Beat Writers Not Buying What Minnesota Vikings are Selling

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Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings come into the 2024 season with hopes of making the postseason. Though they are in a quarterback transition, the roster has a strong veteran presence. The general manager also finds himself on the hot seat. Those that cover the team don’t share that same belief.

Average at best among Vikings Beat writers

Most national outlets see the Minnesota Vikings struggling to compete in 2024. With a roster that doesn’t have a surefire quarterback, they may be right. That hasn’t impacted the feelings from within though, and Jonathan Greenard has been on to voice as much.

“Super. I mean, I got a taste of the playoffs last year and understood what it takes to get there and possibly win the big one. That’s the same thing they got in mind over here. That’s the same thing I want to continue to do over here…We’ve got the guys to do it, and I’m excited to go on the road with these boys in the first game and see what we’ve got.”

Jonathan Greenard on expectations for Minnesota (KSTP)

Just because Greenard feels that way doesn’t mean that the Minnesota Vikings beat writers echo his sentiments. Names from multiple publications offered their thoughts. None have the Vikings finishing more than one game over .500.

To be fair, a .500 or better record would be substantially better than what most national outlets seem to believe Minnesota is capable of.

Minnesota Vikings would improve by being average

Kevin O’Connell’s job security does not seem to be in question. His team is coming off a 7-10 season in which they finished third amongst NFC North competition. Moving to 8-9 or 9-8 would be a minimal improvement, but still represent positive momentum. J.J. McCarthy then takes over a team in 2025 that should be on the precipice of a playoff run once again.

There is a possibility that the Vikings find themselves experiencing a Houston Texans-like jump this season. DeMeco Ryan led his team to a 10-7 record during his first season as a head coach. Greenard was part of that team, and understands what it’s like to outperform what people say about you.

Related: 2024 Minnesota Vikings X-Factor is… Jonathan Greenard?

It seems substantially more likely that the Vikings trend towards a .500 record than they would landing the first overall pick. If those in the lock room are to be believed, they’ll challenge for a division title as well.

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