Minnesota Vikings Information and Hyperlinks: Can The Vikings Beat Seattle?

The Vikings may have a tricky check this week on the street vs the Seachickens. They will be determined as a result of in the event that they lose then their playoff odds drop significantly however they’d nonetheless have an opportunity as a result of different groups of their division additionally having 6 or extra losses. The Vikings are acting at the next degree statistically although. I feel they may prevail however it isn’t going to be simple and there might be some fear. I feel it’s a nice check for the playoffs although. What do you assume? Can the Vikings stack one other win?

Minnesota Vikings Information and Hyperlinks

NFL playoff eventualities: What if the Eagles, Lions and Vikings all end with the identical document?

Listed below are the steps to interrupt a tie within the NFL between groups from completely different divisions (divisional ties are decided with the extra step of divisional document between steps 1 and a couple of):

1. Head-to-head (finest won-lost-tied proportion in video games among the many golf equipment).

2. Finest won-lost-tied proportion in video games performed throughout the convention.

3. Finest won-lost-tied proportion in frequent video games, minimal of 4.

4. Power of victory in all video games.

5. Power of schedule in all video games.

6. Finest mixed rating amongst convention groups in factors scored and factors allowed in all video games.

7. Finest mixed rating amongst all groups in factors scored and factors allowed in all video games.

8. Finest internet factors in convention video games.

9. Finest internet factors in all video games.

10. Finest internet touchdowns in all video games.

11. Coin toss

The NFC North issue

The Lions beat the Vikings 31-29 of their first assembly of the season on Oct. 20, so that they have the sting going into the groups’ second matchup in Week 18 on Jan. 5. The Vikings have that single divisional loss, whereas the Lions have zero, however each groups additionally play one different divisional recreation — the Lions play the Bears in Week 16, and the Vikings play the Packers in Week 17. It might very seemingly all come all the way down to that ultimate recreation.

Wanting forward, if the Lions win out, they’re the No. 1 seed. If each the Eagles and Vikings win out, the Vikings would seemingly personal the tiebreaker on account of power of victory, per the Detroit Free Press.

Right here’s how the Vikings might land the NFC’s No. 1 seed within the NFL playoffs

The Detroit Lions, additionally 12-2, at the moment lead the NFC North and maintain the No. 1 seed because of a Week 7 win over the Vikings. The 12-2 Philadelphia Eagles are additionally vying for the highest spot within the NFC. The NFL at the moment offers the Vikings an 18% probability of incomes the highest seed, with the Eagles at 30% and the Lions main the pack with a 52% probability.

If the Vikings win their remaining three video games, they’re in nice place to earn the No. 1 seed, no matter what the Eagles or Lions do.

By profitable out, the Vikings would end 15-2 and essentially have a greater document than the Lions for the reason that two groups play one another in Week 18. The Lions would end 14-3 and earn a wild card spot.

If the Eagles additionally end 15-2, the No. 1 seed would come all the way down to tiebreakers, the primary of which is head-to-head document. For the reason that Vikings and Eagles didn’t play one another this season, that’s not relevant.

Then we go to convention win proportion. If each groups win out, they may end with equivalent 10-2 data in opposition to the NFC.

On to the subsequent one, which is win proportion in frequent video games. Philadelphia and Minnesota have 4 frequent opponents this season — the New York Giants, Inexperienced Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars. Each groups could be 5-1 in opposition to frequent opponents, so this received’t settle issues, both.

On we go to power of victory in all video games, which merely means the mixed document of all of the groups the Vikings and Eagles have every defeated. This one’s trickier to calculate, as a result of there are nonetheless three weeks left within the season. Whereas the Eagles at the moment maintain the tiebreaker right here, the Vikings would seemingly get the sting by season’s finish due to their remaining schedule. Minnesota performs the Seattle Seahawks (at the moment 8-6), Packers (10-4) and Lions (12-2), whereas Philadelphia performs the Washington Commanders (9-5), Dallas Cowboys (6-8) and Giants (2-12).

