ESPN projects Vikings success in 2023
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off of one of the most exciting regular seasons in recent memory. Though the Vikings were able to capture the NFC North crown last season, ESPN isn’t giving them the same respect heading into 2023. ESPN’s Football Power Index calculates each team’s chances of making the playoffs, winning their division, […]
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off of one of the most exciting regular seasons in recent memory. Though the Vikings were able to capture the NFC North crown last season, ESPN isn’t giving them the same respect heading into 2023.
ESPN’s Football Power Index calculates each team’s chances of making the playoffs, winning their division, reaching certain rounds in the postseason and even winning the Super Bowl. While the offseason slowly trudges along, let’s see where the Vikings stand in in the eyes of ESPN’s FPI.
When it comes to making the playoffs, which would likely be the bar for a successful season, Minnesota’s chances are listed at 51.8%.
The Detroit Lions (65.4%) rank just ahead of the Vikes, while the Chicago Bears (34.2%) and Green Bay Packers (27.9%) bring up the rear in the NFC North. The Lions are certainly gaining plenty of steam without much of a track record of winning at a high level.
As far as odds to win the division go, the Vikings (28.7%) have the second-best chance to sit atop the NFC North’s throne for the second straight season.
Interestingly enough, Detroit has the second-worst odds of any projected division winner in the NFL. That would indicate that the division is up for grabs, though it appears to be a two-horse race.
The rest of the NFC North goes as follows, according to FPI:
Detroit Lions – 43.2%
Chicago Bears – 15.9%
Green Bay Packers – 12.2%
It wouldn’t be right to wrap this up without mentioning Minnesota’s Super Bowl chances. If the Vikings can survive and advance through the NFC’s side of the bracket, ESPN’s FPI gives them a 2.3% chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
