By: Michael Higgins

The Minnesota Vikings had a disappointing season that was somewhat riddled with injuries. What I would call a flukey 2022 playoff appearance got hopes up for big things in Minnesota. Unfortunately, there was significant regression in 2023. Going 7-10 was certainly a letdown, but they hit a hard rest and looked to speed through the rebuilding process.

Minnesota let go of long-time QB Kirk Cousins in order to go younger at the position. Other key pieces that left in the offseason include EDGE Marcus Davenport, EDGE Danielle Hunter, LB Jordan Hicks, RB Alexander Mattison, WR KJ Osborn, and OLB DJ Wonnum. These players will leave massive holes at their respective positions, Minnesota had some work to do before training camp began.

The Vikings added RB Aaron Jones from their division rivals to replace Mattison. They also added QB Sam Darnold to give them something at the position in case a rookie does not work out. Other meaningful additions include CB Stephon Gillmore, LB Jonathan Greenard, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, LB Blake Cashman, WR Trent Sherfield, and LB Jihad Ward.

In the draft, the Vikings did well to get the guys they want. Unfortunately, tragedy struck with 3rd round CB Khyree Jackson. A dark day for the entire sports world; it was something nobody could prepare for. Other picks included players such as QB JJ McCarthy & EDGE Dallas Turner.

Minnesota simply did not do enough to make up for all the losses they endured in the offseason. On top of that, they lose a year of development with QB JJ McCarthy due to an injury sustained in preseason.

The Vikings start the season in the Meadowlands to take on the Giants. This is followed by two tough home games against the 49ers and the Texans, then closing out the month on the road against the Packers. The Vikings go 1-3 in September.

They play the Jets at home before a Week 6 bye. They then host the Lions before traveling to Los Angeles to take on the Rams for Thursday Night Football. The Vikings go 0-3 in October.

Minnesota hosts the Colts, travel to Florida to play the Jaguars, up north to play the Titans, and then to the Windy City to take on the Bears. The Vikings go 2-2 in this stretch.

The Vikings have a three-game homestand to start December which includes the Cardinals, Falcons, and the Bears on Monday Night Football. They travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks before coming back home to face the Packers, and finally finish the season with a road date against the Lions. The Vikings go 2-4 in this final set of games.

I have the Vikings going 5-12 in a rebuilding year. It is definitely not their floor, but it wouldn’t be their ceiling either. 5 wins with a backup quarterback and a brand new defense wouldn’t be a terrible result.

2023 Record: 7-10

2024 Prediction: 5-12