The Minnesota Vikings have reunited with quarterback Kirk Cousins following a November 10 trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, giving the franchise a familiar leader as it attempts to turn a promising 2026 NFL season into a championship run.
Minnesota surrendered a third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to acquire the 38-year-old quarterback, who previously spent six seasons with the Vikings. Cousins returns to a 6-2 team that has lost two consecutive games, largely because of inconsistent quarterback play.
The trade reunites Cousins with head coach Kevin O’Connell and star receiver Justin Jefferson. Through nine games with Las Vegas, Cousins threw for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
ESPN’s Ben Solak named Cousins one of the biggest winners of the NFL trade deadline, citing his familiarity with Minnesota’s offense and the chance to lead a team with one of the league’s strongest defenses.
The move has also brought renewed attention to betting markets for the Minnesota Vikings, with Bovada listing the Vikings among the contenders for the Super Bowl, NFC Championship, and NFC North title.
Vikings vs. Packers Week 10 Betting Odds
Minnesota’s first test following the trade comes Sunday, November 15, against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Bovada Week 10 Odds
- Minnesota Vikings +3 (-115) | Moneyline +135
- Green Bay Packers -3 (-105) | Moneyline -160
- Over 42 (-110)
- Under 42 (-110)
Green Bay enters the matchup as a three-point favorite, with Minnesota looking to end its two-game losing streak against a divisional opponent. Cousins’ potential return to the starting lineup adds another storyline. His previous Vikings tenure ended with an Achilles injury suffered at Lambeau Field in October 2023. Whether he starts Sunday remains an important consideration for bettors.
Minnesota Vikings Playoff Odds Favor a Postseason Appearance
Vikings to Make the Playoffs
- Yes -275
- No +200
Despite consecutive losses, Minnesota remains a substantial favorite to reach the postseason. The -275 odds for NFL Playoffs betting reflects the Vikings’ 6-2 record and their defense’s strength. Adding Cousins could address the team’s biggest weakness without requiring major changes to O’Connell’s offensive system.
At +200, missing the playoffs remains the underdog outcome, suggesting bookmakers expect Minnesota to remain competitive through the second half of the season.
Vikings Regular Season Win Total Odds
Bovada offers three different regular-season win totals for Minnesota, with the strongest betting support appearing around the 10-win mark.
Over/Under 9.5 Wins
- Over 9.5 -325
- Under 9.5 +260
Over/Under 10.5 Wins
- Over 10.5 -140
- Under 10.5 +120
Over/Under 11.5 Wins
- Over 11.5 +180
- Under 11.5 -220
With six victories already secured, Minnesota needs four additional wins to clear the lowest total. The 10.5-win market presents a tighter projection, while the odds favor the Vikings finishing with fewer than 12 victories. Cousins’ ability to stabilize the passing offense could determine which of those thresholds Minnesota reaches.
Vikings Super Bowl LXI Odds Reach +2000
Super Bowl LXI Odds
- San Francisco 49ers +500
- Buffalo Bills +575
- Chicago Bears +800
- Jacksonville Jaguars +800
- Green Bay Packers +2000
- Minnesota Vikings +2000
Minnesota is listed at +2000 to win Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, putting the Vikings alongside Green Bay in the championship futures market. The odds suggest Minnesota has a credible championship opportunity, although San Francisco and Buffalo remain considerably stronger favorites. For Cousins, the trade offers a chance to pursue his first Super Bowl appearance with a roster that can compete immediately.
Vikings NFC Championship Odds at +900
NFC Championship Winner
- San Francisco 49ers +250
- Chicago Bears +400
- Detroit Lions +800
- Los Angeles Rams +800
- Minnesota Vikings +900
Minnesota enters the NFC Championship market at +900, trailing San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles. The Vikings’ defensive strength makes them a potentially difficult postseason opponent, particularly if Cousins improves the offense’s consistency. However, Minnesota still faces considerable competition within its own division, making regular-season positioning especially important.
Vikings NFC North Division Odds
NFC North Winner
- Chicago Bears +150
- Detroit Lions +250
- Minnesota Vikings +275
- Green Bay Packers +525
Chicago remains the NFC North favorite at +150, followed by Detroit at +250 and Minnesota at +275. The divisional race remains competitive, with three teams priced relatively close together. Sunday’s matchup against Green Bay could quickly show whether Cousins can deliver the offensive improvement Minnesota needs.
While the Vikings are not favored to win the division or conference, the return of their former quarterback gives Minnesota a chance to capitalize on its strong defense and pursue a deeper postseason run.
