2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 7-10

It was an emotional year for the Minnesota Vikings and their fans. The team dropped the first three games of the season and got off to a 1-4 start. It turned around quick as Minnesota would go onto win six of the next seven games to get to 6-4. In the midst of a five-game winning streak, Kirk Cousins suffered a torn Achilles and was lost for the season. Joshua Dobbs came in and won two games but this was not sustainable. Nick Mullens eventually took over and the Vikings ended the season losers of six of seven.

2024 Minnesota Vikings Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: QB J.J. McCarthy, QB Sam Darnold, C Dan Freeney

Key Losses: QB Kirk Cousins, RB Alexander Mattison, WR K.J. Osborn, OT David Quessenberry, OG Dalton Risner

The Vikings answered many questions on draft night when they stayed put at No. 11 and waited out the first few picks. There were thoughts that Minnesota might move up into the top three or four to draft one of the top quarterbacks available. Once Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels went back-to-back to begin, the Vikings decided to wait it out.

Minnesota ended up moving up one spot to draft Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy at No. 10. The Vikings also added Sam Darnold in free agency in hopes of replacing Kirk Cousins.

At the skill positions, there are not many questions. It is all about being able to get the ball to receivers and tight ends. Minnesota locked up Justin Jefferson with the largest contract in history this offseason. When healthy, he is arguably the top receiver in the league and this gives the Vikings a major boost. Second-year receiver Jordan Addison is looking like the real deal as well. This makes up one of the best duos in the league.

Minnesota also locked up tight end T.J. Hockenson. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL last season and might take some time to get back to full strength this season. In the backfield, the Vikings also added a major upgrade with Aaron Jones. With Mattison gone, Ty Chandler will also step into an extended role. The Vikings are expected to split carries between both Jones and Chandler.

The offensive line used to be an issue for the Vikings but that is not the case anymore. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw signed an extension and this gives the line an anchor for years to come. Brian O’Neill is on the right side and this makes up an elite duo. Inside, Ed Ingram will come in as a rookie with high expectations while Dalton Risner comes in on the other side.

Defense

Key Additions: DE Jonathan Greenard, DE Dallas Turner, OLB Andrew Van Ginkel, LB Blake Cashman, CB Shaw Griffin, CB Khyree Jackson

Key Losses: DE Danielle Hunter, DE D.J. Wonnum, DE Marcus Davenport, DT Dean Lowry, LB Jordan Hicks

The defense for the Vikings needed a major upgrade and it began at the top. Minnesota hired Brian Flores to be the new defensive coordinator ahead of last season. Now, he will return after helping the Vikings improve from 31st to 16th in total yards allowed.

There were some major holes to fill on the field as well. Both Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum left in free agency. Minnesota plugged these holes with Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. Minnesota also added Alabama edge Dallas Turner in the first round this season. There are some concerns with Turner’s health but his upside is extremely high.

In the secondary, Shaq Griffin comes over to provide an upgrade. He will join Byron Murphy on the outside while a young group that includes Jackson and Mekhi Blackmon will need to step up. The safeties are in a better spot. Of course, this begins with Harrison Smith, who is a long-time safety in Minnesota.

The front seven for the Vikings leaves much to be desired but has a chance to get to the quarterback with Greenard and his 12.5 sacks from last season. He will need to be a game-wrecker in some sort of way if the defense wants to excel. The secondary will be the strength and will be difficult to throw on.

Schedule

Week 1: at New York Giants

Week 2: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week 3: vs. Houston Texans

Week 4: at Green Bay Packers

Week 5: vs. New York Jets – London

Week 6: BYE WEEK

Week 7: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 8: at Los Angeles Rams – Thursday Night Football

Week 9: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 10: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 11: at Tennessee Titans

Week 12: at Chicago Bears

Week 13: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 14: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 15: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 18: at Detroit Lions

Record Prediction: 8-9