Vikings Picks and Betting Odds

Vikings History

The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They were established in 1960 as an expansion team and began playing in the NFL in 1961. The team is named after the Scandinavian seafaring warriors, reflecting the region’s large Scandinavian-American population.

The Vikings quickly became competitive under head coach Bud Grant, who led them to four Super Bowl appearances between 1969 and 1977. Despite their strong performances, the team has yet to secure a Super Bowl victory. The Vikings are known for their passionate fan base, the “Purple People Eaters” defense of the 1970s, and their long-standing rivalry with teams like the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.

Throughout their history, the Vikings have had several notable players, including Fran Tarkenton, Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Adrian Peterson. The team has won multiple division titles and remains a strong contender in the NFL, playing their home games at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis since 2016.

Minnesota Vikings Timeline

Here’s a timeline of key events in the history of the Minnesota Vikings:

• 1960:The Minnesota Vikings franchise is officially granted by the NFL as an expansion team.
• 1961: The Vikings play their first game, defeating the Chicago Bears 37-13.
• 1967: Bud Grant is hired as head coach, marking the beginning of a successful era for the franchise.
• 1969: The Vikings win their first NFL Championship by defeating the Cleveland Browns 27-7.
• 1970: The Vikings make their first Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl IV) but lose to the Kansas City Chiefs, 23-7.
• 1973: The Vikings win the NFC Championship and advance to Super Bowl VIII, where they lose to the Miami Dolphins, 24-7.
• 1974: The Vikings win the NFC Championship and advance to Super Bowl IX, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 16-6.
• 1976: The Vikings win their third NFC Championship in four years and advance to Super Bowl XI, where they lose to the Oakland Raiders, 32-14.
• 1982: The Vikings play their first game at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
• 1998: The Vikings set an NFL record with a 15-1 regular season but lose to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in overtime.
• 2000: The Vikings make it to the NFC Championship Game again but suffer a devastating 41-0 loss to the New York Giants.
• 2007: The Vikings draft running back Adrian Peterson, who becomes one of the franchise’s greatest players.
• 2009: The Vikings, led by Brett Favre, reach the NFC Championship Game but lose to the New Orleans Saints in overtime.
• 2016: U.S. Bank Stadium officially opens as the new home of the Vikings.
• 2017:The Vikings win the “Minneapolis Miracle” game against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Round. However, they lose the NFC Championship Game to the Eagles. 
• 2020: The Vikings celebrate their 60th anniversary as an NFL franchise.

Minnesota Vikings 2024-25 Outlook

The Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2024-25 NFL season with several changes and challenges. After a disappointing 7-10 finish last season, the team is in a transitional phase, particularly at the quarterback position. The Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy in the first round, signaling a potential future leader, but they also brought in veteran Sam Darnold as a bridge starter. The team has a tough schedule ahead, facing the eighth-hardest in the league, compounded by playing in a competitive NFC North division.

Defensively, the Vikings have made some strong additions, including rookie Dallas Turner, which should bolster their pass rush. However, their success this season will largely depend on how quickly McCarthy can develop and how well the team adapts to its new dynamics.

Expectations from experts are cautious, with most predicting a finish between 6-11 and 8-9, which might keep them out of playoff contention but could set a foundation for future success

Vikings Record NFL

Include a table that has the performance for the team from the previous season

https://www.nfl.com/standings/league/2023/reg

Minnesota Vikings Stats

Here are some of the key stats for the Vikings this season: 

Stats pulled from

https://sportstats.nypost.com/football/nfl/teamstatistics/23

Vikings Injury Reports

Injuries can destroy even the greatest lineup in NFL history. Check out our comprehensive injury report page for the Minnesota Vikings. 

Minnesota Vikings Betting Outlook

As the Minnesota Vikings head into the 2024-25 NFL season, bettors should consider several factors that could impact their wagers:

Quarterback Transition: The Vikings are starting the season with veteran Sam Darnold under center, but first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy is waiting in the wings. Unfortunately for McCarthy, a knee injury has ended his rookie campaign before it starts, leaving it all on Darnold. The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position could lead to inconsistent offensive performances.

Strength of Schedule: The Vikings face one of the toughest schedules in the league this season. They’ll be up against several playoff-caliber teams, making it crucial to evaluate each matchup carefully. Tough games might increase the value of betting against the Vikings, especially when they’re favored by the spread​.

Defensive Consistency: The Vikings have made some improvements on defense, particularly with the addition of rookie Dallas Turner as an edge rusher. However, their defensive consistency remains a question mark. Bettors should track the Vikings’ defensive performance early in the season, especially in terms of their ability to pressure the quarterback and prevent big plays​.

