Boxing Odds – Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford
July 27, 2023
MLB Same Game Parlay Picks, Odds & Predictions – Friday, July 28
July 27, 2023
Even though the Minnesota Vikings cost me the year prior by failing to exceed their NFL season win total odds, it didn’t stop me from going all in last year even with a new coaching staff taking over. It proved to be a wise choice to stick to my guns after Kevin O’Connell’s troops shockingly went on to win 13 games and smash the impost en route to becoming the Kings of the NFC North for the first time since 2017. However, two major factors played an enormous role in the unforeseen regular season success with the roster’s PTPers all avoiding the injury bug paired with the insane ability to come out on top of one possession games. If you can believe it, SKOL won all 11 of their one-score decisions. Sell your soul to the devil much?! With negative regression bound to hit the franchise hard throughout the 2023-24 NFL betting season, linemakers at BetRivers Sportsbook currently have their win total lined at just 8.5-games – 4.5 fewer than last year’s win tally! As down linemakers and NFL bettors seem to be on this team heading into the regular season, I’m actually pretty excited to see what Minnesota can bring to the table with the offense adding a nice weapon and the defense improved both from player and coaching standpoints. The Vikings might’ve only covered the NFL odds at a 7-10-1 ATS clip a season ago, but the over cashed on 12 of 18 occasions. More shootouts look to be on the horizon with the Vikings looking to defend their title.
Minnesota Vikings: Scoreboard Operators Will Earn Their Paychecks
The Vikings possessed one of the more lethal offensive attacks in the league a season ago. QB Kirk Cousins 4,547 passing yards proved to be the second most of his career with WR Justin Jefferson reeling in over 1,800 of them en route to winning the Offensive Player of the Year Award. The unit would ultimately score the seventh most points in the league (424) and ranked eighth in the NFL in success rate. All those points were sorely needed however with the defense serving up over 388 total yards (No. 31) and over 25.0 points per game (No. 28). The stop unit had issues defending the run (No. 20), but got ripped apart through the air with only the Titans allowing more passing yards per game; only Detroit and Chicago allowed more yardage (7.4) per pass attempt! As such, it came with little surprise to see upper management go heavy on secondary help in both free agency and the NFL Draft inking CB Byron Murphy to a deal while selecting both CB Mekhi Blackmon and S Jay Ward. The Vikings made a significant change in their coaching staff during the offseason as well, replacing defensive coordinator Ed Donatell with Brian Flores. This move indicates the team’s desire to dramatically improve the defenses overall effectiveness, which was a weak point in the previous season. Flores brings a wealth of experience and success, having previously served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins who did nothing but force turnovers under his watch.
Bet the Minnesota Vikings Season Wins Total at BetRivers Sportsbook
Minnesota Vikings Season Wins Total: 8.5
Since the turn of the century, the Vikings have only gone on to exceed their win total a year removed from tallying double-digit wins one time. It occurred back in 2009 when Minnesota followed up a 10-win season with 12 more to easily go over its 9.5-game impost. Each of the other five times saw the team go under and win an average of just 6.6 games. Will the 2023-23 Vikings follow the same path? This year’s win total currently chimes in at 8.5 at BetRivers with heavier -121 juice currently attached to the over. After running up against a league-average schedule strength a season ago, the Vikings will oppose what Sharp Football Analysis rates out as the eighth toughest schedule when going by opponent’s win totals. The Eagles, Chargers, Chiefs, and 49ers are all on the docket through Week 7!
Case for the Over
When considering the Vikings’ season win total odds, there is an argument to be made for the over. Despite their defensive struggles, the offense remains a strong point for the team. Cousins has consistently performed at an above-average level, and the addition of Jordan Addison provides another weapon in the passing game. While he may not be a true alpha receiver, he and T.J. Hockenson should each prove to be fantastic complements to Jefferson who could seriously go on to lead the league in receptions for the second straight year. This day and age of the NFL is all about offense and the Vikings have it in spades! If the defense can make significant improvements under Flores’ guidance, the Vikings have the potential to exceed expectations. Furthermore, the Vikings’ schedule presents opportunities for success. While they face some tough opponents, they also have games against teams that had fewer than six wins in the previous season. If they can capitalize on these favorable matchups and perform well against their division rivals, the Vikings have a solid chance of winning nine games.
Case for the Under
On the other hand, there are reasons to consider the under for the Vikings’ season win total. The defense, particularly the pass defense, remains a concern. Despite offseason additions, there are question marks surrounding the young cornerbacks in the secondary. Brian Flores loves to bring the heat! As young his revamped secondary will be, it remains to be seen if they can handle working on islands against the league’s best pass-catchers. Should they fail, the Vikings will need to win a number of shootouts to have any shot of coming through for over bettors. The schedule strength is also a factor to consider. If the Vikings stumble out of the gate, it could be difficult for them to recover and exceed their win total. The NFC North has also become more competitive, with teams like the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears all making offseason improvements. The Vikings will face tough competition within their division, and if these teams perform well, it could make it more difficult for the Vikings to repeat as division champions.
Minnesota Vikings Schedule
Week 1: vs. Buccaneers
Week 2: at Eagles (TNF)
Week 3: vs. Chargers
Week 4: at Panthers
Week 5: vs. Chiefs
Week 6: at Chicago
Week 7: vs. 49ers (MNF)
Week 8: at Packers
Week 9: at Falcons
Week 10: vs. Saints
Week 11: at Broncos (SNF)
Week 12: vs. Bears (MNF)
Week 13: Bye Week
Week 14: at Raiders
Week 15: at Bengals
Week 16: vs. Lions
Week 17: vs. Packers (SNF)
Week 18: at Lions
Minnesota Vikings Season Win Total Analysis
As stated, I’m bullish on how this team will look entering the regular season. I liked the moves made in the offseason, but I truly don’t think they will change much in the grand scheme of things; at least for the 2023-24 NFL betting season. The Vikings aren’t winning anything this year as they simply just aren’t at a point to hang with the big boys of the conference. Should they actually go on to punch a ticket for the second straight season as either the division winner or wild-card, I don’t envision much noise being made in the second season. Be that as it may, I think the NFC North is wide open and I like that potential cold weather trips to Chicago and Green Bay will be made earlier in the season. While last year was inarguably fluky, I still think this team is the best the division has to offer and believe their being overlooked by both oddsmakers and NFL bettors who think Detroit wins the division going away. Not so fast my friend!
Minnesota Vikings Season Win Total Prediction: Over 8.5 -121
Bet NFL Win Totals at BetRivers Sportsbook
