Minnesota Vikings Betting Odds

Week 1 Review – vs. New York Giants

The Minnesota Vikings kicked off their 2024 season with a dominant 28-6 victory over the New York Giants on September 9. Quarterback Sam Darnold made an impressive debut, completing 19 of 24 passes for 208 yards and two touchdown passes, including a three-yard strike to Justin Jefferson. The defense also excelled, with linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel’s one-handed interception return for a touchdown highlighting their strong performance.

This weekend, the Vikings will face a challenging matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, who secured a win over the New York Jets in their opener. Darnold’s performance will be crucial as the Vikings aim to build on their momentum. The team will also keep an eye on wide receiver Jordan Addison, who left the game with an ankle injury but is expected to be fine. This upcoming game will be a key test for Minnesota as they look to solidify their standing in the NFC North.

Team Overview

The Minnesota Vikings enter the 2024/2025 NFL season in a transitional phase, following a 7-10 finish last year. With the departure of long-time quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Vikings are turning to either Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy to lead the offense. Head coach Kevin O’Connell, now in his third season, is tasked with steering the team back to playoff contention in the competitive NFC North. The Vikings are looking to leverage their mix of veteran talent and promising newcomers to improve their standing and make a push for the postseason.

Offensive Line Analysis

The Vikings’ offensive line is a quietly solid unit, ranking fourth in the NFL in pass-blocking grade last season. Anchored by the tackle duo of Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, the line provides a strong foundation for the Vikings’ offense. The return of all five starters from last season offers continuity, which is crucial as the team transitions to a new quarterback. The line’s performance will be vital in protecting the quarterback and enabling running back Aaron Jones, a key offseason addition, to excel in the ground game. With a renewed emphasis on the run, the offensive line’s ability to open lanes will be a critical factor in the team’s success.

Defensive Line Analysis

The Vikings’ defensive line has been a point of concern, ranking 31st in pass-rush grade last season. Despite the presence of standout edge rusher Danielle Hunter, the unit struggled to generate consistent pressure. The addition of veteran Jerry Tillery and rookies like Dallas Turner aims to bolster the pass rush and improve overall defensive performance. The line’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be crucial as the Vikings look to improve their defensive rankings and support a potentially young and developing offense.

Odds to Win Division and Super Bowl

– Odds to Win NFC North: +1800, indicating they are considered underdogs within the division.

– Odds to Win Super Bowl: +80000, suggesting a 0.1% chance, placing them among the long shots for the championship.

Predictions

– Overall Record: The Vikings are projected to finish with a 6-11 record, reflecting the challenges of a tough schedule and the transition at quarterback.

– Playoff Chances: With odds of +2200 to make the playoffs, the Vikings face a challenging path to postseason contention, requiring significant improvement and consistency.

– Super Bowl Chances: Winning the Super Bowl is unlikely this season, given their long odds and the need for substantial growth across the roster.

In summary, the Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2024/2025 season with a focus on rebuilding and addressing key areas of weakness. The team’s success will largely depend on the performance of their new quarterback and the effectiveness of their revamped defensive line. While immediate playoff contention may be challenging, the Vikings are laying the groundwork for future success as they navigate this transitional period.