Minnesota Vikings 2022 NFL Season Betting Preview (Playoffs or Bust in First Season with Kevin O'Connell at Helm)

The Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah era for the Minnesota Vikings is about to begin.

After two straight disappointing seasons of 7-9 and 8-9, the team has moved on from former head coach Mike Zimmer and General Manager Rick Spielman. The franchise brought in O'Connell to take over head coaching duties, and Adofo-Mensah to fill the role as general manager.

There's no question the Vikings have one of the most talented offenses in the NFL between running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Justin Jefferson, but can they translate that talent in wins and a spot in the postseason?

Let's take a look at what the oddsmakers think, as well as my prediction for the Vikings upcoming season.

Don't forget to check out the full list of team previews here. We'll be releasing one each day until all 32 NFL teams are covered.

Minnesota Vikings 2022 Offseason Moves and Signings

• Fired both Head Coach Mike Zimmer and General Manager Rick Spielman
• Hired Head Coach Kevin O'Connell, former Offensive Coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams.
• Hired General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, former vice president of football operation for the Cleveland Browns.
• Drafted S Lewis Cine from Georgia with 32nd overall pick in 2022 NFL Draft.
• Signed free agent linebacker Za'Darius Smith.

Minnesota Vikings 2022 Schedule

The Vikings will begin their 2022 season against their divisional rival, the Green Bay Packers.

They'll participate in two prime time games. One will be a Week 2 Monday Night Football Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the other will be a Thanksgiving Night matchup with the New England Patriots in Week 12.

The Vikings will also play the New Orleans Saints in London in Week 4.

Their BYE will take place in Week 7.

Minnesota Vikings 2022 Win Total Prediction

• OVER 9 Wins (-125)
• UNDER 9 Wins (+105)

Oddsmakers seem to think that the Vikings will take a step forward in 2022. Despite only winning eight games last season, they have their projected total set at nine wins for the upcoming campaign and the over is the favorite at -125.

I tend to agree with them This team is too talented offensively to not make the postseason. Justin Jefferson has already established himself as a top five receiver in the NFL, and Dalvin Cook will return to his dominant form if he can stay healthy.

The biggest question on the team is their defense. They ranked 26th in the NFL in opponent yards per play last year, so an improvement in that area will be key for their success.

Getting Danielle Hunter back and fully healthy for the season will play a big role in that. He racked up six sacks in the first seven games last year, but then a torn pectoral muscle forced the team to put him on injured reserve for the second straight season.

I'm high on the Vikings in 2022.

Pick: OVER 9 Wins (-125)

Minnesota Vikings 2022 Odds to Win NFC North, NFC, and Super Bowl

• To Make the Playoffs: -115
• Odds to Win NFC North: +265
• Odds to Win NFC: +1800
• Odds to Win Super Bowl 57: +3500

Based on the odds, sportsbooks seem to think the Vikings are going slide into a wild card spot this season. They're slightly favored to make the playoffs, but are sizable underdogs to win the NFC North.

That +265 number is tempting, so I'll jump on them to win the division for the first time since 2017.

I'm not the only one who feels that way. Sports betting sharps seem to like the Vikings as well. In my article from earlier this month, I wrote about how 41% of the money bet on the NFC North is on the Vikings. That tells me that the professional out there think there's some value at +265.

If you want to go a different direction, Donnavan Smoot wrote about how he's backing a season-long Justin Jefferson prop for his best Vikings bet of the year. You can check it out in our article, "32 NFL Bets to Make Before the Season Starts."

Follow along with BetSided's picks on Betstamp all season long