Vegas Still Believes in Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell

It might seem like the sky is falling after the Minnesota Vikings lost to the Los Angeles Rams. To a certain extent, that would be fair. Since winning in London, Minnesota has dropped two straight, and they just lost their starting left tackle for the season. Vegas still thinks that Kevin O’Connell has the magic touch, however.

Believe in Minnesota Vikings Kevin O’Connell like the sportsbooks

There was plenty of handwringing when it comes to the evaluation of Kevin O’Connell the past couple of weeks. Of course that is through the lens of frustration following a defeat. Still though, his play calling has left something to be desired. That doesn’t change the reality that Minnesota is still 5-2, and they are in a much better spot than predicted when the season started.

O’Connell has the Vikings in position to blow by their projected 6.5 win total, and there is reason to believe they are still a playoff team. The schedule opens up some, and the offense has continued to put up points. The head coach will need to navigate a significant loss on the offensive line, but the potential outcome is why Vegas still has odds so heavily leaning in his favor.

Both major sportsbooks, FanDuel and Draft Kings, agree that O’Connell is second most likely to win Coach of the Year honors. He had previously held the top spot, but the recent slide has bumped him behind Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn. The Commanders, hold an equal 5-2 record and sit atop the NFC East. Quinn has orchestrated their strong season behind great performances from rookie Jayden Daniels. Similarly to O’Connell, he will now need to navigate a serious injury as his team moves forward.

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It’s still plenty reasonable that Minnesota doubles their win total and reaches the playoffs. O’Connell racking up ten wins in a year where Sam Darnold has performed under his tutelage is worth of recognition. The Vikings have work to do though, and that starts in earnest next weekend when the Indianapolis Colts come to town.

Sam Darnold's 2nd TD toss of the night goes to @Channel__10

📺: @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/J9Vc9I0wT7

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 25, 2024

Minnesota can’t afford to let their recent bump in the roll turn into a snowball effect. While there are plenty of players in the locker room that have individual responsibilities, it’s on the head coach to lead with that in mind. O’Connell has exhibited an ability to galvanize his team plenty this year. If he is able to continue that process the rest of the way, there’s no reason why he can’t overtake Quinn and win the award for the first time.

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The Vikings should have a pair of offensive talents back for O’Connell to work with their next time out. How he integrates both T.J. Hockenson and Dalton Risner are another piece of the coaching puzzle.