Daily Norseman
The Minnesota Vikings outperformed almost everyone’s expectations in 2024. I thought the team would be ok (9-8), but not nearly as good as they were. Darnold excelled in KOC’s offense. Flores’ defense stood strong, for most of the season.
This season seems impossible to predict. I wouldn’t be shocked if J.J. McCarthy struggled and the Lions and Packers played well. I also wouldn’t be shocked if J.J. McCarthy excels in Kevin O’Connell’s offense and this talented roster wins the NFC North. It’s exciting times in the best division in the NFL.
You can see my previous three years here.
Starting off the season with Caleb Williams seems like a gift from the scheduling gods. We’ll thank Goodell’s staff and move on with this easy win. I haven’t seen anything from Williams that makes me think he’s capable of leading that offense. The run game in Minnesota with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason will get a lot of work.
Vikings 20 – Bears 6
This game is intriguing. Michael Penix Jr. came in for Kirk Cousins and played well last season. Bijan Robinson is a legitimate NFL running back. It’s not going to be easy. However, it’s the home opener for J.J. McCarthy and I don’t see him losing it. The Vikings defense is better than the Falcons defense and that’s too much for the Falcons to overcome.
Vikings 27 – Falcons 24
This game is a tough one. Two international games coming up. I’d be a homer if I predicted a win here. The Bengals locked up all of their talent this offseason. They’re looking for a Super Bowl run and this buzzsaw is too much, at least this early in the season.
Bengals 34 – Vikings 23
I will have the pleasure of being at this game. The Vikings will get to see their old friend Aaron Rodgers one more time. He has no weapons outside of DK Metcalf and the Vikings front seven will be all over the 41-year old QB. The Steelers defense is good, but there are too many weapons with Addison back in action.
Vikings 30 – Steelers 20
For the second year in a row, the Vikings will play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Browns are a mess. They ruined their franchise for 10 years with the Deshaun Watson trade and contract. Joe Flacco is a corpse, and we might see one of the rookies eventually this season. I can’t see the Browns winning very many games. There is no talent on the offense. The defense is good. Garrett, Newsome, Delpit,...
