Inside The Vikings

Are the Vikings Underrated? What Their Preseason Win Total Reveals

We're about to begin the key part of the 2026 NFL offseason.
Tony Liebert|
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

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Minnesota Vikings

Early preseason win totals are beginning to get released, and the Vikings are set at over/under 8.5 wins before free agency and the NFL Draft, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Is it too high, too low, or just right?

There are 16 teams with a win total higher than 8.5, which puts Minnesota in a five-way tie for 17th. The other teams at 8.5 include the Cowboys, Colts, Steelers and Buccaneers. That leaves 11 teams currently with a lower win total than the Vikings.

Teams with a lower win total

  • Cardinals (4.5)
  • Dolphins (4.5)
  • Jets (5.5)
  • Raiders (5.5)
  • Falcons (6.5)
  • Panthers (6.5)
  • Browns (6.5)
  • Titans (6.5)
  • Saints (7.5)
  • Giants (7.5)
  • Commanders (7.5)

Why o/u 8.5 wins is a fair projection for Minnesota

The Vikings have a lot of questions to answer between now and when they kick off their 2026-27 campaign. There's none bigger than the quarterback position. J.J. McCarthy had an objectively disappointing year in his first season as an NFL starter.

Will Minnesota bring in veteran quarterback competition? Will McCarthy show significant improvements in his second season? Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired as the team's general manager earlier this offseason, so there will be different people making those decisions.

Despite missing the playoffs twice, the Vikings have shown a high floor with Kevin O'Connell as head coach. His worst season resulted in a 7-10 record in 2023. No matter if McCarthy is the starter or not next season, it's hard to think Minnesota will have more inconsistent play at the quarterback position. It could be a make-or-break season for O'Connell, but their roster is far too good to completely bottom out and become one of the worst teams in the league.

We know which teams the Vikings will play in 2026, and we know where, but we don't know when. They will have a third-place schedule against teams from the AFC South, NFC East and NFC West, which will be the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, and the San Francisco 49ers.

The NFC North is also matched up in 2026 with the AFC East and NFC South, meaning the Vikings will face the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and the New York Jets; and the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Atlanta Falcons, respectively.

This offseason will be important for Minnesota's 2026-27 outlook, but 8.5 feels like a fair win total projection.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Tony Liebert
TONY LIEBERT

Tony Liebert is particularly known for his coverage of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, though he also contributes to coverage of the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves and Twins. His writing style is noted for providing in-depth analysis and insights, making him a go-to source for fans looking for comprehensive coverage of Minnesota sports.

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