If you had asked most analysts during the preseason about their expectations for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 season, they would have predicted that the team would be drafting in the top ten again and that their chances of making the playoffs would likely be over by early December.
Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell shake hands after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Fast forward a few months, and the Vikings are in a position to clinch home-field advantage by winning their Week 18 bout in Detroit against the injured but still scary Lions. That would also give the Vikes a first-round bye week, strengthening the Super Bowl chances even further.
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Head coach Kevin O’Connell and his wingman defensive coordinator Brian Flores have gotten the best out of their players, resulting in a 14-2 record. Rarely has a Vikings team been this balanced.
In Solak’s scenario, Flores’ defense would meet MVP candidate Lamar Jackson in the Super Bowl, but he had success in the past against the dynamic two-time MVP.
Led by quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, the Baltimore Ravens have the NFL’s best offense through 12 weeks, averaging 426.7 yards per game.
The QB has not had much success in his postseason career, but this year, Jackson’s gaudy numbers are impossible to ignore. He has thrown for 3,955 yards and rushed for 852 while finding the endzone 43 times. His touchdown to interception ratio of 39-4 is almost unheard of.
He is undoubtedly supported by the best receiving group he has had and, of course, running back Derrick Henry, a future Hall of Famer who is still going strong despite turning 31 this week. He’s close to eclipsing 2,000 yards from scrimmage.
Minnesota’s defense would have its hands full, stopping two of the most explosive players in this era of football. The good news is that Flores’ crew is the best in the business at stopping the run and in overall defense, according to EPA/play, an efficiency metric.
The Vikings need to win three more games to reach the Super Bowl.
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