Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) is introduced prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.
After Week 16, these are the Minnesota Vikings grades from best to worst per Pro Football Focus. The scores are from the 2022 regular season and account for post-Week 16 standing.
This series will update the Vikings grades in real time each week after every game. Consider it a running total.
Of note, only players who qualify for PFF’s minimum snap count are listed.
1. WR – Justin Jefferson (90.9)
2. LT – Christian Darrisaw (90.3)
3. EDGE – Danielle Hunter (87.9)
4. EDGE – Za’Darius Smith (84.8)
5. RT – Brian O’Neill (83.3)
6. CB – Patrick Peterson (80.3)
7. QB – Kirk Cousins (76.2)
t8. CB – Duke Shelley (75.0)
t8. DL – Dalvin Tomlinson (75.0)
10. LG – Ezra Cleveland (73.2)
11. NT – Harrison Phillips (70.8)
12. C – Garrett Bradbury (70.2)
13. HB – Dalvin Cook (69.8)
14. TE – T.J. Hockenson (69.3)
15. EDGE – Patrick Jones (68.1)
16. SS – Harrison Smith (67.4)
17. WR – Adam Thielen (66.0)
18. HB – Alexander Mattison (65.9)
19. LB – Jordan Hicks (65.7)
20. DL – James Lynch (65.0)
21. CB – Cameron Dantzler (63.1)
22. WR – K.J. Osborn (62.0)
23. LB – Eric Kendricks (60.8)
24. EDGE – D.J. Wonnum (58.7)
25. DL – Jonathan Bullard (58.0)
26. CB – Chandon Sullivan (57.8)
27. TE – Irv Smith (57.4)
28. RG – Ed Ingram (56.5)
29. FS – Camryn Bynum (56.0)
30. OT – Blake Brandel (55.3)
31. TE – Johnny Mundt (50.1)
The Vikings defeated the New York Giants 27-24 in Week 16, winning on the longest field goal in franchise history, courtesy of Greg Joseph. Minnesota played decent for most of the game and really turned it on in the 4th Quarter.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson was elite, tallying 12 receptions, 133 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. Jefferson continues his quest for 2,000 receiving yards, the receiving yards crown over Tyreek Hill, and maybe some MVP votes. He is now on pace for 1,990 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022.
The Vikings are three-point underdogs on the road next weekend against Green Bay in Week 17, a team that must run the table to reach the postseason. If the Packers win out while the Washington Commanders lose one game, Green Bay will be in the tournament.
The Lions ravaged their playoff hopes by losing to the suddenly-offensive-juggernaut Carolina Panthers. The Vikings are the No. 2 seed in the NFC behind the Eagles and would host a home playoff game versus the Commanders if the playoffs started today.
The Vikings could welcome back tight end Irv Smith before too long, while cornerback Cameron Dantzler should be on his way back. Garrett Bradbury has missed three straight games.
The current big playoff talker for Vikings football is whether Minnesota retains the No. 2 seed or gifts that to the San Francisco 49ers. If Minnesota loses a game while the 49ers win, San Francisco will surpass the Vikings for the second seed. But the Vikings can finish no worse than the No. 3 seed, thanks to defeating the Colts on December 17th and the Tampa Buccaneers loss in Week 15.
The Vikings have defeated the Packers three times in a row with Kirk Cousins at QB1.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).