The Minnesota Vikings went from a 13-win season in 2022 to posting their worst record in a decade last season. And now, with the Vikings trying to replace longtime quarterback Kirk Cousins, can they somehow get back in the playoff picture this season?
Here’s the outlook for the Vikings for 2024.
Minnesota Vikings Futures Odds
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook unless noted otherwise.
Super Bowl Odds: +8000
NFC Odds: +4000
NFC North Division Odds: +950
Win Total: 6.5 – Over (-135)/Under (+110)
To Make/Miss Playoffs: Make (+300)/Miss (-400)
Vikings Offense
Somewhat remarkably, despite posting six fewer wins last season than in 2022, the Vikings still were a top-10 team in total yards (10th), the third time in the last four seasons they had a top-10 ranking in total offense.
However, they ranked outside the top 20 in scoring last season (22nd). The reason? Turnovers.
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Minnesota committed 34 turnovers last season, the second-most of any team in the NFL (the Cleveland Browns had 37). The Vikings were also 28th in red zone touchdown percentage (47.1%).
As mentioned, Cousins has moved on to the Atlanta Falcons, which originally left the Vikings with Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy to battle it out for the starting job. But McCarthy’s season-ending injury means Darnold has the keys, at least to start the season.
The Vikings still have arguably the league’s top wide receiver in Justin Jefferson, so that should make things a little easier for Darnold. And they also signed former Packers running back Aaron Jones, although, at age 29, one can’t help but wonder just how much is left in the tank for the veteran.
Vikings Defense
After ranking near the bottom in both scoring and total defense in 2022, the Vikings improved their defense significantly last season.
In fact, last season was the first time since 2019 that Minnesota ranked in the upper half of the league in both scoring defense (13th) and total defense (16th).
One Betting Trend to Know
Now, how many wins the Vikings actually come up with in 2024 is a storyline worth reading about later. But when they do win a game, the Vikings know how to carry that momentum to the next game.
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Last season, Minnesota was 5-1-1 against the spread in games following a straight-up win. With four of their first six games at home, the Vikings could have an opportunity to pick up some early wins, which would make this trend worth following early in the season.
Best Bet for Vikings in 2024
Expecting the Vikings to at least match their win total from a season ago might be asking a lot from a team that will have Sam Darnold under center. The Lions don’t appear to be going anywhere in the division, while the Packers are clearly an up-and-coming team.
Even the Bears, with No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams, appear to be ahead of the Vikings at the quarterback position.
I’m looking at the under on 6.5 wins this season for Minnesota at +110 odds.
