(Yardbarker) We move right along in our team previews, turning our attention to the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota will look to repeat as NFC North champions, but the Vikes’ path figures to be more challenging in 2023.

Vikings high-level odds

  • Wins: Over 8.5 (-130) | Under 8.5 (+110)
  • To Win Division: +250
  • To Win Conference: +1500
  • To Win Super Bowl: +3500

Minnesota went 13-4 last year, clinching the NFC’s third seed. However, the Vikings were incredibly fortunate to be on the right side of one-score games, winning 11 games by eight points or less.

The Vikings then lost in the Wild Card Round to the New York Giants, 31-24. As we head into 2023, some regression feels likely for a team that performed so well in one-score games.

Kirk Cousins remains at quarterback, the beacon of average quarterback play in the NFL. The offense figures to once again run through Justin Jefferson, who won Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2022 following his 128 catch, 1,809 yards season.

The passing game figures to remain at the forefront, especially after the release of Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Adam Thielen is gone, but the team drafted WR Jordan Addison in the first round, and KJ Osborn and TE TJ Hockenson round out one of the better pass-catching groups in the league.

The defense had their issues in the secondary in 2022, often picked on deep for explosive passing plays. EDGE Danielle Hunter is likely the team’s most impactful defender, and the Browns poached some of Minnesota’s best defensive linemen, taking both Za’Darius Smith and Dalvin Tomlinson away this offseason.

Gone is Patrick Peterson, who was tied for the team lead in interceptions with five, opening more questions than answers for this coverage unit.