The Minnesota Vikings have won back-to-back games since a two-game losing streak after their bye and hope to bank another dub Sunday at the Tennessee Titans.
The Vikings’ 5 Best Players at Halfway Point
Minnesota’s 7-2 start is rather unexpected, and standout players have propelled the club along the way.
So, these are the Vikings’ five best players through nine games. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = best player).
**Note: This list excluded Christian Darrisaw because of his season-ending injury. He would’ve ranked second otherwise.
5. Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB)
OLB Andrew Van Ginkel makes it official and becomes a Minnesota Viking on March 15th, 2024, in Eagan, Minnesota. Van Ginkel spent the 2019-2022 seasons with the Miami Dolphins and joined Minnesota via free agency in 2024. He grew up cheering for the Vikings.
At 70.5, Van Ginkel’s Pro Football Focus grade is nearly as sweet as last year’s 91.1. Van Ginkel feels like he’s involved in almost every keynote defensive play, the ultimate ball hawk in Brian Flores’ top-ranked defense (per DVOA).
He’s a Swiss army knife with 38 tackles, 10 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 pick-sixes. Van Ginkel has also logged 22 quarterback pressures. The man is a steal of a deal at $10 million per season.
4. Brian O’Neill (RT)
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
O’Neill is now more important than ever after Christian Darrisaw was lost for the season in Week 8. He holds down the right side of Minnesota’s offensive line and has done so for seven seasons.
His 83.1 PFF grade ranks 10th-best in the business among all offensive tackles. He allows just one quarterback pressure per game, which is pretty remarkable.
3. Aaron Jones (RB)
Minnesota running back Aaron Jones (33) does a Lambeau Leap with fans following a 31-29 victory against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Jones is on pace for 1,720 yards from scrimmage and 4 touchdowns. He’s the straw that stirs the drink on offense. If you need evidence, re-watch Minnesota’s offense versus the New York Jets in London when Jones hit the sidelines. The offense died.
At least for a season, Jones has cured Minnesota’s ground game woes.
2. Jonathan Greenard (OLB)
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
Greenard ranks third in the NFL per quarterback pressures with 48. He’s also on pace for 13 or 14 sacks.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made Greenard the primary EDGE option after Danielle Hunter left for the Houston Texans in March, and Greenard has not disappointed. Not one bit. Over five pressures per game is more than satisfactory.
Not for nothing, the Vikings also have rookie Dallas Turner waiting to be Greenard’s full-time running mate.
1. Justin Jefferson (WR)
Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.
Jefferson is on pace for 1,570 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. He’s also overdue for a monster game in the neighborhood of 150-200 receiving yards. That could hit any Sunday. Keep an eye on it.
He’s the Vikings’ best player and will remain so for years. The 2024 campaign is no different.