to remain a versatile threat. Harvin also was a standout as a kick returner (27.5-yard average and two touchdowns) and was elected to the Pro Bowl for his contributions in that area.

Harvin, though, battled migraine headaches for much of his rookie season and even missed a game because of the problem. Harvin went to the highly respected Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., last winter and came away with a plan that he and the team hopes can help manage the problem.

The Vikings jerseys are going to need improved play from safeties Tyrell Johnson and Madieu Williams, who combined for one interception last season. The Vikings' play a Tampa-2 scheme which frequently means the safeties aren't in position to pick off passes.

However, Johnson and Williams lack of aggressiveness at times was probably the most concerning factor about their play. Jamarca Sanford, a seventh-round pick in 2009, could challenge either Johnson or Williams for a starting job.

Where they stack up: The Vikings will be looking to win a third consecutive NFC North title but it's not going to be easy. Minnesota's schedule is more difficult this season than it was in 2009 and the Green Bay Packers look as if they could give the Vikings a real run for the division crown. The Vikings swept Favre's former team last year but that's going to be hard to do with Aaron Rodgers being a year better.

The Chicago Bears also should be improved. The Bears and Vikings split last season with Chicago winning in overtime in the  second-to-last game of the season. In his second season with the Bears, Jay Cutler should be that much more comfortable at quarterback. Nonetheless, if Favre is running the show in Minnesota, the Vikings will be expected to make another run at the Super Bowl.