To say Sam Darnold has been a discount for Minnesota could be a large understatement.

Making simply $10 million on his one-year deal, the 2018 No. 3 general decide has exceeded each expectation the Vikings might have probably imagined and has this franchise able to make a real run at its first Tremendous Bowl look for the reason that 1976 season.

By his first 14 video games sporting purple, Darnold has accomplished 67.6% of his passes for 3,530 yards with 29 touchdowns, all of that are profession bests. And regardless of his 11 interceptions, he nonetheless has the fourth-highest passer score within the league at 104.9, which can also be a career-high.

Given these numbers, the 27-year-old has joined an unique membership that features simply two different quarterbacks, as he’s now solely the third to succeed in 3,500 yards, 29 landing passes, and a passer score of 100 or higher in his first 14 video games with a brand new crew.

The primary to take action was longtime Indianapolis Colts signal-caller Peyton Manning, who had 4,016 yards, 31 touchdowns, and a 103.5 passer score in his first 14 video games with the Denver Broncos in 2012.

The second was former Lions QB Matthew Stafford, who posted 4,142 yards, 35 touchdowns, and a 108.2 score in his first 14 outings with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.

That’s not dangerous firm to be in.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Minnesota Vikings: NFL specialists predict Week 16 matchup

“The Vikings have won seven consecutive games after ripping the Bears at home on Monday night. They found a power running game at the right time again with Aaron Jones — just in time to keep the Seahawks reeling up front. Sam Darnold will better protect the ball, while likely fill-in counterpart Sam Howell will have flashbacks to the heavy pressure he saw while with the Commanders.”

“Geno Smith (knee) left the Week 15 loss to the Packers, and if he cannot go, then Sam Howell will face the Vikings, one of eight NFL teams with 40-plus sacks. Minnesota is 3-1 ATS when favored by four points or more, and Sam Darnold continues to be the hot hand.”

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports activities: Vikings 30, Seahawks 21

“The Seahawks might not have quarterback Geno Smith in this game. If he does play with that injured ankle, he will be limited. That matters against a good, aggressive Vikings defense. Sam Darnold will get back on track after a so-so showing last week as Minnesota keeps pushing to the top seed.”

Ben Rolfe, Professional Soccer Community: Vikings 24, Seahawks 17

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Vikings 24, Seahawks 17

Sam Darnold Makes Plans With Vikings Crystal Clear After Besting Bears

Darnold spoke with ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” forward of a twin NFL broadcast that included the Vikings in opposition to the Chicago Bears on ABC and the Las Vegas Raiders internet hosting the Atlanta Falcons on ESPN in staggered begins.

Throughout that interview, the reporter requested Darnold about his impending free company, to which the quarterback gave the most secure potential reply.

“I’m not focused on that at all,” Darnold responded. “I’m really stuck in the moment.”

And whereas that could be the reality, even when it occurs to not be the entire of it, Darnold made some telling feedback following his crew’s victory over the Bears.

That win put the Vikings at 12-2, in a tie for first place within the NFC with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, and paved the way in which for Minnesota to manage its personal future — win out and seize each the NFC North Division title in addition to the highest playoff seed within the convention and home-field benefit all through the playoffs.

When ESPN’s sideline reporter requested Darnold the way it felt to be in that place after spending the final a number of years as a backup bouncing across the league with the model of “bust” seemingly destined to taint his status in perpetuity, the 27-year-old quarterback who all the time says the secure factor appeared to disclose a glitch in his public relations armor.

Darnold responded that there’s “no other group of guys” with whom he would slightly be taking this journey and discovering this success, which is telling in relation to his preferences for the offseason.

NERD ALERT!

