All Things 2024-25 Vikings Regular Season Thread

[howeda7]

Maggie Loney (@maggiejloney.bsky.social)

Per NFL Research, the 8-3 Packers, sitting at 3rd place in the NFC North, own the best record by any team in third place or worse entering Week 13 since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger.

bsky.app

 

[Ope3]

This reminds of the Vikes of 2 years ago when they went 13-4. Would not be surprised if it's one and done once again

Other than Detroit or Philadelphia, who in the NFC is even remotely intimidating? Of course it won't be surprising though. I would expect any other potential playoff match up (home or away to be a point spread +/- 4 pts.

Winning a playoff game wouldn't be surprising. Losing the first playoff game would be equally unsurprising. That's how it works in the NFL.

That was a more dominant team and should have destroyed Daniel Jones. This team wins very, very ugly.

The 2022 Vikings were nowhere near dominant.

The beat the Packers in the season opener 23-7. Not a single one of the other 12 victories was a 2 score game, including against those same Giants who they beat on a last second FG. As Coolhand referenced they were actually outscored during the regular season.

That defense was not capable of destroying any QB that year, including Jones.

The 2024 Vikings DID destroy Daniel Jones. They have also had 3 Wins or more than 2 scores.

 

[Ope3]

Maggie Loney (@maggiejloney.bsky.social)

Per NFL Research, the 8-3 Packers, sitting at 3rd place in the NFC North, own the best record by any team in third place or worse entering Week 13 since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger.

bsky.app

Not in my lifetime would I have thought the Vikings could ever be 9-2 and in 2ND PLACE in the NFC NORTH.

To the Lions.

Riding a 4 game losing streak to the Motor City Kitties also was not on my bingo card.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Other than Detroit or Philadelphia, who in the NFC is even remotely intimidating? Of course it won't be surprising though. I would expect any other potential playoff match up (home or away to be a point spread +/- 4 pts.

Winning a playoff game wouldn't be surprising. Losing the first playoff game would be equally unsurprising. That's how it works in the NFL.



The 2022 Vikings were nowhere near dominant.

The beat the Packers in the season opener 23-7. Not a single one of the other 12 victories was a 2 score game, including against those same Giants who they beat on a last second FG. As Coolhand referenced they were actually outscored during the regular season.

That defense was not capable of destroying any QB that year, including Jones.

The 2024 Vikings DID destroy Daniel Jones. They have also had 3 Wins or more than 2 scores.

IIRC, we also set a single season record for most wins, games or both (?) decided by 7 points or less.

This version can play with anyone if it’s firing on all cylinders.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Addison with a

8
162 yards Career High
1 TD

Just think how different it would be, if we hadn’t drafted him

 

[Ogee Ogilthorpe]

IIRC, we also set a single season record for most wins, games or both (?) decided by 7 points or less.

This version can play with anyone if it’s firing on all cylinders.

You can call it luck all you want but at the end of the day, I'm delighted that the Vikings have KOC as their Head Coach, and honestly I think Kwesi is doing an outstanding job as a GM, building this roster with an eye towards the future. I look forward to what they do with their offseason next spring.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

You can call it luck all you want but at the end of the day, I'm delighted that the Vikings have KOC as their Head Coach, and honestly I think Kwesi is doing an outstanding job as a GM, building this roster with an eye towards the future. I look forward to what they do with their offseason next spring.

I never used the word “luck” my friend, did I? I’d appreciate you not attributing comments to me which I didn’t make.

I simply stated we won a lot of close games in 2022, a Fact, and set an obscure record in the process.

I then stated that this year’s team, can play with anyone, as we’re better, per Ope’s post. Furthermore, I have been complimentary of both KOC and the FO, innumerable times on here, including responding to your posts, and as my subsequent post in the adroitness of drafting Addison portends.

Lastly, if you review the posts from yesterday’s tilt, you’ll see nary a negative comment, coaching or otherwise, from me. In fact, a poster thanks me for posting a positive comment, after several complaints about the manner in which we won.

