While the rest of the NFC North has its answer at quarterback, the MinnesotaVikings will be hoping a veteran journeyman can elevate a strong group of playmakers this season while its future QB is out.
Here's everything you need to know about the Vikings this season.
2024 Vikings Odds
Odds via FanDuel and as of Aug. 17.
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Super Bowl | +8000 |
| NFC Champion | +3500 |
| NFC North | +850 |
| Make/Miss Playoffs | +260 / -350 |
| Win Total | 7.5 (+134 / -168) |
2023 Vikings Betting Records
- 7-8-2 against the spread (-9.7% ROI)
- 7-10 to the over (-21.8% ROI)
Past Vikings Win Totals
| Season | Win Total | No. of Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9 | 8 |
| 2022 | 9.5 | 13 |
| 2023 | 8.5 | 7 |
Important Vikings Betting Stats
In his two seasons as Vikings head coach, Kevin O'Connell is 14-18-3 against the spread.
Sam Darnold is a putrid 22-33-1 in his career against the spread, while Nick Mullens is 6-13-1 and Jaren Hall is 1-1 from his starts as a rookie last season.
Minnesota Is in Quarterback Limbo
The Vikings suffered the biggest blow of the offseason by losing quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Falcons. Regardless of whether you consider Cousins to be “elite,” replacing him in one offseason is no easy feat.
Minnesota started by signing the veteran Darnold, who is in line to be the starter this season. He isn’t the long-term plan, though.
The long-term plan is J.J. McCarthy, who was drafted in the first round this year, but he is out for the season due to a full tear of his meniscus. This will be a redshirt year for McCarthy to learn how the NFL works before he likely takes over in 2025.
Whoever is under center for Minnesota will have Justin Jefferson to throw the ball to. Now the highest-paid receiver in NFL history, Jefferson will elevate the play of whoever the Vikings quarterback is throughout the season.
Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson join Jefferson in creating a solid group of skill players that was boosted at running back this offseason.
In the backfield, Aaron Jones was signed to replace a weak running back corps last season that was led by Alexander Mattison. Jones had a great season for the Packers last season while he was healthy, although he missed six regular-season games and was limited upon his return.
How To Back the Vikings This Season
If you're one of those people who think Cousins wasn't ever going to get the job done and isn't a huge loss, then the Vikings to make the playoffs at +260 is your bet.
Minnesota was without Cousins for most of last season but remained competitive throughout the season. It's a testament to O'Connell, who is one of the coaches you'd think could get the best out of Darnold.
2024 Vikings Schedule Info
According to Action Network’s Sean Koerner, the Vikings will face the ninth-most difficult schedule in the NFL this season.
Minnesota will have a tough time in the division facing two playoff teams from last season and the upstart Bears with Caleb Williams.
The Vikings start the season against the Giants but then face a very difficult schedule: the 49ers, Texans, Packers, Jets, Lions and Rams. It gets easier from there, as the Packers and Lions are the only playoff teams from last season left on their schedule in Weeks 17 and 18.
Minnesota's Week 1 Odds & Matchup
The Vikings open the regular season as a 1.5-point underdog on the road against the Giants. The game total is 41.5, which is the second-lowest of Week 1.