Home vs. Away Performance: Historically, the Vikings have performed better at home than on the road. U.S. Bank Stadium is known for its home-field advantage, so betting on the Vikings at home might be safer than betting on them in away games. Keep an eye on the line movements and public betting trends when the Vikings play at home versus on the road​.

Injuries: As with any NFL team, injuries can significantly impact performance. Notably, star players like T.J. Hockenson, who is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, could influence betting lines if they miss extended time. Bettors should stay updated on the Vikings’ injury reports throughout the season.

2023-24 Betting Trends

During the 2023 NFL season, several betting trends emerged for fans of the Minnesota Vikings. These trends are valuable for bettors to consider as they analyze potential wagers for the 2024 season:

1. Close Games and Unders: The Vikings had a knack for playing in close games during the 2023 season. Many of their games were decided by one score, which often led to the under hitting in point total bets. The team’s defensive struggles combined with inconsistent offensive performances made the under a profitable bet in several of their matchups.
2. Against the Spread (ATS) Struggles: The Vikings had a rough year against the spread in 2023, particularly as favorites. Their 7-10 straight-up record translated poorly in ATS performance, especially in games where they were expected to win by a comfortable margin. This trend was largely due to their inability to consistently close out games or pull away from weaker opponents.
3. Player Prop Bets – Justin Jefferson: Despite the team’s overall struggles, Justin Jefferson remained a consistent bright spot, often hitting the over on receiving yards and receptions in prop bets. His ability to produce big plays and carry the offense made him a popular target for bettors focusing on player-specific wagers.
4. First-Half Bets: The Vikings often started games strong but faded in the second half, making first-half bets on the Vikings (either in moneyline or spread) a profitable strategy. Their tendency to allow comebacks or lose control in the latter stages of games was a notable trend throughout the season.
5. Home vs. Away Performance: The Vikings performed better at home compared to on the road, both straight up and ATS. U.S. Bank Stadium provided a noticeable advantage, which made betting on the Vikings at home more favorable than on the road.

2024-25 Vikings Schedule

Here’s a look at the Vikings’ schedule for this NFL season:

Minnesota Vikings Schedule

Vikings Depth Chart

Here’s a look at the Vikings’ depth chart for this season:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29098001/nfl-depth-charts-all-32-teams

Key Vikings Players for Betting

For the 2024-25 NFL season, several key players on the Minnesota Vikings roster stand out as important figures for bettors to watch, including:

• Justin Jefferson
• Sam Darnold
• Aaron Jones
• Harrison Smith
• Dallas Turner

Justin Jefferson (Wide Receiver)

Jefferson remains one of the top wide receivers in the NFL and a critical component of the Vikings’ offense. His ability to make big plays and consistently produce yardage makes him a valuable asset for any betting strategy, especially in prop bets related to receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions.

Sam Darnold (Quarterback)

As the starting quarterback, at least initially, Darnold’s performance will be closely monitored. While he is considered a bridge quarterback until rookie J.J. McCarthy is ready to take over, his ability to manage the offense and connect with Jefferson and other weapons will significantly impact the Vikings’ chances each week.

Aaron Jones (Running Back)

Newly acquired from the Green Bay Packers, Jones brings versatility to the Vikings’ backfield. He can be effective both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield, making him a dual-threat player who can influence the game in multiple ways.

Harrison Smith (Safety)

A veteran leader on defense, Smith’s experience and playmaking ability in the secondary are crucial for the Vikings. He remains a key figure in their defensive schemes and could be a factor in betting on turnovers, such as interceptions or forced fumbles.

Dallas Turner (Edge Rusher)

As a highly touted rookie, Turner has the potential to make an immediate impact in the pass rush. If he can translate his college success to the NFL, he could become a breakout star and a key player in betting on defensive statistics, such as sacks.

Vikings and Other NFL News

Our NFL experts are always writing about the latest news over on our blog. You’ll find picks, predictions, and game analysis every week during the regular season.

Minnesota Vikings Summary

As the Minnesota Vikings continue to build their legacy in the NFL, the upcoming season promises excitement, challenges, and opportunities for bettors. Whether you’re looking to capitalize on player prop bets, team performance, or in-game strategies, staying informed is crucial to maximizing your profits. 

At ScoresandStats.com, we offer premium handicapping services tailored to help you make the most of your wagers on the Vikings. Our expert analysis, up-to-date insights, and data-driven recommendations give you the edge you need to turn your knowledge into success. 

Don’t miss out—let ScoresandStats be your go-to resource for profitable betting this NFL season.