The next questions are about present Minnesota Vikings matters, answered by PurplePTSD. Right now is the December twenty seventh version, addressed in a from-the-hip vogue. You probably have questions, please e mail them to DustinBakerNFL@gmail.com.

Additionally, please be aware: These are opinion-based responses. Some solutions might be incorrect infrequently. However we’ll attempt to preserve that to a minimal.

Questions Answered: Coach of the Yr, Duke Shelley as a Starter, Playoff Underdogs

Q: Do you consider Kevin O’Connell will win the NFL Coach of the Yr?

A: No.

O’Connell is definitely a longshot to win the award regardless of the NFL’s second-best document and standing as a first-year head coach.

Nick Sirianni will win the chip right here, however O’Connell deserves to be “second,” if that’s a factor. The sixth-best odds for O’Connell are foolish.

It’s additionally mind-boggling that Dan Campbell from the Lions has higher odds of successful over O’Connell. The Lions sabotaged themselves to start out the season, firing up a 1-6 document earlier than getting their feces collectively. There’s evidently honor in starting a season with a dropping mindset, attending to .500, and then sniffing the playoffs. We don’t perceive it.

Q: Will the Vikings return to Cameron Dantzler as a starter when he’s wholesome, or persist with Duke Shelley?

A: They’ll probably return to Dantzler when he’s 100% wholesome.

However, boy, oh boy, has Shelley made the case to stay in his beginning spot. Shelley’s the league’s 14th-best cornerback per Pro Football Focus, and it feels bizarre to bench a person with that resume.

Shelley will in all probability stay lively on the Vikings protection, however Dantzler doesn’t appear to be a person who might be benched. There’s additionally an honest probability that Shelley is overachieving a bit.

We count on Dantzler to take his job again however received’t be upset if Shelley stays a starter.

Q: Any probability the Vikings open as underdogs in Spherical 1 of the postseason?

A: The Vikings host a house playoff sport it doesn’t matter what. If the Packers beat the Vikings this weekend and find yourself reaching the postseason, they might probably be favored over the Vikings in Spherical 1.

Minnesota might be favored by Vegas if it matches up with the Giants, Commanders, Seahawks, or Lions. However as a result of they’re “the Packers,” Inexperienced Bay could be one- or two-point favorites.

Deliver them on. The Vikings ought to deal with enterprise at their constructing versus any of these groups. The playoffs are for big-boy pants, so Minnesota shouldn’t concern the Packers, Giants, Commanders, Seahawks, or Lions.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the College of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his each day YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs each Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Viking fandom dates again to 1996. Listed responsible pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doorways (the band).