Cantor Gaming, arguably one of the most respected sportsbooks in Las Vegas, has released its highly anticipated NFL season win totals. The Minnesota Vikings are clearly in a rebuilding mode as they have been slate for 7 wins (Over -120) this year. Minnesota is at +3000 Odds to win the NFC Championship and +5500 Odds to win Super Bowl XLVIII.
Thanks mainly to an MVP season from running back Adrian Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings orchestrated one of the league's better recent turnarounds, flipping a 3-13 mark in 2011 into a 10-6 record and a playoff berth in 2012. The Vikings' regular season essentially split into three parts: a surprising start, a mid-year slide and a finishing hot streak. Minnesota opened 4-1, notching wins over Jacksonville, San Francisco, Tennessee and at Detroit. But the Vikings then dropped five of their next seven to fall to 6-6, putting their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. But they ended the season on an impressive four-game win streak -- Minnesota knocked off Chicago and Green Bay at home, while downing St. Louis and eventual AFC North champ Houston on the road.
Peterson's jaw-dropping 2,097-yard season, which carried a 6.0 yards-per-attempt average, certainly led the way. For as great as Peterson was, however, the Vikings' offensive line deserves a boatload of credit, too. Rookie left tackle Matt Kalil was everything the Vikings hoped he would be, and more. He, right tackle Phil Loadholt, left guard Charlie Johnson and center John Sullivan all played almost every snap on offense in 2012, giving Minnesota enviable continuity up front. Loadholt, a pending UFA, might be the player Minnesota most needs to re-sign.
The Vikings need an upgrade at linebacker and a big upgrade at WR to give Ponder and Peterson some help on offense, plus more defensive line depth would be a help as well. All eyes will be on the quarterback position, to see if Ponder appears ready to take the next step. The defense also will warrant plenty of attention -- the Vikings could have new starters in place at all three levels (line, linebackers, secondary) on that side of the ball.
The reality of Minnesota's situation is this: Despite Peterson's presence, this team likely will slide under the radar in its own division again, as the focus mainly falls on Green Bay and Detroit. That lack of attention worked to the Vikings' benefit last season, but will they be able to sneak up on people again?
2013 schedule (all times ET)
Sept. 8 at Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 15 at Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 22 vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 29 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (London), 1:00 p.m.
Bye Week
Oct. 13 vs. Carolina Panthers, 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 21 at New York Giants (Mon), 8:40 p.m.
Oct. 27 vs. Green Bay Packers 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 3 at Dallas Cowboys, 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 7 vs. Washington Redskins (Thurs), 8:25 p.m.
Nov. 17, at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m.
Nov. 24 at Green Bay Packers. 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 1 vs. Chicago Bears. 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 8 at Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 15 vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 22 at Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 29 Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m.
Pick: Actually no pick on this one as I feel that 7 is appropriate for this team.
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NFL Free Picks: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings Betting
What pro football bettors need to know about Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings on Sunday (9/29/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Steve Fezzik with Vegas Runner.