Negativity ain’t my vibe bro; there’s a surplus of it on the OTB

 

[Ogee Ogilthorpe]

I would exercise the cash out now. Risking the $256 for the extra $81 is only slightly better than a current bet on the Lions would be, which ranges -$450 to $500.

I agree that while they are the heavy favorite with a lot of intra-Division games and injury potential there's still more than a decent chance for either the Pack or Vikes to pop up.

I think I will Cash Out, but I may give it until next week after the plow through the Jags on Sunday. It'll probably go up $5-$10, what the heck, or could go up even more if the Vikings throw up on themselves in Tennessee along with a Lions win

The Cash Out option went up just a couple of bucks, to $263.83; likely due to both the Vikings and Packers keeping pace with the Lions.

This week, the Lions should roll the Bears at home on Thanksgiving (SHOULD!), and I think the Vikings will get a game from the Cardinals. I'll stand pat for now, give it until at least after the Thanksgiving game.

The lookahead line for the Lions next game, the Thursday Night Football game against the Packers, is only showing Lions favored by 3, at home in Detroit. That seems odd.

 

[Ogee Ogilthorpe]

I never used the word “luck” my friend, did I? I’d appreciate you not attributing comments to me which I didn’t make.

My comment was actually just a general comment, not directed at you at all; I merely grabbed one of the most recent posts in the thread to respond. Perhaps it would have been better to just make my comment without responding to anyone. Your response WAS a bit hasty and defensive though, perhaps?

At the end of the day, we should all be enjoying the ride at 9-2, regardless of how they got there! SKOL!

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

My comment was actually just a general comment, not directed at you at all; I merely grabbed one of the most recent posts in the thread to respond. Perhaps it would have been better to just make my comment without responding to anyone.

Okay

Your response WAS a bit hasty and defensive though, perhaps?

Yes.
We can all do better and I will strive for improvement.

As my mentor once quipped, “Progress is 3 steps forward, two back, falling on your backside and repeat ad nauseam.”

At the end of the day, we should all be enjoying the ride at 9-2, regardless of how they got there! SKOL!

Yes and I’m still looking for a stumble before Week 17.

 

[Ope3]

The lookahead line for the Lions next game, the Thursday Night Football game against the Packers, is only showing Lions favored by 3, at home in Detroit. That seems odd.

Given how well the Lions handled at the Pack in Lambeau, that does seem odd.

 

[TRF Guy]

Other than Detroit or Philadelphia, who in the NFC is even remotely intimidating? Of course it won't be surprising though. I would expect any other potential playoff match up (home or away to be a point spread +/- 4 pts.

Winning a playoff game wouldn't be surprising. Losing the first playoff game would be equally unsurprising. That's how it works in the NFL.



The 2022 Vikings were nowhere near dominant.

The beat the Packers in the season opener 23-7. Not a single one of the other 12 victories was a 2 score game, including against those same Giants who they beat on a last second FG. As Coolhand referenced they were actually outscored during the regular season.

That defense was not capable of destroying any QB that year, including Jones.

The 2024 Vikings DID destroy Daniel Jones. They have also had 3 Wins or more than 2 scores.

Being a Vikings fan my entire 62 years on this earth I will always be a bit pessimistic until they finally win a SB. I have had my heart ripped out by them over and over. With that said I'm enjoying this season because I didn't see this coming much like the Wild and their amazing start

 

[Slim Tubby]

My comment was actually just a general comment, not directed at you at all; I merely grabbed one of the most recent posts in the thread to respond. Perhaps it would have been better to just make my comment without responding to anyone. Your response WAS a bit hasty and defensive though, perhaps?

At the end of the day, we should all be enjoying the ride at 9-2, regardless of how they got there! SKOL!

I'm forfeiting my right to criticize this team for the rest of the year. They've already accomplished way more than I ever envisioned prior to start of the season. Everyone involved deserves a ton of credit. It's all gravy now.

