Rob Kleifield

The 2024 team is more formidable, both in the underlying data and via the eye test. The Vikings rank fifth in the NFL in point differential (+74), ninth in yard differential (+318) and fourth in DVOA. In other words, their victories have been more sound, forceful and meaningful for making future projections than in 2022, and their losses have been less damaging.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell for his stewardship of a selfless team. Quarterback Sam Darnold for his weekly resilience. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson for continually resetting the bar. Right tackle Brian O'Neill for consistently dominating. Running back Aaron Jones, Sr., for playing hard. The outside linebackers – all of 'em. Green dot Blake Cashman for his leadership and safety/linebacker/cornerback/defensive lineman Joshua Metellus for doing everything that's asked of him at a high level. The list goes on and on.

Byron Murphy, Jr., used to jot down notes of everything Patrick Peterson did.

Here's some Vikings-connected insight on each: Gannon knows well the Hall of Fame-level skills of Harrison Smith as he served as quality control and assistant defensive backs coach for Minnesota from 2014-17; Smith made three Pro Bowls in that window. Petzing spent six seasons (2014-19) tutoring wide receivers and quarterbacks for the Vikings, and he assisted Kirk Cousins in his debut season wearing Purple. Rallis, who is just 31 years old, worked in quality control and with the Vikings linebackers from 2018-20. His roots in the Land of 10,000 Lakes extend deeper as he excelled at Edina High School and played linebacker for the Golden Gophers. Lastly, Rodriguez joined Minnesota and the NFL coaching ranks in 2015 as assistant defensive line coach. He helped the Vikings front flourish for five seasons.

The spirit of thankfulness runs rampant in Cam Akers – and his parents.

Four Vikings players are out in front of NFC competition at their positions on Pro Bowl ballots.

Minnesota's barnstorming duo of Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson is receiving national respect.

Few viewed him as anything more than a temporary starter — a placeholder until J.J. McCarthy would take the reins. Instead, Darnold has finally played like the top-flight quarterback prospect that some never gave up on. Among qualifying quarterbacks, Darnold ranks fifth in PFF passing grade (84.4), sixth in PFF overall grade (86.4), second in big-time throw rate (6.9%) and fifth in wins above replacement (2.50). Darnold's play is one of the foremost reasons the Vikings sit at 11-2 and as a legitimate contender.

Sam Darnold ranks top six among quarterbacks in passing yards (3,776), touchdown passes (32), passer rating (105.4) and yards per attempt (8.2). Aaron Jones, Sr., ranks ninth among running backs in yards from scrimmage (1,394); Justin Jefferson owns the second-most receiving yards (1,387) and fourth-most touchdown catches (10). The stars have shined on defense, as well. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are 2 of 10 players this season responsible for 10-plus sacks. They also rank in the top six in tackles for losses. Byron Murphy, Jr.'s six interceptions trail only Green Bay's Xavier McKinney and Detroit's Kerby Joseph, and a handful of others – Blake Cashman, Joshua Metellus – are invaluable.

Sam Darnold's career Renaissance has transcended into a full-fledged MVP-esque season.