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Who Will Be the Minnesota Vikings Starting QB in Week 1? Odds and Betting Predictions

by Mike Allen - 3/11/2024

who will be the starting QB Minnesota Vikings Week 1 Trey Lance

The Kirk Cousins era has come to an end in Minnesota for the Vikings and their loyal fanbase. It was a good ride, really.

The Michigan State Spartan threw for nearly 20,000 yards with a triple-digit QB rating in six seasons with the purple and gold. His touchdown to interceptions ratio was on point, as well racking up 171 scores through the air and only 55 picks.

He is only 35! I thought Captain Kirk was a bit older. Alas, he is gone now, and whoever replaces him has massive shoes to fill.

Whoever is starting for the Minnesota Vikings at QB in Week 1 won’t have to match those incredible stats, though, that is if the team is winning.

Who will it be? Let’s check the betting odds and make a prediction or two!

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Betting Odds for the Week 1 Vikings Starting QB

Justin Fields: +300

The Minnesota Vikings are just as familiar with former Ohio State quarterback and current Chicago Bear, Justin Fields, as any other team in the league. They know his strengths and weaknesses already.

We would have to see an inter-divisional trade between two bitter rivals, and that may be a stretch, especially when it comes to a quarterback.

Trey Lance: +400

From what I am gathering, Trey Lance will likely remain a Dallas Cowboy for a bit. He is only costing them about 4 million for the 2024 season. Why not keep him in there in case Dak Prescott gets banged up?

Any Rookie QB: +450

The Minnesota Vikings have the 11th selection in this year’s NFL Draft. Most are expecting them to draft a QB. The question is will said rookie quarterback be sitting on the sidelines on the first snap of the 2024 season?

Considering the stable of guys they have right now, minus Cousins, of course, is not strong, there is a good chance someone like the National Champion J.J. McCarthy ouf of Michigan could be their guy by Week 1.

Right now, they have the best chances, along with the Denver Broncos, to draft him out of any team in the league.

Josh Dobbs: +450

Three days ago, Josh Dobbs tweeted a three-word message to his fans, "I'm definitely open". The context is toward Fields potentially returning to the team that drafted him, the Cleveland Browns.

Dobbs showed some skills in 2023, along with a great deal of moxy and heart. By the end of the season, though, when teams started to game plan for him, he struggled. Minnesota saw this, of course, and I don't think they want him back.

Gardner Minshew: +600

Gardner Minshew is one of the most underrated and disrespected QBs in the NFL. Pundits look at his stature and miss all the mojo and intangibles.

Minshew definitely has the mojo. I love watching this guy play. He has been an Indianapolis Colt for a while now, but his play over the years has other NFL teams highly interested. I could possibly see Minnesota drafting a QB and starting Minshew.

Ryan Tannehill: +700

The most recent rumors for Ryan Tannehill’s next NFL team point towards the Big Apple and the New York Jets.

He will have to take a massive pay cut, but he knows that. No more 2 million dollars per game until he can prove himself again.

Sam Howell: +1000

Nick Mullens: +2000

Joe Flacco: +2000

Zach Wilson: +2500

I am not mad at a Sam Howell pick. He is another guy like Menshew that I could see the Vikings bringing in even if they do select a QB at the #11 position in the upcoming draft. However, I like the (+450) for said rookie to be named later to get the Week 1 nod.

It looks like McCarthy might be the pick, and he has looked nothing short of outstanding, improving from week to week for some time now.

Pick: Any Rookie QB

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