Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) reacts during the first quarter after a catch against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Each week, we offer a “snap reactions” piece detailing thoughts and analysis after the latest Minnesota Vikings game.
This will be off-the-cuff, a wee bit random, and hopefully insightful.
The Vikings won at home on Sunday over the Green Bay Packers 27-25 and are owners of a 14-2 record through 17 weeks.
The next stop is Detroit for all the regular season marbles.
1 — In the last 30 years, the Vikings have finished a season 4-0 against the Packers and Bears thrice. The first two times were in 1998 and 2017 — when the team visited the NFC Championship — and 2024 is the next chapter. Perhaps the NFC Title Game is around the bend.
2 — Jalen Nailor posted his first notable game since T.J. Hockenson’s return. His target load shriveled after Week 8, but Minnesota called on him versus Green Bay, and he delivered to the tune of 5 receptions, 81 yards, and a touchdown.
3 — One of the reasons that Minnesota’s win over Green Bay felt so fulfilling is that the Packers didn’t play foolishly or turn the ball over like buffoons. They performed like a disciplined, good football team, and the Vikings were just better.
4 — For years — perhaps forever — purple fans hoped for a coach who’d be aggressive and pass the ball to win a game late in the 4th Quarter. In seasons past, some coaches might’ve run the ball three times on the final offensive drive and punted. But this iteration of Vikings went for the kill. It worked.
5 — Justin Jefferson tallied 8 catches for 92 yards, and it felt like one of his quiet games as a pro. That’s where we’re at with Jefferson — seeing box scores with 8 receptions + 92 yards and thinking he played “okay.”
6 — Minnesota dictated the time of possession battle, holding the ball for 35 minutes. Under Kevin O’Connell, the purple team is prone to finding itself on the other side of that statistic. Not this time.
7 — Will Reichard has missed 5 field goals as a rookie. His flawless season came crashing down, and now onlookers hope he merely shooed the bad mojo out of his blood just in time for the playoffs.
8 — Although Monday night’s 49ers-Lions tryst is mostly meaningless for Minnesota, a Lions loss would make it so a Vikings tie next weekend would clinch homefield advantage throughout the season for Minnesota. It’s a longshot but an additional reason to cheer for San Francisco.
9 — Dallas Turner recorded another sack, his third straight game with a notable play. The guy just needs playing time, and when that day consistently arrives, he will be fantastic.
10 — Blake Cashman posted 11 tackles, 2 quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and a tackle for loss. Minnesota is undefeated with him in the lineup.
11 — Aaron Jones has a quad contusion, so the next six days will be spent monitoring his injury status. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, the Vikings need him in the postseason.
12 — Sam Darnold is conducting the Vikings’ best quarterback season since 2009, and at this point, it’s past debating.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.