New head coach Kevin O'Connell may be a fast-riser at the coaching level and comes from the Super Bowl-winning Sean McVay coaching tree in Los Angeles (as offensive coordinator), but he takes over a franchise that always seems to be snake-bitten and hasn't reached a Super Bowl since the 1970s. Mike Zimmer reached the playoffs three times in his eight seasons as Minnesota's coach, including an NFC Championship Game in 2017 by virtue of the “Minneapolis Miracle.” The Vikings' offensive infrastructure is dynamic in 2022 ; Dalvin Cook is arguably among the top five running backs in the league, and third-year star Justin Jefferson is widely considered one of the two or three best wide receivers in football already. Defensively, Minnesota significantly upgraded their linebackers with the additions of Za'Darius Smith (Green Bay) and Jordan Hicks (Arizona). This is a team that might be ready to break out, assuming quarterback Kirk Cousins can once again play at a high level.
The opening part of Minnesota's schedule isn't too daunting assuming they can beat Green Bay at home in Week 1. If so, a 4-2 start at worst appears probable before their bye week. Outside of second-half trips to conference favorites Buffalo and Green Bay, the remainder of the team's toughest opponents visit U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota has five home games in a si- game stretch starting in Week 11; win all of those and an NFC North division title might be well within reach.
Considering the generosity o f their schedule, there could be value on the Vikings going over nine wins, as well as at +105 to make the playoffs. With the strength of their roster and the potential of an exciting, innovative first-time head coach, it's possible there won't be seven better teams in the NFC. While the Vikings may not be worth the +2000 odds to win the NFC, a second-round playoff appearance might be a fine ceiling for O'Connell's first season in Minneapolis.
- More NFL futures:'SportsLine Projection Model's best bets
Below, you'll find the Minnesota Vikings 2022 schedule, win total and more futures odds from Caesars Sportsbook, followed by picks from top SportsLine NFL analysts Larry Hartstein and R.J. White.