The last team I will review is the team that won it all last year. A force to reckon with in 2022, the Vikings might have a tough time repeating their success, but they have the pieces to do it.

QB – They lose one of the best QB’s in the league last year in Jackson Erdmann, but they made a good signing of ex-Southern Utah QB Chris Helbig. Helbig had a fantastic year in the GFL last year where he threw for 36 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. I think he has the attributes to be a big-time star for the new-look champion Vikings.

RB – Joining Helbig is his former teammate Karji Pajarinen. Pajarinen was the German league’s leading rusher last year. He’s got great burst and can fly around the field. Look for him to continue his success in a new league. Not that they needed to, but the Vikings also brought back Florian Wegan. Wegan was third in the league in rushing last year with 731 yards and added 6 touchdowns. Both of these guys are dynamic and it may be the best duo in the league. I see the Vikings keeping it on the ground a little bit more this year.

WR – Jordan Bouah was a second team all-star last year and guess what? The Vikings brought him back! If that’s not enough, the Vikings also brought back Weston Carr. Carr played D-I ball at Penn State, one of the best programs in the country and should be great for the Vikings this year. The Vikings may have lost an all-star tight end but they’re also bringing in an all-star tight ened, and this one was first team. Adria Botella Moreno racked up 751 yards and 6 touchdowns last year for the Sea Devils. He joins the team who beat him in the championship last year, and this team is starting to feel like the Warriors of the NBA. A player to watch for is Florian Bierbaumer. A 6’5 tight end with all the attributes. Hell, he had three touchdowns in one game against the Raiders last year before injury struck.

O-Line – This team was third in the league in rushing, so their offensive line is really one of the stars of the show. They did lose first team guard Niklas Johansson, but still have a great front. This unit will be led by 2022 second team all-star Aleksander Milanovic. He’s a big, imposing guard who can block with the best of them. The Vikings made a surprise signing in Thomas Schaffer, an Austrian who played football at big program Stanford University, and was signed by the Chicago Bears before being cut in training camp. The thing about him is he was always a defensive lineman, but he wants to transition to offensive to increase his chances of signing in the NFL. This is one of the more interesting storylines in the ELF and will be one to watch out for. The Vikings also signed long time veteran, German Mathias Stockamp. Although they may have lost one of their best lineman, I think this line will be steady and sturdy. Most of their success will be determined by Thomas Schaffer and if he can play O-line as well as D-line.

Defense – The Vikings were middle tier in defense last year, much better in rushing than passing, but they’ve changed some things up this year and it may just work out for them.

D-Line – Jamarcus Henderson will look to make a name for himself in the ELF as a new signing for the Vikings. This Division II product will start at defensive end, and if his career in D2 (All-American) is any indication of this year, then the Vikings will be looking pretty good. Leon Balogh had 7 sacks last year for the Vikings and he is coming on back, along with Oskar Kranich. Kranich added 5 sacks last year and 8.5 tackles for loss. This front is looking imposing and should be great once again.

LB – The Vikings bring back 1^st team all-star Thomas Schnurrer. Schnurrer led the team in tackles last year and was the fourth leading tackler in the league. He’s the leader and the chief of this defense. Enzo Mensah was an NFL Combine invitee and played excellent in the Italian football league. Look for these two players to lead the defense in tackles and leadership

DB – Two names to really look at in this defense: Benjamin Straight and Exavier Edwards. Exavier Edwards is one of the most fun and most athletic players in the ELF. Think of a Deebo Samuels on defense, oh, and offense. Edwards’ main position may be safety, but he also rushed for 113 yards and 5 touchdowns last year. Just an explosive type athlete. Looking elsewhere, Benjamin Straight was a second team all-star and absolute pigskin fiend. He had three interceptions and 51 tackles last year, making him a force on the defensive side of the field. Wait, Aren’t I forgetting someone? Oh yeah, they also bring back team captain and second team all-star Luis Horvath. He was top 20 in pass break ups and also added 69 tackles.

I’m going to be honest guys, now that the Hamburg Sea Devils have taken a step back, it looks like the Vikings might run this table. They are by far the best team in this league. The only question mark is their quarterback. If Helbig plays well enough they will win the title. But that is a big “if”.