NFL Betting – Minnesota Vikings Win Total 2020
-
Oddsmakers see Vikings having a .500 season
-
Return of Adam Thielen is essential for the passing game
-
A number of holes on last season’s fifth-ranked scoring defense need to be plugged
-
Bookmaker.eu, offering a generous welcome bonus (max bonus $1600) believes Vikings win 10 regular season games in 2020
|
|
For the first time in several seasons the Minnesota Vikings have undergone a transformation, especially on the defensive side of the football. The Vikings ranked among the top-10 in fewest points allowed the previous five seasons never posting a losing record while averaging 10 wins in that span. Mike Zimmer will have to work his magic with a defense that could have as many as seven new starters. Kirk Cousins and the offense will pick up the slack with a group that ranked eighth in scoring in 2019, but with a tough schedule it’s asking a lot for the 2020 Vikings to reach double figures in wins.
Minnesota Vikings Win Total Odds at BookMaker.eu
2020 Minnesota Vikings Offense Preview
The Vikings will have yet another offensive coordinator at the helm with Gary Kubiak back in the saddle after Kevin Stefanski accepted the Browns’ coaching gig. There won’t be much change, however, since Kubiak was part of the staff last year as an advisor. The system allowed Cousins to have a successful campaign completing 69 percent of his passes for 3,603 yards and 26 touchdowns.
The run-heavy attack took a lot of pressure off Cousins, who threw 162 fewer passes in 2019 than he did the previous season. That part of the game is enhanced by Dalvin Cook, who needs to stay healthy for the unit to thrive. In 14 games last year Cook rushed for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns while ranking second on the team with 53 receptions for an additional 519 yards. Alexander Mattison and Mike Boone, who combined to rush for 735 yards, return as backups.
The biggest change is at receiver with Stefon Diggs no longer around. With one of the draft picks they got from Buffalo in the deal, the Vikings selected LSU standout Justin Jefferson, who slots into a starting role. The return of Adam Thielen is essential for the passing game. In 2018 Thielen had 113 catches for 1,373 yards before an injury plagued 2019 limited him to just 30 catches. Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr. will see a lot of playing time in multiple tight end sets.
2020 Minnesota Vikings Defense Preview
A number of holes on last season’s fifth-ranked scoring defense need to be plugged. Gone from up front are Everson Griffin and Linval Joseph along with corners Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes. Another blow to the group is free agent Michael Pierce, expected to start at nose tackle, opted out of the season due to medical concerns. Now, there are plenty of talented pieces waiting to step up and Zimmer always does a fantastic job of getting the best out of his players. The job is going to be more difficult in 2020.
Danielle Hunter is one of the best interior linemen in the NFL and makes the group better no matter who’s lining up next to him. Hunter led the team with 14.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2019. The recent acquisition of Yannick Ngakoue from Jacksonville perhaps makes them even better than last season. At least it restores the club to last season’s form. “We’ve been looking for another pass rusher. That’s important when you have a young secondary,” Zimmer said.
The secondary is anchored by two of the best safeties in Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris. Mike Hughes and first-round draft pick Jeff Gladney will work with Holton Hill and Cameron Dantzler for playing time at corner. A strong pass rush can make up for a lot of mistakes in the secondary and the Vikings got a whole lot better with Ngakoue on board.
2020 Minnesota Vikings Schedule Analysis
Proving just how tough the NFC North can be, the Vikings went 0-4 against Green Bay and Chicago last season, costing them a chance at a division title. Still, they were able to win 10 games and a wild card playoff berth. The 2020 road slate looks daunting on paper with the eight clubs combing for a .566 winning percentage in 2019. That means nothing in a new season, but it gives you an idea of what the Vikings are up against.
The season starts with what most believe is a showdown for division supremacy when the Packers visit. Three straight games against the AFC South follow with the Colts, Titans and Texans on tap. The home portion of the schedule looks inviting with games against Detroit, Dallas, Carolina, Jacksonville and Chicago after the Week 7 bye.
Bet Minnesota Vikings Win Total at BookMaker.eu
I wasn’t sure the Vikings would be able to reach 10 wins before they swung a deal for one of the most dominant defensive players in Ngakoue. He makes the group instantly better and took less money to play for a contender. The Vikings also jettisoned Diggs, who clearly didn’t want to be a part of the club. Not only did the defense improve, so did the culture in the locker room. I think the Vikings now have what it takes to win at least 10 games.
NFL Odds: Minnesota Vikings OVER 9 Wins
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today.
