Our Staff Prediction for Vikings 2022 Win-Loss Record
Dustin Baker
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The Minnesota Vikings are forecasted to win 9.5 games in 2022 by sportsbooks, a number that unceremoniously spiked from 8.5 wins in recent weeks.
A new general manager and head coach are in charge, setting sights on changing the recent commitment to mediocrity that beset the organization since the start of 2020. All told, in the last 10 seasons, Minnesota has reached the postseason four times, won two playoff games, and unexpectedly visited the NFC Championship once.
Well, the writers at VikingsTerritory evidently believe the stagnant 8-9-ish records are over as our staff collectively foreshadows the Vikings finishing 11-6 in 2022. Eleven of our writers were quizzed about the team’s win-loss capability. These are the individual predictions in alphabetical order:
- Dustin Baker: 11-6
- Sean Borman: 10-7
- Janik Eckardt: 10-7
- Josh Frey: 11-6
- Will Goodwin: 11-6
- Kyle Joudry: 10-7
- Mitch Massman: 10-7
- Adam New: 11-6
- Ted Schwerzler: 12-5
- Ali Siddiqui: 10-7
- Cole Smith: 11-6
The Vikings were a strange blend of statistical anomalies last year, leading some to believe a new coaching staff could iron out the bad metrics. For example, Minnesota ranked fourth-best in defensive 3rd Down percentage in 2021 — but third-worst in overall yards allowed to opponents. The Vikings led the NFL in 15+ yard gains on offense but were third-worst in drives resulting in 3-and-Outs. The franchise had the fewest turnovers on offense but ranked historically bad in surrendering points on defense during the final two minutes of halves.
And the Vikings employed a quarterback with a 33-TD to 7-INT split with virtually no “garbage time” on the menu — and still finished 8-9 outside the playoff tournament. Oh, and the Vikings tied an NFL record for games decided by eight or fewer points (14).
Finally, the 2021 Vikings were the first team in NFL history to have a QB with 30+ Passing TDs, an RB with 1,000+ Rushing Yards, a WR with 1,500+ Receiving Yards — and a losing record to show for it.
So, VikingsTerritory writers maintain the club isn’t too far away from a return to winning ways.
The Vikings take on the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in 26 days to start the regular season.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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