Sam Darnold ranks extremely excessive in ‘adjusted quarterback efficiency’ metric

Sam Darnold ranks eleventh amongst quarterback in anticipated factors added (EPA) per play this season. However which may not inform the entire story of how good he’s been. A metric known as “adjusted quarterback efficiency” from analyst Kevin Cole, which makes an attempt to incorporate quite a lot of different components, has Darnold because the fourth-best QB within the NFL in 2024, trailing solely Josh Allen, Jordan Love, and Lamar Jackson.

Cole’s AQE makes “adjustments for expected EPA” on luck-influenced issues like yards after the catch, drops, interceptions, defensive go interference penalties, fumbles, power of schedule, and climate. Nevertheless it really works, Darnold jumps forward of Jared Goff, Joe Burrow, and Brock Purdy, amongst others, on this metric.

It doesn’t matter what conventional statistics or superior metrics you utilize, the numbers help the concept Darnold has been at the very least a top-ten quarterback this season, if not top-five.

By 15 weeks, he’s sixth in passing yards, fifth in passing touchdowns, fourth in passer score, and fifth in yards per try. Darnold is ninth in adjusted internet yards per try, which dings him a bit for sacks and interceptions. He’s sixth in success charge and third in completion proportion over anticipated. He’s seventh in PFF grade and fourth in big-time throw proportion.

Insider Rejects Former Government’s Claims About Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy

Sam Darnold’s worth continues to rise. The query of whether or not or not the Minnesota Vikings pays to maintain him grows extra intriguing proper together with it. However the place does that depart J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings first-round decide within the 2024 draft?

That conviction might carry over into their choice to pivot to McCarthy. Nevertheless, former Vikings government vice chairman and normal supervisor Rick Spielman doesn’t imagine they need to check destiny a second time.

“If I was in Minnesota, why wouldn’t you keep Sam Darnold?” Spielman mentioned on the “With the First Pick” podcast on December 10. He’s [McCarthy] a rookie. He’s going to begin over from scratch. He didn’t do something this 12 months – he’s not training. He’s sitting in conferences, he’s rehabbing. He hasn’t completed one factor since that surgical procedure besides rehab [and] throw the ball on the facet perhaps. However he’s not training.

“You’re starting from square one with him. Why not do a potential bridge deal like Baker Mayfield?”

As for McCarthy not training. That’s true. However ESPN’s Kevin Seifert pushed again on Spielman’s assertion, highlighting the revolutionary approach the Vikings have saved McCarthy as up-to-speed as potential.

“NFL rules prohibit players on injured reserve from participating in or even attending practice, regardless of whether their injuries are healed. The best McCarthy has been able to do is use the footage from Darnold’s helmet camera, which provides audio of the playcall in the huddle, a view of protection calls on the line of scrimmage and the sequence of Darnold’s reads based on coverage,” Seifert wrote on December 16.

“The video can be transferred to a wall of screens in the Vikings’ draft room, according to Wes Phillips, giving McCarthy a life-size view of the field. More commonly, however, he watches it with a virtual reality visor. He can also attend and participate in all quarterback and team meetings behind the scenes.”

There was already optimism about McCarthy’s progress throughout coaching camp.

“The Vikings had grown increasingly excited about the likelihood that he would be ready to play this season — and there was an outside chance that he could have beaten out Darnold for the Week 1 starter’s job. The injury not only set back those plans, but they also limited his capacity for developing over the course of his rookie season,” Seifert wrote.

“Spielman doesn’t have the same access as Vikings coaches and executives to the details of McCarthy’s behind-the-scenes work.”