Next off-season is when shit gets serious and it's a chance for KAM to solidify my confidence in him. His drafting history still makes me nervous but his FA moves have been gold. I have zero doubt in our coaching staff.

 

[Ogee Ogilthorpe]

Next off-season is when shit gets serious and it's a chance for KAM to solidify my confidence in him. His drafting history still makes me nervous but his FA moves have been gold. I have zero doubt in our coaching staff.

You (not you specifically, many are in this boat) want to focus on KAM's drafting but you have to look at the whole body of work; drafting, free agency, UDFA's, salary cap management, eye towards the future, et al.

This FO signed Van Ginkel, Greenard, Cashman, Tillery, and Gilmore just this year alone; Van Ginkel and Greenard have 9 sacks each, and the rest have been very, very good starters.

Their UDFA activity has been very good IMO. They got rid of Cousins and that horrendous contract situation and essentially didn't miss a beat. You would have to say that even the Darnold signing was an exceptional move. The Aaron Jones addition has been very impactful, the move for TJ Hock and his signing; the addition of Byron Murphy in the secondary.

All this, and the cap is set up for success in 2025 and beyond. it's hard not to be excited about the future of the franchise honestly.

 

[Gophers1992]

Had the Vikes lost, it would have been an epic weekend for Minnesota Sports.

The Wild lose it a shootout

Gopher football loses a heartbreaker

The Wolves launched a 3 at the buzzer to beat the Celtics and missed.

And of course, that viking game.

Had the Vikings screwed that up, that would have been 4 nail biter losses that all went down to the wire.

Damn, that would have been brutal

Gopher Men's hockey got a road sweep.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

I'm forfeiting my right to criticize this team for the rest of the year. They've already accomplished way more than I ever envisioned prior to start of the season. Everyone involved deserves a ton of credit. It's all gravy now.

Who would’ve imagined that we’d have a better record than the 49ers or Texans st this point?

Next off-season is when shit gets serious and it's a chance for KAM to solidify my confidence in him. His drafting history still makes me nervous but his FA moves have been gold. I have zero doubt in our coaching staff.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

FWIW, Adam Scheffler just said on NFL Live that Daniel Jones cleared waivers and is free to sign with any team, for anestimated $375K for the rest of the season. The team he signs with would likely receive a compensatory pick, if he goes to another team in free agency next season.

The two possible teams mentioned: Ravens & Vikings. I’d take a flyer on him as a possible replacement for Darnold’s veteran/reclamation project QB spot. Better option as a future backup than Mullins.

 

[LakevilleBro]

You (not you specifically, many are in this boat) want to focus on KAM's drafting but you have to look at the whole body of work; drafting, free agency, UDFA's, salary cap management, eye towards the future, et al.

This FO signed Van Ginkel, Greenard, Cashman, Tillery, and Gilmore just this year alone; Van Ginkel and Greenard have 9 sacks each, and the rest have been very, very good starters.

Their UDFA activity has been very good IMO. They got rid of Cousins and that horrendous contract situation and essentially didn't miss a beat. You would have to say that even the Darnold signing was an exceptional move. The Aaron Jones addition has been very impactful, the move for TJ Hock and his signing; the addition of Byron Murphy in the secondary.

All this, and the cap is set up for success in 2025 and beyond. it's hard not to be excited about the future of the franchise honestly.

How is it possible that KAM can be so good with FA signings, and bad at evaluating draft talent? Something does not add up to me.

 

[Ogee Ogilthorpe]

How is it possible that KAM can be so good with FO signings, and bad at evaluating draft talent? Something does not add up to me.

In all fairness, his first draft was done with the support of the entire scouting department of the previous regime (none of the scouts that the current FO brought in) and the Cine and Booth picks were picks made for then DC, none other than Ed Donatell.

Past that, who knows? I'm most disappointed the Ingram pick didn't pan out. How good would this OL look right now if Ingram was a better-than-average OG?

 

[Slim Tubby]

Who would’ve imagined that we’d have a better record than the 49ers or Texans st this point?

And beat both of those teams.

