3 Vikings Named Finalists for NFL Awards
The Minnesota Vikings won 14 games in 2024 — rather unexpectedly — but lost in Round 1 of the postseason to the Los Angeles Rams.
NFL Awards: 3 Vikings Named Finalists
Generally speaking, most considered the season a success, though the playoff one-and-done inspired groans from the fan base.
And although the offseason is here, three Vikings personalities got nods for year-end NFL awards, which will be announced in February. These are those men listed in alphabetical order.
1. Sam Darnold
Comeback Player of the Year
Odds to Win CBPY: +260
NFL Ranking = 2nd
Darnold ended 2024 with this statline:
- 4,319 Passing Yards
- 36 Total Touchdowns
- 12 Interceptions
This nomination is a bit odd. Senior AP writer Rob Maaddi clarified the CPOTY rules in October and seemed to eliminate Darnold.
“Vikings QB Sam Darnold probably would’ve been a candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year award before the AP issued guidance to voters before the season, instructing them that ‘the spirit of the award is to honor a player who has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity by overcoming illness, physical injury or other circumstances that led him to miss playing time the previous season.’ If he keeps playing at this level, Darnold could end up with another award: Most Valuable Player,” Maaddi explained on the website formerly known as Twitter.
Darnold did not overcome illness or injury. He just didn’t play well from 2018 to 2023. We shall see if voters break the rules. They’ll likely roll with Burrow, who did bounce back from an injury.
The Official Nominees:
Joe Burrow
Sam Darnold
J.K. Dobbins
Christian Gonzalez
Damar Hamlin
2. Brian Flores
Assistant Coach of the Year
Odds to Win ACOY: n/a
NFL Ranking = n/a
Flores transformed the Vikings’ defense into the NFL’s second-best unit in 2024 per EPA/Play. Accordingly, he received head coaching interviews from the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason.
He appears on track to return with the Vikings in 2025 for Year No. 3, and if so, he could have Assistant Coach of the Year on his resume.
The Official Nominees:
Joe Brady
Vic Fangio
Brian Flores
Aaron Glenn
Ben Johnson
1. Kevin O’Connell
Coach of the Year
Odds to Win COY: -1000
NFL Ranking = 1st
Minnesota’s young skipper helped reclaim Sam Darnold’s career and is rapidly exemplifying the title “quarterback whisperer.” Meanwhile, his team has won 14 games in a season where it was only “supposed to” win 6.5, per sportsbooks. Most expected Minnesota to finish 6-11 or 7-10 and gain a Top 10 draft pick. Didn’t happen.
O’Connell has hit his stride as Minnesota’s leader and was extended by the organization for the long haul this week.
Voters love to give the award to an “against all odds” coach, and this year, that’s O’Connell, who lost his fancy rookie quarterback (J.J. McCarthy) in August. If he does not win, Detroit Lions skipper Dan Campbell will probably take home the COTY bacon.
The Official Nominees:
Dan Campbell
Kevin O’Connell
Sean Payton
Dan Quinn
Andy Reid
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.
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