Nov 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (84) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
It’s hard not to suggest that the Minnesota Vikings have been anything less than a resounding success story in 2024. They were not supposed to be a quality team, and that reality took a greater hit when J.J. McCarthy went down for the season. With a seventh win, though, they would surpass preseason projections and have done so in just their first nine games.
Kevin O’Connell is a very good coach. At this point, it would be foolish to deny that reality. He has worked with his squad to continue showing up even through adversity. Minnesota got back on track after a 5-0 start and a two-game skid. With six wins to their credit already, the preseason over/under total of 6.5 wins will have fallen.
It’s pretty impressive to consider where the Vikings are at this season. Obviously, you’ll never turn down an opportunity to be 6-2 through the early part of the NFL season. Minnesota got there, though, by working through what was called a gauntlet of a schedule. The Vikings’ runway significantly opens up from here, and that means they have a much greater opportunity to add to the win column.
Should Minnesota improve to a 7-2 record on Sunday, it would be nearly unfathomable for them to finish with something less than double-digit wins. In an era where 17 games reside on the schedule, a 10-7 record seems within reach. That would be the baseline for O’Connell’s team the rest of the way, and they could conceivably be looking at something closer to 13 wins.
Producing at this rate with quarterback turnover has been impressive, as has producing at this rate with a defense that had serious question marks. It’s all a testament to coaching and the front office pulling the right strings. Sam Darnold has become the best version of himself, and the addition of Stephon Gilmore was as necessary as it felt at the time.
The Vikings don’t return home for three weeks, but they could lead the division once again when they do. Minnesota’s contention with Detroit as among the best teams in the entire league has been a welcomed development.
Maybe this whole thing came out of nowhere, or maybe they were just overlooked from the jump.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.