It's a tall order to improve on a regular season that the Vikings had in 2022, winning 13 games and the NFC North, but the team will do just that starting on Sunday at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Vikings have moved on from the likes of running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Adam Thielen, but have capable players stepping into key roles like new starting running back Alexander Mattison and first round pick Jordan Addison at wide receiver.
Here's how I'm targeting those two in the player prop market:
Best Prop Bets for Buccaneers vs. Vikings
- Alexander Mattison Over 66.5 Rushing Yards
- Jordan Addison Over 3.5 Receptions
Alexander Mattison Over 66.5 Rushing Yards
It's Mattison's backfield now, and there's little behind him considering the team released Myles Gaskin this week and will likely be leaning on Ty Chandler as the backup, the only other active RB. While Kevin O'Connell used a pass-happy approach in his first season as head coach, I believe that Mattison will receive too much volume and is bound to go over this total.
The Bucs do bolster a stout defensive line, but this is no longer a timeshare, and the No. 1 back in Minnesota is going to get his.
Jordan Addison Over 3.5 Receptions
Addison is the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner as college football's best wide receiver. He spent last year with the loaded USC Trojans wide receiver room, which maybe took him off the radar of some but not Minnesota, who selected him No. 23 in the NFL Draft this past spring.
While K.J. Osborn will also step into an increased role with Thielen now playing for the Panthers, I believe that this is going to be a big season for Addison, who will be able to feed off the attention Justin Jefferson gets.
Addison is a reliable route runner with fantastic hands. With just a handful of targets I expect him to clear this total with ease, I'm happy to grab the cheap odds on the rookie.
Before you place your Week 1 bets, click the link below to take advantage of a fantastic offer from FanDuel Sportsbook. For a limited time, new users will receive $200 in bonus bets and $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket. All they have to do is sign up for an account and bet $1 on any game!
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Track Reed's bets here!