The Minnesota Vikings handed Kirk Cousins a boat load of money to get them to the Super Bowl. It hasn’t happened yet, but there’s still time. After a disappointing first season, Cousins led the team to 10 victories and a playoff berth last year. There was plenty of turnover on the roster, especially on defense, and the Vikings parted ways with stud receiver Stefon Diggs. The Vikings averaged 9.5 wins in Mike Zimmer’s first six seasons and their total for the 2020 campaign surfaced at nine. I’m not all in on the Vikes like some folks are, but in a mediocre division they should win at least nine games.
Vikings Over 9 Wins -123
Vikings Under 9 Wins +102
Under Zimmer the Vikings have possessed one of the top defensive units in the NFL. In his first season the Vikings went from last in points allowed and next to last in yards allowed per game to 11th and 14th respectively. They’ve been a top-10 defense or close to it in every year since. The schemes remain the same but the personnel will be much different in 2020. Starting corners Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes are gone likely replaced by rookie Jeff Gladney and Mike Hughes. Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen, who combined for 11.0 sacks also departed.
For a team that has relied on its defense, the Vikings are entering unchartered territory with nearly half the unit being new. And we don’t know if they’re going to be better. They were stingy last year allowing only 18.9 points per game. However, opponents were able to amass large chunks of yardage. The anchor on the line remains giving them some stability. For a second straight season Danielle Hunter had 14.5 sacks to tie for fourth in the NFL.
The trade of Diggs opened up a spot in the receiving corps and Justin Jefferson was drafted to be that guy, and he’ll need to have a major impact. The passing game is in a state of flux without Diggs and Adam Thielen coming off an injury-marred campaign that saw him catch just 30 passes for 418 yards. Jefferson had a phenomenal season at LSU with 111 receptions, 1,540 yards and 18 TDs for the national champs. Cousins is coming off a strong season, but the Vikings ranked just 23rd in passing. Dalvin Cook is money in the backfield running for 1,135 yards and 13 scores in addition to 53 catches for 519 yards.
2020 Minnesota Vikings Schedule
Week 1: Packers at Vikings, Sunday, September 13, 1 p.m. ET
Week 2: Vikings at Colts, Sunday, September 20, 1 p.m. ET
Week 3: Titans at Vikings, Sunday, September 27, 1 p.m. ET
Week 4: Vikings at Texans, Sunday, October 4, 1 p.m. ET
Week 5: Vikings at Seahawks, Sunday, October 11, 8:20 p.m. ET
Week 6: Falcons at Vikings, Sunday, October 18, 1 p.m. ET
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: Vikings at Packers, Sunday, November 1, 1 p.m. ET
Week 9: Lions at Vikings, Sunday, November 8, 1 p.m. ET
Week 10: Vikings at Bears, Monday, November 16, 8:15 p.m. ET
Week 11: Cowboys at Vikings, Sunday, November 22, 4:25 p.m. ET
Week 12: Panthers at Vikings, Sunday, November 29, 1 p.m. ET
Week 13: Jaguars at Vikings, Sunday, December 6, 1 p.m. ET
Week 14: Vikings at Buccaneers, Sunday, December 13, 1 p.m. ET
Week 15: Bears at Vikings, Sunday, December 20, 1 p.m. ET
Week 16: Vikings at Saints, Friday, December 25, 4:30 p.m. ET
Week 17: Vikings at Lions, Sunday, January 3, 1 p.m. ET
2020 Minnesota Vikings Schedule Analysis
It’s a tough opening to the season as the Vikes look to get back to the postseason and hit double-digit wins to cash for over bettors. Hosting NFC North rival Green Bay in the opener followed by a trip to Indy then back home to face the Titans is rough. Games at Houston and Seattle follow. Four of the first five opponents reached the postseason a year ago and the Colts are a contender this year. The Week 7 bye is the earliest since 2016 with a game at Green Bay the following week.
Then the schedule gets a bit more intriguing. For the Vikings to make a run they need to take advantage of a stretch where they play four of five games at home with all five very winnable matchups. Detroit, Dallas, Carolina and Jacksonville all pay a visit with a trip to Chicago the only roadie. Three of the final four matchups are on the road with one a rare Friday game on Christmas day against Drew Brees and the Saints, teams quite familiar with each other.
The Final Verdict
I think the Vikings can exceed the projected win total. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t. There are a lot of changes on defense, a rookie receiver has to step up in the passing game, and there is no backup plan if Cook goes down. And besides, the schedule doesn’t do them any favors. The NFC North is going to be tough and games at Seattle and New Orleans are never easy. Still, this is a solid squad with excellent coaching so I’m leaning on the over.
NFL Odds: Minnesota Vikings Over 9 Wins
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