This is no longer just a feel-good story for the Minnesota Vikings. This team is 11-2, with a legitimate chance to reach the greatest heights. A few months ago, before the team kicked off the regular season with a clear-cut victory over the woebegone New York Giants, the Vikings appeared destined for last place in the NFC North.
The Detroit Lions were the clear favorites and they have been even better than most observers thought they would be with their 12-1 record and 11-game winning streak. However, the Vikings have outplayed the Green Bay Packers (9-4) to this point, and that idea was considered laughable prior to Week 1.
Then there’s the Chicago Bears. They were the team of the summer with their star turn on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series and their No. draft choice in Caleb Williams at quarterback. However, after a 4-2 start, the Bears are in a full-fledged freefall that has plummeted them to the NFC North with a 4-9 record.
The Vikings had a five-game winning streak at the start of the season and are in the midst of a six-game run. They have won when they have played badly (against Jacksonville and Tennessee) and they have been impressive in a fourth-quarter comeback win over the Arizona Cardinals and a dominant win over Atlanta Falcons.
They are hot on the heels of the Lions for the division title, and while catching and passing the Lions will be a major challenge, it is not far-fetched. The Lions are a brilliant team to this point with what appears to be an unstoppable offense and a resilient but severely injured defense.
The Vikings have a better closing schedule than the Lions. Minnesota closes with the Bears, Seahawks, Packers and Lions. The Lions host the Bills, then go on the road for the Bears and Niners before the season finale against the Bears.
The Lions currently have the tiebreaker edge – better conference record – and if they retain that edge, the Vikings will have to beat the Lions in Week 18 and have the Lions lose one more game. The Bills and Niners are at least capable of pushing the Lions hard.
Kevin O’Connell has set the tone
Justin Jefferson and Kevin O'Connell have played dominant roles in the Vikings climb up the NFC ... [+] ladder. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)Getty Images
The Vikings have avoided a slump this season because they have a leader in Kevin O’Connell who is clearly a candidate for Coach of the Year. He understands offensive game planning, how to get the most out of a quarterback’s ability and he understands what it takes to command the locker room. Legitimately one of the best coaches in the NFL.
Sam Darnold has heard his name mentioned as an MVP candidate as he has gotten exceptionally hot in the last three weeks. He has averaged 304.0 yards per game with a 9-0 TD-interception ratio over that span. Darnold has exceeded all expectations and has had a remarkable season after six ordinary ones before the Vikings signed him to a one-year, $10 million contract in the offseason.
Darnold is contending with Jared Goff, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley and Lamar Jackson for the MVP. He may be no better than fourth to this point, but he could continue to rise if the Vikings find a way to overtake the Lions.
Jefferson may be double covered, but he commands the field
In addition to O’Connell and Darnold, Justin Jefferson continues to impact every game. He has been double-covered in nearly every game and that has allowed Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson to have huge games throughout the last month.
Jefferson leads the way with 75 receptions for 1,170 yards and 7 touchdowns, and he could reach 100 receptions by the final game of the regular season. Addison has caught 44-708-7 and has turned into a major big-play threat while Hockenson has caught 27-299-0 since coming back from last season’s knee injury.
Aaron Jones may be the X-factor coming out of the backfield. He has flashed his speed and talent with 197 carries for 893 yards and 4 rushing TDs while also catching 37-302-2, but he has fumbled 5 times this season, including 4 in the last 3 games. O’Connell professes his faith in his No. 1 running back, but it’s hard to break the fumbling habit.
Backing all the offensive prowess is a defense that ranks 6th in the league with 18.5 points allowed per game. The Vikings have the No. 2 run defense behind the Baltimore Ravens, allowing 87.2 yards per game.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has constructed this defense, and newcomers Blake Cashman (73 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 6 TFL, 6 passes defensed) Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel have all had huge moments that have helped transform the defense into a unit that comes through when the game is on the line. They are joined by safeties Josh Metellus, Harrison Smith and Cam Bynum, the team's three leading tacklers.
The Vikings have proved that they are a legitimate threat in the NFC to this point in the season. They have four more weeks to show that they can climb the ladder all the way to the top of the standings – an idea that seemed ridiculous in early September.