The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

The Vikings’ 2023 season didn’t go as planned. First, Justin Jefferson was injured and missed time. Next, Kirk Cousins blew his Achilles tendon and missed half the season. All the while, the Vikings struggled on defense and limped to a 7-10 finish, losing four straight to close the season. This off-season the team underwent massive changes. Now, with questions at quarterback, what can the Vikings do to be more consistent in 2024? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Vikings lost both their starters in the offensive backfield as quarterback Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons and running back Alexander Mattison signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. The team also lost plenty of talent on defense, as Danielle Hunter and Jordan Hicks left at linebacker, and Marcus Davenport left at defensive end, among others. But in free agency, the Vikings worked to fill some holes. On defense, the team signed tackle Jerry Tillery and linebackers Jabril Cox and Andrew Van Ginkel, among others. The team also brought in Sam Darnold—who spent 2023 with the 49ers—to serve as a veteran option at quarterback. To fill the other backfield need, the team went with former Packers’ back Aaron Jones. In seven seasons he’s run for 5,940 yards and 45 touchdowns, catching 272 passes for 2,076 yards. He gives the Vikings experience and a weapon in the backfield.

In the draft, the Vikings wasted little time in trying to find a new franchise option at quarterback. In the First Round, the Vikings selected former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy threw for 2,700-plus yards and 44 passing touchdowns the last two seasons at Michigan, including leading the Wolverines to a National Championship in 2023. With a second First-Round pick, the Vikings snagged a pass-rusher in Dallas Turner to bolster the pass rush.

Fantasy Prospects

The Vikings having plenty of questions, beginning at quarterback. McCarthy is the future, and the best option in dynasty. But what about 2024? All signs point to the team bringing him along slowly and likely starting the season with the veteran Darnold. The Vikings have weapons but I’m not optimistic. Darnold is a QB3 for me and I think we see McCarthy later in the season provided his current knee issue isn’t season-ending.

In the backfield, the Vikings have Jones and Ty Chandler, who rushed for 461 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. He figures to give them some competition and insurance as Jones missed six games for the Packers in 2023. I like Jones to lead the backfield but Chandler to provide some flex value. I have Jones in the RB3 range and Chandler in the RB4 range.

Among receivers, it’s hard to be better than Justin Jefferson. The Vikings’ star got a big extension and is the backbone of the offense. I’m not bullish on this unit in general due to the unsettled quarterback situation, but I still have Jefferson as a WR1. Not perhaps Top 5, but still a WR1. Among other weapons, the Vikings have second-year receiver Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Hockenson is coming back from injury, and I suspect he won’t start the season. I have him finishing as a high-end TE2 overall, but back as a weekly TE1 from late October through the end of the season. Addison is more of a question, especially as he battles some off-field issues. He’s still talented, so I think he still ends up as a WR4.

Prediction

The Vikings are starting over in some ways, and I don’t think they’ve found bottom quite yet. I suspect it will be a season where the team is competitive but doesn’t win a lot of games. The best they can hope for is to find their franchise quarterback in McCarthy. I think the Vikings will be fourth in the NFC North and earn another top draft pick.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.