The Vikings Can Stack 3 Surprise Wins in 2024
You don’t have to look very hard to find someone willing to doubt the Minnesota Vikings’ chances in 2024. Of course, plenty of that is due to their disbelief in Sam Darnold and the defense. However, they should be expected to turn some heads, and there are a couple of games they can win to do so.
The Vikings Can Stack 3 Surprise Wins in 2024
If Kevin O’Connell’s team is going to show a level of competitiveness in 2024, it will require them to have a handful of different things go right. The result would then likely be a winning record and a strong step forward from the 7-win season they experienced last year. Stealing some games against good teams will have to happen; three spots present that opportunity.
Week 2 vs. San Francisco
The 49ers are among the best teams in the NFL and certainly one of the best that Minnesota will face this season. Picking them to beat last year’s Super Bowl runner-up is gutsy, but they knocked them off last season without Justin Jefferson. Once again, in getting the 49ers at home, the Vikings can make a statement during their opener.
Jefferson will be back for Minnesota, and the game is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. The 49ers are a juggernaut because they do everything well. It’s hard to give Brock Purdy his flowers, but the Vikings will also need the defense to show up in a big way.
No matter how they get there, the timing of this game makes it winnable. I wouldn’t feel nearly as confident in a road game or something outside of the home opener.
Week 3 vs. Houston
If there’s a team that the Vikings could resemble this season, it may wind up being the 2023 Houston Texans. Sam Darnold settling in as a legitimate threat in a good situation would reflect C.J. Stroud immediately hitting his stride. The Vikings have a top duo at the wide receiver position, and they should present matchup problems for a Texans defense that now employs Danielle Hunter.
Once again, it helps that this is a home game, but O’Connell’s having additional time to gameplan against Stroud is big. It will be interesting to see how the league adjusts to the former Ohio State quarterback in year two. Houston is bringing plenty of familiar faces to U.S. Bank Stadium, and knocking them off would be great for the Vikings.
Week 9 vs. Indianapolis
The Colts played without their rookie Anthony Richardson for most of last year. He should be back under center and was a fan-favorite for Minnesota to look at last year. Richardson presents a dynamic look from the quarterback position, but he will be incredibly raw going untested during year one.
Indianapolis is an intriguing team, but they should not be seen as far and away better than Minnesota. This is another home game, and the Vikings should win it. Avoiding the need for another comeback of historic proportions would be a good idea, and it can bring a victory in a more straightforward fashion.
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 weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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