How Did the Vikings Get Here?
Heading into the 2024 NFL season, expectations for the Minnesota Vikings were anything but optimistic. With franchise cornerstones Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter departing during the offseason, uncertainty clouded the team’s prospects.
The Vikings responded with a flurry of moves, acquiring Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Aaron Jones, Blake Cashman, and Sam Darnold in free agency while also drafting standout rookies J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner. Still, skeptics wondered if these additions could fill the void left by Cousins and Hunter or if the Vikings were destined for a rebuilding year.
Fast forward to the present, and the Vikings have silenced all doubters. Sitting at an impressive 12-2 record, they’re firmly in the hunt for the NFC’s top playoff seed. The new additions haven’t just assimilated — they’ve exceeded expectations, playing pivotal roles in a remarkable campaign.
With a dynamic blend of veteran talent and emerging stars, Minnesota has redefined what this roster is capable of, positioning themselves as serious Super Bowl contenders. Their success really only leaves two questions remaining: How did we get here? And what does the rest of the road to the Super Bowl look like for the 2024 Minnesota Vikings?
Roster Turnover
The Minnesota Vikings faced a daunting challenge entering the 2024 NFL season after losing two of their cornerstone players, quarterback Cousins and edge rusher Hunter, to free agency. Tasked with filling these massive voids, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah embarked on an aggressive offseason strategy to not only replace their production but to reshape the roster into a more balanced and dynamic unit.
Among the key acquisitions were edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, as well as quarterback Darnold, who were all brought in to address critical areas of need. To further bolster the roster, the Vikings added running back Jones, middle linebacker Cashman, and veteran cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin, fortifying multiple position groups.
While the signings initially drew mixed reactions from analysts, these new additions have far exceeded expectations, transforming the Vikings into one of the league’s most formidable teams.
Greenard has emerged as a true revelation on the edge, registering 11 sacks and proving to be a disruptive force in opposing backfields. Van Ginkel’s versatility has been invaluable, with the linebacker excelling both as a pass rusher and in coverage, punctuated by two game-changing pick-sixes that have swung momentum in key contests.
In the middle, Cashman has been a steadying presence, excelling against both the run and pass, while the experienced duo of Gilmore and Griffin has brought consistency and reliability to a cornerback room that was often maligned in previous seasons.
Meanwhile, Jones has revitalized the running game, surpassing Alexander Mattison’s production from last year with a combination of explosiveness and dependability that has kept defenses honest. Together, these newcomers have not only offset the losses they faced during the offseason but have elevated the Vikings into a team with depth, flexibility, and playmakers across the board.
A Journeyman Turned Hero
Among the many moves the Minnesota Vikings made this offseason, none looms larger than the Darnold’s acquisition. Once considered a draft-day disappointment after a rocky start with the New York Jets, Darnold bounced to Carolina and San Francisco before landing in Minnesota.
Signed primarily as a bridge quarterback to give first-round pick McCarthy time to develop, Darnold has blown away all expectations, delivering an MVP-caliber campaign. His stellar play has been the backbone of the Vikings’ impressive 12-2 record, and he has quickly silenced any lingering doubts about his ability to lead a team.
Darnold’s resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable. Through 14 games, he has amassed over 3,500 passing yards and 29 passing touchdowns, with just 11 interceptions, placing him firmly in the MVP conversation.
His ability to command the offense, deliver accurate throws under pressure, and connect with a talented receiving corps has elevated the Vikings’ passing game to one of the league’s best. Beyond the numbers, Darnold’s poise and leadership have instilled confidence in a roster that underwent significant change in the offseason.
While originally expected to be a placeholder, Darnold has proven to be the driving force behind Minnesota’s success, with the Vikings poised not just for a playoff run but as Super Bowl contenders.
What Lies Ahead?
The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a tightly contested NFC playoff race, currently sitting as the five-seed despite an impressive 12-2 record. Tied with both the top-seed Detroit Lions and second-seed Philadelphia Eagles, the Vikings remain in striking distance of the NFC North title and the coveted top seed in the playoffs.
With three games left on their schedule against the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions, Minnesota holds its postseason destiny in its own hands. If the Vikings and Lions both win their next two games, their Week 18 showdown in Detroit will likely determine not only the division champion but the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Detroit’s path to maintaining its top spot, however, is not necessarily guaranteed. The Lions have been plagued by injuries down the stretch and face challenging matchups against the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers before their season finale against Minnesota. Should Detroit falter in one or both of those games, the door would swing open for the Vikings to seize home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
For Minnesota, the formula is simple but demanding: win out, and the NFC postseason will run through Minneapolis. With a healthy roster and a chance to control their own fate, the Vikings are poised to make a strong push for the NFC’s top seed in these final weeks.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.