4 Most Surprising Vikings Players at Season Midpoint

avatar   |  
Nov 10, 2024
Andrew Van Ginkel celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Giants at MetLife Stadium.
On September 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel celebrated after returning an interception for a touchdown during the team’s matchup against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The veteran defender’s timely score energized Minnesota’s sideline and underscored his growing influence in a defense built on aggression and opportunistic playmaking. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings depart for Jacksonville this weekend and will play the Jaguars, hoping to hit a sweet 7-2 record.

4 Most Surprising Vikings Players at Season Midpoint

The NFL regular season reached the halfway point after Week 9, and Minnesota is in command of reaching the playoffs if it finishes at least 3-6 or 4-5.

vikings
Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell (left) and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah react during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

So, with half the season left, these are the four most surprising players on the Vikings’ roster.

4. Josh Oliver (TE)

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.

In his second season with the Vikings, Oliver has become a more pass-heavy option than his first. Coming out of the college, Oliver was known for receiving — not blocking. In Baltimore, though, he basically flipped his specialty.

Oliver scored last weekend on Sunday Night Football, a crucial touchdown to help knock off the Indianapolis Colts. He’s becoming more vital and reliable by the game, even with T.J. Hockenson back in the lineup.

3. Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB)

Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota linebacker A. Van Ginkel (43) celebrates his interception return for a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

Most believed Van Ginkel would quickly acclimate to the Vikings’ defense, but few predicted he’d be an invaluable performer. The guy is a machine, racking up two touchdowns in his first five games of 2024.

Van Ginkel is just all over the place in Minnesota’s defense on Sundays, and he’s a steal of a deal at $10 million per year.

2. Will Reichard (K)

Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota place kicker W. Reichard (16) celebrates his field goal against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Draft heads and Vikings fans thought Will Reichard might be a good NFL kicker. But few projected a flawless saint-like savior on special teams through seven games.

Reichard only began missing field goals when he hurt his quad last weekend, and inconveniently, he’s on the shelf for the next month. Still, he’s done enough to turn heads and then some. Vikings fans trust the man — and that says something coming from a very cynical fanbase regarding kickers.

1. Sam Darnold (QB)

Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota quarterback S. Darnold (14) and head coach Kevin O’Connell talk before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Sam Darnold’s 9-Game Pace,
Scaled to Rest of Season:

  • 4,038 Passing Yards
  • 69.5% Comp
  • 36 Passing TDs
  • 15 INTs

Remember the summer chatter about Darnold producing a “Baker Mayfield-like reclamation” season? That happened.

The guy is playing himself into a sweet contract somewhere in the NFL next year.

Also Read:Vikings Have League’s Biggest Surprise, Says NFL.com

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.

avatar
By Dustin Baker
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His debut thriller, The Motor Route , is out now. He ... More about Dustin Baker