Under the helm of third-year coach Kevin O’Connell, the Minnesota Vikings embark on a new chapter. The departure of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who led the team for six years, marks a significant transition. During Cousins’ tenure, the Vikings attained a 53-45-1 record and clinched two playoff berths.
Opting for a fresh direction, Minnesota selected Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy joins veteran quarterback Sam Darnold as a potential starter for the upcoming season. The Vikings aim to rebound from their 7-10 finish in 2023, with ongoing discussions surrounding Justin Jefferson’s contract extension adding to the offseason narrative.
Despite the changes, the Vikings are underdogs in the NFC North for 2024, ౠtrailing Detroit, Green Bay, and Chicago in the odds. Can their new quarterback strategy defy expectations and propel them to success?
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Minnesota Vikings 2024 Schedule
Here is a complete breakdown of the Vikings’ 2024 schedule, including dates, start times, analysis, strength of schedule, and record prediction.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun, Sep 8 | @ NY Giants | 1:00 PM | FOX |
| 2 | Sun, Sep 15 | vs San Francisco | 1:00 PM | CBS |
| 3 | Sun, Sep 22 | vs Houston | 1:00 PM | CBS |
| 4 | Sun, Sep 29 | @ Green Bay | 1:00 PM | CBS |
| 5 | Sun, Oct 6 | vs NY Jets | 9:30 AM | NFL Network |
| 6 | BYE WEEK | |||
| 7 | Sun, Oct 20 | vs Detroit | 1:00 PM | FOX |
| 8 | Thu, Oct 24 | @ LA Rams | 8:15 PM | Prime Video |
| 9 | Sun, Nov 3 | vs Indianapolis | 1:00 PM | CBS |
| 10 | Sun, Nov 10 | @ Jacksonville | 1:00 PM | FOX |
| 11 | Sun, Nov 17 | @ Tennessee | 1:00 PM | CBS |
| 12 | Sun, Nov 24 | @ Chicago | 1:00 PM | FOX |
| 13 | Sun, Dec 1 | vs Arizona | 1:00 PM | FOX |
| 14 | Sun, Dec 8 | vs Atlanta | 1:00 PM | FOX |
| 15 | Mon, Dec 16 | vs Chicago | 8:00 PM | ABC |
| 16 | Sun, Dec 22 | @ Seattle | 4:05 PM | FOX |
| 17 | Sun, Dec 29 | vs Green Bay | 1:00 PM | FOX |
| 18 | Sun, Jan 5 | @ Detroit | TBD |
Minnesota Vikings of Schedule in 2024
According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Vikings are slated to face the fifth-toughest schedule in the NFL for the 2024 season, ranking 28th in strength of schedule. This projection focuses on the anticipated win totals of Minnesota’s opponents for the upcoming season rather than solely considering their records from 2023.
Comparatively, this schedule stands as the toughest in their division. While the Bears enjoy the third-easiest schedule, the Lions and Packers face challenges of similar magnitude, with the Lions having the 12th hardest and the Packeꦫrs the 14th hardest schedules in 2024.
Minnesota Vikings 2024 Record Prediction
The Vikings face the toughest challenges ahead, particularly in road games against formidable opponents. While the Jacksonville Jaguars present a favorable matchup, facing the Rams and Seahawks on the West Coast poses significant challenges, especially considering the Vikings’ recent struggles on the road against Seattle.
San Francisco stands out as the toughest home game, given their strong road performance last season. However, the Vikings have shown they can compete with the 49ers, having secured a victory against them in Minnesota last season. It’s worth noting that the 49ers are favored to win the NFC.
On the flip side, there are notable reunions scheduled throughout the season. Kirk Cousins returns to U.S. Bank Stadium with the Falcons, potentially altering the dynamic of the game despite Atlanta’s poor road record last season. Additionally, there’s a possibility of former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers facing the Vikings in a Jets uniform, with Rodgers historically having a mixed record against Minnesota, particularly on the road.
Houston presents an intriguing matchup, given their potential with C.J. Stroud, although their road record last season suggests the game may lean 💖in fav💎or of the Vikings.
In the competitive NFC North, the Vikings find themselves🔯 as pivotal figures. Their performance against division rivals over the past two seasons reflects their significance,🌜 with an even split in home and away games. With the divisional landscape evolving, Minnesota may find itself as an underdog in many matchups.
The success of the Darnold-McCarthy plan hinges on various factors, including the Vikings’ historical performance in one-score games under O’Connell. While they demonstrated resilience in O’Connell’s inaugural season, last season saw a decline in their success rate in such games. Navigating the learning curve with new quarterbacks will be crucial as they aim to stay competitive in the division race.
Minnesota Vikings Record Prediction: 7-10
