Our Win-Loss Prediction for the 2024 Vikings
The NFL regular season kicks off in eight days, and the anticipation is tasteable.
Our Win-Loss Prediction for the 2024 Vikings
The Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Ravens are the favorites to win the chip — so the powers are headlining the field. Minnesota, on the other hand, is expected to win six or seven, according to oddsmakers.
We asked VikingsTerritory writers for their win-loss predictions for the 2024 Vikings, and here’s how they replied.
Kyle Joudry —
10-7
Prediction Maker = Kyle Joudry
Actually quite optimistic, largely due to the defense and the addition of Aaron Jones. I’ve got Minnesota finishing off at 10-7 and snagging a wild card spot.
Cole Smith —
9-8
Prediction Maker = Cole Smith
Everything that could go wrong did go wrong in 2023. With that in mind, Minnesota will have more bounces go their way. The defense will improve, and Sam Darnold can at least be competent.
Henrique Guccidari —
8-9
Prediction Maker = Henrique Gucciardi
Most analysts and fans predict a very challenging season for the Vikings. Sam Darnold will have his best season yet, and the running game will improve, which, combined with a dangerous defense, will make the Vikings competitive. But with a tough schedule, especially at the beginning of the season, the team will miss the playoffs again, although it will compete in 2025.
Josh Frey —
8-9
Prediction Maker = Josh Frey
Minnesota’s schedule gets off to a brutal start. With a new quarterback, no T.J. Hockenson, and the potential of a Jordan Addison suspension still looming, they could dig themselves into a big hole that would put them outside the playoff picture.
Ted Schwerzler —
8-9
Prediction Maker = Ted Schwerzler
Sam Darnold thrives in a new environment, and the defense is better than expected. It’s still not enough to get over .500, but the Vikings stay relevant all year.
Janik Eckardt —
8-9
Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt
Kevin O’Connell is a master at coordinating an explosive offense despite subpar quarterback play, so even a Sam Darnold-led offense should be considered decent. Brian Flores got some reinforcements on his side of the ball. The 2024 season is a transitional year for the Vikings. A better record is possible if Darnold can top expectations and the aging cornerback group can hold up better than last year’s.
Wes Johnson —
8-9
Prediction Maker = Wes Johnson
As underwhelming as it is to run back this season with a similar record as last season, the schedule makers did no favors for the Vikings. They start with arguably the toughest seven-game stretch of the season. That stretch features five 2023 playoff teams and what could be four of the Top 5 defenses in the NFL by the end of the season. While improvements to the team have been made, and the future looks promising, it will be absolutely critical to somewhat split those first seven if they are looking to push for the playoffs.
Dustin Baker —
7-10
Prediction Maker = Dustin Baker
The defense is trustworthy; the quarterback is not.
Sam Darnold has a flickering pathway to stardom with this iteration of Vikings, but he probably would’ve busted down the door two or three years ago if he were as promising as his 2018 draft stock suggested. Defense will keep the team afloat, and Darnold won’t play dreadfully, but the schedule is just too brutal to predict a winning record. Can’t do it this time.
Brevan Bane —
7-10
Prediction Maker = Brevan Bane
A common belief, the Vikings are in a transition year and hopes are higher for the years beyond this one. The injury to McCarthy is a complete vibe killer, but it doesn’t hurt the bottom line too much in terms of what Vikings fans were expecting from the 2024 season.
Adam New —
7-10
Prediction Maker = Adam New
The Vikings will surprise many with how competitive they are throughout the season. However, despite many close games, I don’t see that materializing into more than seven wins.
Ali Siddiqui —
7-10
Prediction Maker = Ali Siddiqui
While the defense could be better, the offense will take a step back without Kirk Cousins. T.J. Hockenson will miss at least four games, and Jordan Addison may still miss time due to his arrest. Once again, the schedule will be tough. The good news, though, is that the outlook for 2025 and beyond looks very promising.
Collectively, VIkingsTerritory believes the team will finish in 8-9 2024.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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