The Minnesota Vikings may not be the betting favorites like some of the teams with more recent playoff success, but they have become one of the more popular dark horse picks among national TV and radio personalities entering the season.
One of the advantages of not living in the local market is getting to hear outside perspectives on the Vikings. I’ve been struggling to get into this season. Maybe it’s life, maybe it’s the lingering disappointment from last season, but for whatever reason, I couldn’t
get excited about this season. However, that started to change recently. Every time I turn on an NFL show or listen to a football podcast, someone seems to be talking about the Vikings as a dark horse contender.
Why are the Vikings Generating Buzz?
The most obvious answer is talent. For a team that recently moved on from its general manager, the roster is surprisingly stacked. The offensive line is stout, the wide receiver group is elite, and the Vikings have two very capable running backs. The biggest question is whether Kyler Murray can take full advantage of those weapons while still providing a threat with his mobility. Brian Flores’ defense is consistently among the league’s most respected units, and he has a track record of maximizing the talent available to him. The team has done well to shed aging talent and continue to develop young players. Dallas Turner is a name on everyone’s tongue as a breakout player.
The coaching staff and the addition of Kyler Murray are two more reasons for the optimism surrounding the team. Kevin O’Connell has a knack for developing quarterbacks and winning games even when his teams aren’t receiving elite quarterback play. He has helped multiple quarterbacks step into the system and find immediate success. The timing for Kyler Murray couldn’t be any better for a career revival, and it was only two seasons ago when the team rode Darnold to 14 wins in his first year in purple. Murray has always had the talent, and this might be the team he needs to get the most out of it.
The Perfect “Dark Horse” Profile
The team has a likable coach with a history of getting veteran quarterbacks comfortable in his system quickly. The roster is very deep and doesn’t depend on one star, but it does have a star in Justin Jefferson. The Vikings are the perfect dark horse pick because they’re talented enough that no one will be surprised if they’re playing meaningful games in January.
Final Thoughts
The national media is mostly lazy. There isn’t an effort to go in depth on 32 teams. That means national narratives aren’t always the best measuring stick. I don’t know if I’m fully ready to call them Super Bowl contenders, but I do believe they’ll be in the hunt for the division title and a playoff spot late in the season. And once you get in, it’s anyone’s game.
