Last Chance to Bet on Minnesota Making Noise
Ted Schwerzler
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The Minnesota Vikings are just days away from their 2022 opening game against the Green Bay Packers. While they are largely expected to be runner-up in the NFC North division, there’s also a growing belief that this team could make noise. If you want to put your money where your mouth is, time is running out.
Although you’ll obviously be able to continue making bets throughout the season, NFL Futures at Bovada will shift following action taking place. In the final moments before the season kicks off, there’s plenty to glean from the position Minnesota is currently in.
First and foremost, Kevin O’Connell’s team enters the season at 35/1 to win the Super Bowl. That means a $100 bet would win you $3,500. Those are the 14th longest odds in the National Football League, and check in between the Indianapolis Colts (25/1) and the Arizona Cardinals (40/1).
Looking at the division, knowing the Green Bay Packers are obvious favorites to win it again, the Vikings are +260 in second place. Green Bayis near 2/1 favorites to win the NFC North at -190, and no one else is considered a threat, with the Detroit Lions at 10/1 and the Chicago Bears rounding it out at 15/1. You can also bet on the regular season series between Minnesota and Green Bay. The most likely outcome is a 1-1 split (+105), with the Packers winning both coming in next (+160). Minnesota sweeping the series, something they could start on the right foot in week one, is a significant longshot (+425).
With regards to the total body of work, Minnesota’s over/under is set at 9.5 wins. Back in August, I suggested the Vikings would go 12-5 this season. Betting the purple to be the last team undefeated comes with 20/1 odds (tied for 12th), and an exact single-season win total of 12 games pays out at +850.
Individually there are still some significant names of intrigue. Head coach Kevin O’Connell remains the favorite to win coach of the year. His 12/1 odds have him slightly ahead of Brandon Staley (14/1). Danielle Hunter is the most logical Comeback Player of the Year candidate for Minnesota, and he ties for 17th (20/1). Surprisingly, or maybe not given his talent level, Hunter is 8th when it comes to being a favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year (25/1).
There’s no shortage of talented skill position players for the Vikings, but we know by now that it’s generally assumed the MVP award will be handed to a quarterback. Kirk Cousins is tied for 15th (50/1) alongside Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor. Given the potential payout, that could be the best bet available. Dalvin Cook is on the board as a longshot potential (100/1).
The expectation is that O’Connell’s offense will strive to put up points in bunches. The passing game should be more prominently featured, and seeing a Vikings wide receiver lead the league in touchdowns doesn’t seem far-fetched. Justin Jefferson has the 5th best odds (9/1), while Adam Thielen is tied for 16th (25/1). Even if he’s not expected to get the most touchdowns, Jefferson is the favorite to lead the league in receiving yards (7/1) this season.
No matter what bets you’re willing to make, this is definitely the last week to grab those long odds and see if you can hit it big.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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