For the second time in three seasons, the Minnesota Vikings had a strong NFL Future Odds regular season, only to follow it with a playoff flop. In an interesting twist, the Vikings attempted to trade quarterback Sam Darnold during the 14-3 season and ultimately released him after a disappointing playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Now the Vikings will transition to JJ McCarthy, a first-round draft pick in 2023. Following an ugly final two games in 2024, the Vikings prioritized the offensive line, which failed Darnold at the worst time.
2025 SBG NFL Futures Minnesota Vikings
| Odds to Win Super Bowl Championship: | +3000 |
|---|---|
| Odds to Win NFC: | +1400 |
| Odds to Win NFC North Division: | +400 |
| Over/Under Win Total: | 8.5 |
2025 Minnesota Vikings Schedule
- Week 1: Sept. 8 at Chicago Bears
- Week 2: Sept. 14 vs. Atlanta Falcons
- Week 3: Sept. 21 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- Week 4: Sept. 28 at Pittsburgh Steelers (in Dublin)
- Week 5: Oct. 5 at Cleveland Browns (in London)
- Week 6: BYE
- Week 7: Oct. 19 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 8: Oct. 23 at Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 9: Nov. 2 at Detroit Lions
- Week 10: Nov. 9 vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Week 11: Nov. 16 vs. Bears
- Week 12: Nov. 23 at Green Bay Packers
- Week 13: Nov. 30 at Seattle Seahawks
- Week 14: Dec. 7 vs. Washington Commanders
- Week 15: Dec. 14 at Dallas Cowboys
- Week 16: Dec. 21 at New York Giants
- Week 17: Dec. 25 vs. Lions (Christmas)
- Week 18: Jan. 3 or 4 vs. Packers
The Minnesota Vikings, who finished second to the Lions in the division, will hand the keys to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who watched from the sidelines as a rookie due to a knee injury. McCarthy should have a strong interior with the new sportsbook arrivals. Although that might depend on how quickly left tackle Christian Darrisaw recovers from his knee injury.
Also, Minnesota focused on the interior of the defense. The Vikings signed veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. But the team took a 2025 NFL futures gamble, paying two defensive tackles who have regressed over the past few seasons. On the other hand, Allen and Hargrave could be productive playing for a defense that’s loaded with edge rushers. The Vikings don’t have many roster needs. But the secondary appears a bit thin with Bynum’s departure. Also, this team could use another outside cornerback if defensive coordinator Brian Flores continues to use Byron Murphy Jr. in the slot.
Minnesota Vikings Team History
The Minnesota Vikings were founded in 1961 as an NFL expansion franchise. Although the Vikings have never won a Super Bowl. However, they had an era of glory from 1968 through 1978 that cemented their bond with the state and its fans. The Vikings made four Super Bowls from 1969 through 1976 but were never able to claim the championship.
Namely, Bud Grant coached those great Viking teams and is the most revered name in team history. Grant is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Grant’s first Super Bowl team was led by the swashbuckling quarterback Joe Kapp. And then QB Fran Tarkenton led the Vikings in their other three Super Bowl appearances.
Most of all, the Vikings were known for their tremendous defenses in those days. Paul Krause, Carl Eller, and Alan Page were Hall of Fame legends on that era’s Purple People Eaters defenses. Since 1998, the Vikings have lost four NFC Conference Championship Games.