The Minnesota Vikings had an impressive 2024 season, finishing 14-3 and securing second place in the NFC North. Despite their strong record, they fell short of a division title, as the Detroit Lions finished 15-2. Still, Minnesota proved they could compete with the league’s best, setting the stage for an intriguing 2025 campaign.
This review breaks down their performance, key players, and what bettors should consider heading into the next season.
Vikings’ 2024 Season Performance
Minnesota’s success in 2024 came from a well-balanced offense and an improved defense. Quarterback Sam Darnold stepped in and delivered a career-best season, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns with a 60.1 QBR. His connection with Justin Jefferson remained strong, with the star receiver posting 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns on 103 receptions.
On the ground, Aaron Jones led the rushing attack with 1,138 yards and five touchdowns. While the Vikings’ 109.1 rushing yards per game ranked only 19th in the league, their passing offense made up for it, finishing sixth with 237.8 yards per game.
Defensively, they ranked ninth in points allowed (19.5 per game), thanks to a solid pass rush led by Jonathan Greenard, who recorded 12 sacks. Linebacker Blake Cashman anchored the defense with 112 tackles, while cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. had six interceptions.
The Vikings’ ability to win close games helped them reach 14 victories, but their three losses – two games to the Lions and one to the Rams in the Wild Card playoffs—highlighted some weaknesses they’ll need to address in 2025.
Strengths and Weaknesses Heading into 2025
The Minnesota Vikings showed they could win in different ways, but their performance revealed both strengths and vulnerabilities.
Strengths
- Elite Passing Attack – Darnold’s breakout season and Jefferson’s dominance made the Vikings one of the most efficient passing teams in the NFL.
- Strong Defensive Playmakers – Greenard’s pass rush, Murphy’s ball-hawking skills, and Cashman’s tackling provided Minnesota with defensive stability.
- Clutch Performances – They thrived in tight matchups, winning several one-possession games that defined their season.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent Run Game – Despite Jones’ solid production, the rushing offense wasn’t dominant, finishing in the lower half of the league.
- Defensive Depth – Injuries exposed a lack of depth, particularly in the secondary.
- Playoff Success – Winning in the regular season is one thing, but the Vikings still need to prove they can make a deep postseason run.
2025 Offseason and Draft Outlook
The Vikings are well into their 2025 offseason, evaluating free agents and preparing for the draft. With the 24th overall pick in the first round, along with selections in the third, fifth, and sixth rounds, Minnesota has key decisions to make.
Potential draft targets include:
- Cornerback – Adding secondary help to support Murphy Jr.
- Interior Offensive Line – Protecting Darnold and improving the run game should be priorities.
- Edge Rusher – Another pass-rusher could complement Greenard and keep the pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Keeping up with NFL team news will be essential for bettors and fans, as roster changes can shift betting markets and impact expectations for the upcoming season. The next few weeks could determine whether Minnesota takes another step forward or faces a tougher road in 2025.
How To Bet on the Vikings in 2025
Minnesota’s strong 2024 performance will impact betting markets next season. Here’s what to consider when placing wagers on the Minnesota Vikings odds in 2025.
Win Total Bets
Expect sportsbooks to set Minnesota’s win total in the 10.5-11.5 range. If they improve their roster in key areas, the over could hold value, especially with another year under the current coaching system.
Game Spreads
The Vikings covered spreads well in 2024, particularly at home. They were one of the best teams against the spread (ATS) when playing as favorites. If the offensive line improves and Darnold continues his success, Minnesota could be a reliable ATS team again in 2025.
Player Prop Bets
Minnesota’s top players will remain key targets for both bettors and fantasy football managers in 2025.
- Justin Jefferson Receiving Yards – He’s a consistent elite receiver, making him a solid option for weekly and season-long yardage totals.
- Aaron Jones Rushing Yards – Given his modest touchdown total, consider betting unders on rushing TDs unless the offense shows a greater commitment to the run.
Future Bets
- NFC North Winner – The Lions are the biggest obstacle, but if Minnesota upgrades key areas, they could challenge for the division title.
- Super Bowl Odds – The Vikings will likely enter 2025 with +1500 to +2500 odds to win the Super Bowl. If they make significant offseason improvements, they could be a strong dark horse pick.
Next Steps?
The Vikings’ 2024 season was a success, but their next step is proving they can go deeper in the playoffs. With a high-powered passing attack and an improving defense, they have the foundation for another strong season. Bettors should watch offseason moves closely, as improvements in key areas could make them one of the best betting options in 2025.
