The 11 Best Vikings Through 11 Games
The Minnesota Vikings were expected to have a rough season in year one without Kirk Cousins, but surprisingly, they have won nine of their first 11 contests, making a strong push for the postseason. Part of that success is the coaching tandem of Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores, but some players have also excelled in their 2024 season.
The 11 Best Vikings Through 11 Games
We will not list Christian Darrisaw, who one could argue has been extremely valuable despite playing in only seven of the 11 games, but this list focuses on players who are still available.
11. Josh Metellus
Safety Josh Metellus emerged in 2023 as Brian Flores’ versatile puzzle piece, playing every position on the field. He has not been quite as disruptive as last year, but he is still an extremely valuable player who will likely sign a contract extension in the upcoming offseason, and he has earned every penny of it.
Metellus has tabulated 61 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble.
10. Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has been excellent; who would’ve thought? The veteran quarterback has experienced a career resurgence in the Twin Cities, steering Kevin O’Connell’s offense. He has pushed the ball down the field a lot, which is a main principle of the scheme. If he can limit his turnovers, the sky is the limit for the Vikings.
So far, he has thrown for 2,717 yards, 21 touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
9. Aaron Jones
Running back Aaron Jones was signed to improve the running back room led by Alexander Mattison, and he has done that. Some minor injuries might have hampered his production lately, but he has still registered 1,083 yards and four touchdowns from scrimmage.
His importance was visible when a hamstring/hip injury forced him to sit out the majority of the London game.
8. Harrison Smith
Harrison Smith’s career seemed to be over when Ed Donatell misused him in 2022. Flores is letting him play all over the field, including the box, where he can disrupt plays. The 35-year-old has made numerous splash plays and is likely playing his best season since Mike Zimmer’s exit following the 2021 campaign. It could still very well be his final season, but he’s playing like he has another one in the tank.
His stat sheet shows two interceptions, one sack, and 64 tackles, and he is inexplicably leading the defense in snaps despite his age.
7. Harrison Phillips
The Vikings have the league’s top rushing defense in various statistics, and, of course, the nose tackle Harrison Phillips deserves some credit here. His two sacks are only one short of his career high, and he has added 32 tackles.
The veteran signed a new contract earlier in the season, and it has been a solid investment for the Vikings. He continues to be a difference-maker on and off the field.
6. Cam Bynum
Famous for his eccentric celebrations, his performance on the field surely matches that. Bynum has constantly grown since Rick Spielman selected him in 2021, and he is now one of the defense’s leaders. Through 11 games, Bynum has logged a career-high three interceptions and 58 tackles.
Bynum’s contract expires after the season, and he should be a priority for the front office.
5. Blake Cashman
Linebacker Blake Cashman might be the most important player on Minnesota’s defense, and the 1-2 record without him is noticeable. He seems to be the glue holding the defense together, as he is the guy who’s calling the plays and the audibles on the field.
The Minnesota native joined the club after a breakout campaign in Houston, and he has been a wonderful contributor and an all-around linebacker.
He has registered three sacks and 55 tackles.
4. Brian O’Neill
Brian O’Neill has been in Darrisaw’s shadow in the last two seasons but he was still one of the team’s best players. In 2024, however, he has been excellent, barely allowing anyone to even come close to Darnold. The voting process is always tricky, but he has made a serious case for his second Pro Bowl appearance.
Mr. Reliable has never been better.
3. Andrew Van Ginkel
It’s hard to separate the two edge defenders. Andrew Van Ginkel reunited with his former coach, Brian Flores, and he introduced himself to Vikings Nation by returning an interception for a touchdown in the season opener.
Van Ginkel’s versatility and motor make him the perfect defender. Two touchdowns, nine sacks, and 53 tackles should earn him way more attention.
2. Jonathan Greenard
Arriving in the same free agency class, Jonathan Greenard has perhaps been even more impressive than Van Ginkel as the team’s primary outside linebacker. He has already stacked nine sacks and 37 tackles. The former Texan is also leading the league in QB pressures. Greenard is outstanding in both pass and run defense and should be in Defensive Player of the Year conversations.
1. Justin Jefferson
Of course, the number one player on this list is Justin Jefferson. He is either the guy making plays, or he draws so much attention from the defense that his teammates are easy targets for Darnold.
The 939 receiving yards and five touchdowns might be a slow year statistically, but there’s no doubt about it: he has been as good as always. The Vikings just don’t pass as much, and the fact that those numbers seem low speaks to his excellence.
The face of the franchise is still the league’s top wideout, and the kind of defense he is facing on every single snap proves it.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Pro Football Focus helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt