Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings toppled the 6-5 Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, using a fancy 2nd Half to prevail by a score of 23-22 after a lackluster first 30 minutes.
The 5 Main Takeaways from Vikings-Cardinals
The Vikings now have a 10-2 record in 2024 — a season when they were supposed to win about six or seven games, according to oddsmakers.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Minnesota converted one 3rd Down attempt on eight attempts — and somehow won.
Few teams can get away with that and achieve victory, and it hardly ever ends well for Minnesota. In fact, Sunday’s game was the first time in Vikings history that they converted one 3rd Down or less, ran for less than 75 rushing yards — and still won.
They were previously 0-11 when converting just one 3rd Down and rushing for less than 75 yards in games since 1961.
2. Clutch Darnold — Again
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
In Week 12, the Vikings called on Sam Darnold in overtime to lead a game-winning drive at the Chicago Bears. He said, “Sure, I can do that.” Minnesota won 30-27.
Darnold got the call again in Week 13 and delivered another game-winning drive even after a dreadful 1st half from himself and his teammates.
This clutch version of Sam Darnold might be a thing.
1. One More Win Needed for Playoff Entry
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
If Minnesota topples Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday — they are favored to do so by 4.5 points — it will all but stamp a ticket to the postseason. It would be virtually unheard of for a team with an 11-win team to miss the dance in the seven-team-per-conference playoff format.
This is noteworthy because sportsbooks and this website expected the Vikings to finish 7-10 or 8-9 in 2024.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow . The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
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