Minnesota Vikings NFL Betting Lines - Football Odds

Minnesota Vikings NFL Betting Online

Through the first eight weeks of the 2023-24 NFL betting season, the Minnesota Vikings posted a 4-4 straight up record and went 4-3-1 against the closing NFL odds. The team appeared to be gaining momentum with three consecutive wins and covers. However, their fortunes took a drastic turn after a 24-10 victory in Green Bay when it was announced that Kirk Cousins had suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. Although Josh Dobbs stepped in and heroically led the team to a 31-28 comeback win against the Atlanta Falcons the following week after immediately being brought in from Arizona, the Vikings managed just three more victories the rest of the season, primarily due to poor quarterback play. Compounding their woes was the multi-week absence of star receiver Justin Jefferson, making it a challenging end to the season. The Vikings finished with a 7-10 record, going 8-7-2 against the spread, and placed third in the NFC North.

In the offseason, the Vikings opted not to re-sign Cousins, who secured a substantial free-agent deal elsewhere, and instead focused on drafting their quarterback of the future. Many analysts anticipated that GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might trade up to secure one of the top QB prospects like Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye. However, the Vikings chose Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy with the tenth overall pick, anointing him as their future QB1. Additionally, they traded up to the seventeenth spot to draft Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner, aiming to bolster their defensive line following Danielle Hunter's departure to Houston. The remaining draft picks were used to address various team needs on both sides of the ball. Entering the new season, the Vikings face long odds at making a significant impact, reflected in the online sportsbook's current assessments. With Sam Darnold likely starting as QB1 and McCarthy expected to take over once head coach Kevin O’Connell loses patience with costly turnovers, the outlook looks challenging. The Vikings are not projected to be competitive within the NFC North evidenced by being the only team in the division not currently favored to make the playoffs.

NFL Betting Lines

Despite defensive coordinator Brian Flores blitzing at the highest rate in the league, the Vikings only managed 43 sacks last season, ranking No. 19 overall. A significant 16.5 of those sacks came from one player, prompting upper management to let Danielle Hunter leave for a lucrative 2-year deal with Houston. With a massive payday looming for Justin Jefferson, this monetary decision was prudent. However, the front office sought immediate help, acquiring Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel to bolster the pass rush from the linebacker corps. Shaq Griffin was also brought in from Carolina to improve a secondary that allowed 234.5 passing yards (No. 24) and 1.4 touchdowns (No. 18) per game, with a league-worst completion rate of over 70 percent. The quicker Dallas Turner can apply pressure without heavy blitzing being needed, the better for a defense that still appears undermanned heading into Week 1.

Prop bettors will be hoping that either Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy can keep the Vikings' offense productive given the firepower at the unit’s disposal. Justin Jefferson, despite playing only 10 games, still led the team with 1,074 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Jordan Addison, coming off a 911-yard, 10-touchdown rookie season, returns for his second year, forming a potent receiving duo. Although T.J. Hockenson’s return date is uncertain, his comeback will likely align with McCarthy taking over as QB1. The backfield also boasts new RB1 Aaron Jones and backup Ty Chandler, who showed promise last season. The offensive line is anchored by standout tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neil, but the interior line will need to show significant growth to support a likely rookie-led offense.

Even though Minnesota finished third in the division last season, they face what Sharp Football Analysis deems the toughest schedule in the division and the fifth toughest in the league. The Vikings will only play eight away games, one of which is in London against the New York Jets. While this is just one of four road games against teams currently favored to make the playoffs, they also face the NFC West, AFC South, New York Giants, and Atlanta Falcons. After consistently having a win total between eight and ten for the past nine seasons, the Vikings' current season win total is set at 6.5, with heavier -156 vig on the over. Although some bettors believe this team is capable of at least seven wins, their odds of winning the NFC North are nearly 10-1, and a playoff appearance offers a +265 return on investment. From an odds perspective, the outlook for the Vikings making a significant impact in the 2024-25 season appears unforeseen.

Minnesota Vikings Schedule & Results

The Minnesota Vikings were established as an NFL expansion franchise in 1961. Initially, the team was conceived as a counter to the American Football League, which planned to place a franchise in the Twin Cities with prospective owner Max Winter. However, when Winter was offered an NFL franchise, he opted for the NFL, leaving the AFL behind.

The Vikings have yet to win a Super Bowl, but they enjoyed a golden era from 1968 through 1978, which solidified their connection with the state and its fans. During this period, the Vikings made four Super Bowl appearances between 1969 and 1976 but were unable to secure a championship. The legendary Bud Grant, now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, coached those great Viking teams. Grant's first Super Bowl team was led by the dynamic quarterback Joe Kapp, while QB Fran Tarkenton led the Vikings in their subsequent three Super Bowl appearances.

The Vikings were particularly known for their formidable defenses in those days, with Hall of Fame legends like Paul Krause, Carl Eller, and Alan Page forming the backbone of the famous Purple People Eaters defense. Since that golden era, the Vikings have had several strong teams and near-misses but have never returned to the Super Bowl. Since 1998, the Vikings have lost four NFC Conference Championship Games and only been to the playoffs five times dating back to 2010. Their deepest penetration occurred in 2017 when they got shellacked 38-7 by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC title game.

Minnesota Vikings Past Seasons (2000)

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