 

[Slim Tubby]

You (not you specifically, many are in this boat) want to focus on KAM's drafting but you have to look at the whole body of work; drafting, free agency, UDFA's, salary cap management, eye towards the future, et al.

This FO signed Van Ginkel, Greenard, Cashman, Tillery, and Gilmore just this year alone; Van Ginkel and Greenard have 9 sacks each, and the rest have been very, very good starters.

Their UDFA activity has been very good IMO. They got rid of Cousins and that horrendous contract situation and essentially didn't miss a beat. You would have to say that even the Darnold signing was an exceptional move. The Aaron Jones addition has been very impactful, the move for TJ Hock and his signing; the addition of Byron Murphy in the secondary.

All this, and the cap is set up for success in 2025 and beyond. it's hard not to be excited about the future of the franchise honestly.

Overall, I give KAM a strong "B" with full credit for what he's done with our Cap and in FA.

For me, the important "connector" between the Draft and FA is how many difference makers in your Top 22 are on Rookie deals, especially the QB. The more you grab in the Draft, the more money you have to fill other holes in FA.

Of course, if JJM ends up being a Top 10 QB in this league, that will go a long way towards covering his Draft miscues.

Thank goodness we didn't sign that doofus (Poles) in CHI.

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

Overall, I give KAM a strong "B" with full credit for what he's done with our Cap and in FA.

For me, the important "connector" between the Draft and FA is how many difference makers in your Top 22 are on Rookie deals, especially the QB. The more you grab in the Draft, the more money you have to fill other holes in FA.

Of course, if JJM ends up being a Top 10 QB in this league, that will go a long way towards covering his Draft miscues.

Thank goodness we didn't sign that doofus (Poles) in CHI.

Has Poles really done that bad of a job? Or do they just have a terrible coach? Chicago is significantly more talented than before he arrived and he fleeced the Panthers in the Bryce Young trade.

I would bet if KOC was coaching the Bears and Eberflus was coaching the Vikings this year, both teams records would be similarly swapped.

 

[Slim Tubby]

Has Poles really done that bad of a job? Or do they just have a terrible coach? Chicago is significantly more talented than before he arrived and he fleeced the Panthers in the Bryce Young trade.

I would bet if KOC was coaching the Bears and Eberflus was coaching the Vikings this year, both teams records would be similarly swapped.

I agree on the coaching but Poles decided to stick with Eberflus for another year after failing to develop Fields, knowing full well he was bringing in another potential franchise QB that needed to be groomed.

Also, if you draft a QB #1 Overall and pass at #9 on the best OL to protect your investment, it seems a bit foolish to me no matter how sexy the Odunze pick was on paper. They already invested money in Moore and Allen.

(I would've taken Daniels at #1, too.)

 

[Ogee Ogilthorpe]

Has Poles really done that bad of a job? Or do they just have a terrible coach? Chicago is significantly more talented than before he arrived and he fleeced the Panthers in the Bryce Young trade.

I would bet if KOC was coaching the Bears and Eberflus was coaching the Vikings this year, both teams records would be similarly swapped.

I agree on the coaching but Poles decided to stick with Eberflus for another year after failing to develop Fields, knowing full well he was bringing in another potential franchise QB that needed to be groomed.

Also, if you draft a QB #1 Overall and pass at #9 on the best OL to protect your investment, it seems a bit foolish to me no matter how sexy the Odunze pick was on paper. They already invested money in Moore and Allen.

(I would've taken Daniels at #1, too.)

Poles and Warren are an unmitigated dumpster fire in Chicago. Sooner or later they are going to run out of other people to blame.

- The Claypool trade was a disaster;

- trading for Sweat later last season, giving up a pick at the TOP of the 2nd round for a guy they could have just signed in the offseason

- drafting Odunze instead of getting help on the OL (and they drafted Odunze after they already signed DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Kmet at TE);

- signing a 3rd down RB in Swift (not an everydown back) who is on his 3rd team in 3 years

It's flat out LUCK that the Panthers gifted them with the 2024 #1 overall pick; it wasn't the trade prowess of Poles/Warren. If Bryce Young could have played at all last year, that pick would have been in the teens at least.

