Sam Darnold gets MVP chants in Vikings win over Falcons
Vikings QB Sam Darnold speaks with reporters after throwing 5 touchdown passes in a 42-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota has won six straight and is 11-2.
(FOX 9) - Sam Darnold is the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing a single-game career-high five touchdown passes in last Sunday’s 42-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.
By the numbers
What we know: Darnold was 22-of-28 for 347 yards. He completed a combined 15 passes for 265 yards and all five scores to Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson.
It’s the second time in his career that Darnold has won NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
He’s the first Vikings’ quarterback to throw five touchdowns in a game since Daunte Culpepper in 2006.
Why it matters
The Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year, $10 million contract for the 2024 season after Kirk Cousins left in free agency.
Darnold is having the best season of his career. He’s sixth in the NFL with 3,299 passing yards, and third with 28 touchdown passes. He’s also third with a 108.1 rating for the season. His 157.9 passer rating on Sunday is a career-best and franchise record. He has 11 games with at least a 100 passer rating, a Vikings’ franchise record.
He’s 11-2 as the Vikings’ starting quarterback this season, and he’s put himself in the MVP conversation with four regular season games to play.
What’s next
The Vikings end a three-game homestand hosting the Chicago Bears for Monday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium.
They can clinch a playoff spot with a win, or a Rams loss to the 49ers on Thursday night, or a Seahawks loss to the Packers on Sunday night.
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