Vikings drop in a number of energy rankings regardless of profitable seventh straight recreation

Regardless of the win, the Vikings dropped a spot or two in a number of of the nationwide energy rankings this week. Right here’s our weekly take a look at energy ranks from throughout the NFL media panorama…

PFT – No. 4 (Final week: No. 4)

FOX Sports activities – No. 4 (Final week: No. 5)

The Athletic – No. 5 (Final week: No. 3)

SI.com – No. 5 (Final week: No: 4)

CBS Sports activities – No. 5 (Final week: No. 4)

NFL.com – No. 5 (Final week: No. 5)

Yahoo! – No. 5 (Final week: No. 5)

ESPN – No. 5 (Final week: No. 5)

Falcons’ choice to bench Kirk Cousins makes Vikings look fairly prescient

The Atlanta Falcons introduced on Tuesday their choice to bench quarterback Kirk Cousins and make rookie Michael Penix Jr. their starter shifting ahead. At 7-7, they’re only one recreation again within the NFC South, and so they’ve determined that Penix offers them a greater probability to win. Contemplating Cousins has thrown one landing and 9 interceptions over the past 5 video games, the transfer isn’t surprising.

The Vikings reportedly had curiosity in bringing Cousins again this offseason after his glorious 2023 marketing campaign was lower brief by an Achilles tear. However in addition they had limits on how a lot they had been keen to decide to a now-36-year-old quarterback coming off a critical damage. That they had no real interest in matching what Cousins obtained from Atlanta, which was a four-year, $180 million contract that features $90 million assured. Commendably, the Vikings caught to their course of.

Adofo-Mensah’s strikes this spring have aged remarkably effectively. The Vikings are within the midst of a season that has an opportunity to succeed in uncommon heights. They’ll have a call to make on Darnold subsequent offseason, with McCarthy ready within the wings, however that may anticipate now. What’s abundantly clear is that they had been proper to be OK with shifting on from Cousins, who delivered only one Vikings playoff win in six years on large contracts.

YORE EXTREMELY STUPID LINK OF THE DAY

Vikings Might Exchange Sam Darnold in Reunion With 4-Time Professional-Bowl QB

The Minnesota Vikings might go a number of alternative ways at quarterback after the season concludes, together with taking a visit down reminiscence lane.

Considerably paradoxically, and only one 12 months after making the swap below middle, Darnold could now be too costly for the Vikings long-term (notably with No. 10 general decide J.J. McCarthy ready within the wings), whereas Cousins could show a very inexpensive choice as a backup to McCarthy if/when he steps into the beginning position subsequent season.

The best way a Cousins-Vikings reunion might work is just like how the Pittsburgh Steelers landed Russell Wilson for the league minimal of $1.2 million throughout final offseason.

In that state of affairs, the Vikings might swoop in and supply him the league minimal as a free agent — simply because the Steelers did with Wilson when the Denver Broncos launched him forward of this season. Atlanta would owe Cousins $40 million in 2025, which might imply Minnesota pays the QB $1.2 million for the season and the Falcons are on the hook for the opposite $38.8 million.

Yore Mock
Commerce Recap
Minnesota Receives:
2025: Spherical 2, Choose 33
2025: Spherical 4, Choose 102
New York Receives:
2025: Spherical 1, Choose 28
…
Minnesota Receives:
2025: Spherical 2, Choose 42
2025: Spherical 3, Choose 74
2025: Spherical 6, Choose 185
New Orleans Receives:
2025: Spherical 2, Choose 33
2025: Spherical 4, Choose 102
…
Minnesota Receives:
2025: Spherical 5, Choose 143
2025: Spherical 7, Choose 230
Carolina Receives:
2025: Spherical 5, Choose 140
…

42. Omarion Hampton RB North Carolina 6’0” 220

Picture by Nicholas Faulkner/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos

74. Omarr Norman-Lott DL Tennessee 6’3” 315

Picture by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos

97. Darien Porter CB Iowa State 6’4” 200

Picture by Luke Lu/Diamond Photos through Getty Photos

143. Jake Majors IOL Texas 6’3” 315

Picture by David Buono/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos

163. Andrew Mukuba S Texas 6’0” 190

Picture by Todd Kirkland/Getty Photos

185. Connor Colby IOL Iowa 6’6” 310

Picture by G Fiume/Getty Photos

230. Aeneas Peebles DL Virginia Tech 6’1” 290

Picture by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos

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