The Bears play outdoors, in the Windy City, and have not remotely built a team that is tough or good in the trenches. Poles is absolutely clueless

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

Poles and Warren are an unmitigated dumpster fire in Chicago. Sooner or later they are going to run out of other people to blame.

- The Claypool trade was a disaster;

- trading for Sweat later last season, giving up a pick at the TOP of the 2nd round for a guy they could have just signed in the offseason

- drafting Odunze instead of getting help on the OL (and they drafted Odunze after they already signed DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Kmet at TE);

- signing a 3rd down RB in Swift (not an everydown back) who is on his 3rd team in 3 years

It's flat out LUCK that the Panthers gifted them with the 2024 #1 overall pick; it wasn't the trade prowess of Poles/Warren. If Bryce Young could have played at all last year, that pick would have been in the teens at least.

The Bears play outdoors, in the Windy City, and have not remotely built a team that is tough or good in the trenches. Poles is absolutely clueless

You can't nitpick the Bears on some of their draft picks and ignore Kwesi's first draft which was a complete dumpster fire. I love JJ McCarthy more than most but Addison and Will Reichard are the only two picks Kwesi has made that we know are good, yet Addison has had his issues and the other is a kicker.

The Bears got Allen for a 4th rounder and he's a FA after the season so drafting Odunze made sense. You wanted them to draft Fashanu who is a backup for the terrible Jets?

They wanted Barkley but had to settle for Swift, who despite being 'just a 3rd down back' was the 5th leading rusher in the NFL last season. He is a huge upgrade over what they had last season which was nothing. He's on pace to approach his rushing numbers from last season, beat his rushing TDs, and he's already surpassed his receiving yards from last year.

You like what Kwesi has done with the cap situation and so do I, yet the Bears have slightly more cap space than the Vikings do heading into next season.

They also rightfully moved on from Fields who stinks. Poles has done a better job than what you and Slim are giving him credit for.

 

[Wally]

Next off-season is when shit gets serious and it's a chance for KAM to solidify my confidence in him.

I think KAM has some change in his pocket,





Danny Dimes...

 

[Ope3]

Has Poles really done that bad of a job? Or do they just have a terrible coach? Chicago is significantly more talented than before he arrived and he fleeced the Panthers in the Bryce Young trade.

I would bet if KOC was coaching the Bears and Eberflus was coaching the Vikings this year, both teams records would be similarly swapped.

Astonishing that the Bears didn't ditch Eberflus for Jim Harbaugh.

 

[Slim Tubby]

I think KAM has some change in his pocket,





Danny Dimes...

I'd roll the dice on him as our backup QB. If a team signs him this year and he leaves in FA, they get basically a free Compensatory Pick next year.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Vs. Da

The Vikings had a 300-yard passer, two 100-yard receivers and a 100-yard rusher in the same game for the first time since the 2000

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Lots to be thankful in this excellent article in the Athletic regarding JJ being a team first guy always at 25. It’s who he is.

How Justin Jefferson played a huge role beyond the box score in Vikings’ win over Bears

Jefferson is a superstar who sees the bigger picture. His selflessness resulted in huge games Sunday from Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson.

www.nytimes.com

Coaches at LSU needed a slot receiver during Jefferson’s junior year. None of the other receivers volunteered, so Jefferson accepted the role.

When it came time for negotiations on his record-breaking contract extension, Jefferson vowed to keep conversations private. There were no opaque social media posts, no ruckuses raised in press conferences. He did not miss a single involuntary workout.

When conversations were being had about quarterback Kirk Cousins’ future with the team, Jefferson backed Cousins while also speaking positively about the idea of a young quarterback and what that would mean.

Following Nailor’s touchdown Sunday, a pass that could have gone to him, Jefferson thrust his hands to the sky in a touchdown pose and was the first teammate there to celebrate.