Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Sam Darnold was named the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Week for Week 14. He is coming off a career-high 5 touchdown passes and a career-high 347 passing yards on Sunday at home against the Atlanta Falcons. Darnold’s strong performance helped the Minnesota Vikings cruise to a 42-21 victory.
Darnold was expected to be the team’s backup to No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy who suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason. Darnold was thrust into the spotlight and has experienced a career resurgence with the Minnesota Vikings. He is sixth in the league in passing yards this season and tied for third in passing touchdowns. Darnold has also made himself a boatload of money as he is in line for a lucrative contract this offseason. Will Darnold be able to keep up his level of play?
Minnesota Vikings Season Summary
NFC Players of the Week! (Week 14)@__lobo99 | @bryan_bresee pic.twitter.com/rVwCo4pSir
— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2024
Minnesota(11-2) is in second place in the NFC North and currently occupies the No. 5 seed in the NFC Playoffs. Minnesota is only a game back of the Detroit Lions for first place in the division. Darnold had led one of the NFL’s best offenses this season as they are 11th in total yards per game and ninth in points per game. Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson has also helped Darnold have a career season. The star wide receiver is top 10 in the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
Minnesota’s defense has also been stellar during the regular season. They are 17th in yards allowed per game, sixth in points allowed, and fourth in the league in sacks. The Minnesota Vikings are one of the NFL’s hottest teams as winners of six straight games. The defense has surrendered 13 points or less in three of their last six games.
Final Thoughts
Minnesota looks for their seventh straight win on Monday when they host a Chicago Bears team in freefall. Darnold torched Chicago’s defense a few weeks ago throwing for 330 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Minnesota has had a tremendous regular season and Darnold’s performance is one of the main reasons.
