2022 NFL Preview: Minnesota Vikings

In recent years, the Minnesota Vikings consistently underachieved under coach Mike Zimmer. It was time for a change. The Vikings opted for an offensive approach, hiring Kevin O’Connell, a former quarterback and the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator from 2020-21.

Led by a talented offense, Minnesota has playoff aspirations. Following a poor defensive season, the Vikings added several notable pieces via free agency and the draft.

Let’s take a look at the Vikings’ NFL odds, roster and forecast for the 2022 season.

Minnesota Vikings Odds

• To win NFC North +225
• To win NFC +2000
• To win Super Bowl +4000
• To make playoffs Yes -115/ No -115

Vikings Offense

Minnesota’s offense has been dangerous for a number of seasons. Last season, the rushing attack underperformed. Three-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook missed a couple of games and finished with 1,383 scrimmage yards, his lowest since 2018.

The wideout group calls for no concern. Justin Jefferson is an absolute stud and could become the NFL’s best receiver with another big year. In addition, Adam Thielen and K.J. Osborn are exceptional second and third targets. Minnesota solidified its depth, trading a 2023 seventh-rounder and 2024 conditional fourth-rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles for wideout Jalen Reagor.

If QB Kirk Cousins plays well, this will be a great offense. Blocking will be better, as left tackle Christian Darrisaw continues to improve and second-round rookie Ed Ingram will man right guard. The Vikings also upgraded their backup QB, trading a 2024 seventh-rounder to the Las Vegas Raiders for Nick Mullens. Afterward, Minnesota cut Kellen Mond, who was claimed by the Cleveland Browns.

Player to Watch: WR Justin Jefferson

Vikings Defense

If the Vikings are going to make the playoffs, the defense must be miles better. This was one of the NFL’s worst units in 2021, ranking 30th in allowed yards per game (383.6).

Despite struggles elsewhere, Minnesota’s pass rush has been excellent. Last year, it finished second in team sacks (51). That was with All-Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter playing in only seven games. They also added free agent Za’Darius Smith, who posted double-digit sacks in 2019 abd 2020.

The run defense got big help with the signings of defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and linebacker Jordan Hicks. Also, third-round rookie Brian Asamoah adds freaky athleticism as a rotational piece. If Eric Kendricks can return to an All-Pro level, this rushing defense will no longer be one of the NFL’s worst.

For the secondary to improve, the Vikings need rookies Andrew Booth Jr. and Lewis Cine to contribute.

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 23, 2022

Six-time Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith will be a great mentor for Cine.

Player to Watch: DE Danielle Hunter

Vikings Team Strength

Minnesota has outstanding skill position players. Jefferson is one of the NFL’s best receivers. Thielen has been good for a long time, and Osborn is poised for a breakout year. When healthy, Cook is an elite running back. Tight end Irv Smith Jr. is extremely talented, but sat out 2021 due to injury. Cousins is still a solid starting QB, but he has to be more consistent.

On defense, the Vikings’ pass rush is their clear strength. Hunter could be one of the league’s sack leaders once again. If Harrison Smith is healthy, this will be a fearsome edge duo.

Vikings Team Weakness

The offensive line has come a long way over the last two seasons, but it’s not elite. Young pieces like Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland and Ingram could be up and down. There’s little reason to expect Darrisaw to struggle; he’s been great. With center Garrett Bradbury and Ingram, the interior offensive line could have some bad games.

Cornerback looks like the biggest problem on defense. Patrick Peterson is past his prime and has struggled at times. Entering his third season, Cameron Dantzler has been solid. This unit is lacking a No. 1 corner that can limit star receivers. Maybe Booth can eventually become that.

Vikings Forecast

It’s unlikely Minnesota can hang with the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North, but the Vikings should be good enough to earn a wild card spot. The explosive offense is certainly there. The defense has pieces and could be solid if healthy.

NFL odds have the Vikings’ over/under win total at 9½. That sounds about right. Expect Minnesota to float around .500, which should be enough to grab one of three wild card slots.