The Minnesota Vikings are off to a hot start to the 2024 season with a record of 8-2. This is incredible based on the pre-season news that JJ McCarthy had injured his knee and would be out for the remainder of the season. However, quarterback Sam Darnold has been able to do just enough to get the Viking playmakers involved. Furthermore, the Viking defense has been one of the best in the league behind the scheme of Brian Flores.

Week 1:

The Vikings got off to a roaring start with a 28-6 win over the New York Giants. The Giants rookie Malik Nabers had 5 receptions for 66 yards in his rookie debut, but Darnold was able to get it done with Aaron Jones 94 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side Andrew Van Ginkle had a pick six to put away the game.

Week 2:

The McCafferyless 49ers fell to the Vikings 23-17. Justin Jefferson came to play with 4 receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. Rookie kicker Will Reichard continued to shine going 3/3 on field goals.

Week 3:

Minnesota rocked the unbeaten Texans 34-7. Darnold threw 4 touchdown passes and spread the ball to the entirety of the offense. The defense was special, picking off C.J. Stroad 2 times and only allowing 7 points.

Week 4:

The Vikings headed to Green Bay and brought home a 31-29 win. It was a tail of two halves as the Vikings got off to a 28-0 lead in the first half. However, the Packers fought back attempting an onside kick with just under a minute left in the game. Sam Darnold had a huge game with 275 yards passing and 3 touchdowns.

Week 5:

The Vikings headed to London to take on former Green Bay Packer, Aaron Rodgers. The offense struggled all day, but did just enough to get the 23-17 win. Andrew Van Ginkle shined again with a 63 yard pick six as the defense kept New York in check.

Week 6:

Bye week with the Vikings perfect record still intact.

Week 7:

Jahmir Gibbs was too much for the Viking defense to handle with 116 yards and 2 touchdowns on the day. The Vikings fought back with a late fumble return touchdown by Ivan Pace Jr. to take the lead. However, the Lions prevailed with a 44 yard field goal to win the game 31-29.

Week 8:

In a short week the Vikings looked to bounce back against the Rams on Thursday Night Football. The result was a 30-20 loss to Los Angeles. The Rams got their key receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back and were able to put the Vikings away in the second half.

Week 9:

The Vikings returned home to take on the Colts, coming out with a 21-13 win. The defense was sound, only allowing two field goals, while turnovers were an issue for Minnesota. Justin Jefferson played like his paycheck with 7 receptions for 137 yards.

Week 10:

The Viking offense struggled against a terrible Jaguars squad but pulled out a 12-7 win. Sam Darnold threw 3 interceptions, but the defense was able to hold Mac Jones to one first quarter touchdown. John Parker Romo replaced the injured Will Reichard and went 4/4 on field goals.

Week 11:

Darnold kept ball security in mind and was able to complete the sweep of the AFC south. The Vikings won 23-13, using a first half lead to protect a comeback. Jordan Addison caught a 47 yard touchdown on Minnesota’s play of the game.

Looking ahead it will be tough to knock off Detroit, so a wild card spot seems like a likely outcome. However, with the remaining schedule a week 18 matchup with the Lions could decide the division. With better decisions with the football the Vikings will be a tough team to beat for the remainder of the year.