Just a couple of seasons ago it seemed as if the Minnesota Vikings would sustain their hold atop the NFC North for the upcoming few seasons.
Back in 2022, when the Vikings clinched their division, the Detroit Lions were still far away from becoming a top team, the Green Bay Packers had a down year and Aaron Rodgers’ future was uncertain, while the Chicago Bears were still struggling.
However, all three of those teams have gotten significantly better which means the NFC North will have a fight on its hands.
The Vikings will head into this season without Kirk Cousins and are banking on Sam Darnold and potentially rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy to lead the team.
So while the play under center is a big unknown at the moment, here are five bold predictions for Minnesota for the 2024 season.
Justin Jefferson becomes the first receiver to cross 2,000 yards in a season
Justin Jefferson has been a dynamite of a wide receiver ever since he entered the NFL. From offensive rookie of the year in 2020, his numbers have increased each year barring 2023 when he missed 7 games due to injury. And even then he posted over 1,000 receiving yards in just 10 games.
With a career-best of 1,809 receiving yards in 2022, Jefferson will take the next step up and set a new NFL record in 2024 by becoming the first receiver to eclipse the 2,000-yard receiving mark.
Receiving Duo of Jefferson and Addison Create History
When healthy, there is no doubt that Justin Jefferson will see the lion’s share of receptions for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. He is their true WR1 and he will continue to torch the opposing defensive backs once again.
His partner in crime will be second-year starter Jordan Addison who himself is coming off a terrific rookie year. Addison shouldered most of the responsibility for Minnesota while Jefferson was out injured in 2023. He finished with 911 yards which was good for 3rd best amongst all rookie receivers last year.
The duo of Jefferson and Addison is expected to have a record-breaking season as they attempt to cross the 3,174 yards record set back in 1995 by the Detroit Lions’ receiving pair of Herman Moore and Brett Perriman.
Dallas Turner Wins Defensive Rookie of the Year
Dallas Turner is the Vikings’ first-round pick number 17 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Building upto the draft, there was a lot of focus placed on Turner and how he could have been the first defensive player selected. Even if that was not the case, the potential to have a huge rookie season is certainly there for the Vikings star in the making.
Turner is expected to be a force to reckon with, especially in a defensive system that will put the onus on blitzing the quarterback. Expect Turner to end up as the leader in sacks amongst all rookies which will earn him the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award for 2024.
Aaron Jones has a Career Year
Aaron Jones is a solid running back who had his best season rushing not too long ago in 2022. He could have had another great year in 2023 had he not missed six games due to injuries on his hamstring and knee.
Along with his rushing abilities, Jones is also a decent receiver and could be used more in that role with the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings under head coach O’Connell have preferred a more passing game approach with fewer rushing attempts.
With that said, expect Jones to make a significant impact both on the ground and in the air.
Sam Darnold throws for over 4,000 Yards
Up until this point of his six-year career in the NFL, Sam Darnold has failed to impress especially given that he was picked third overall in 2018. However, one thing to take note of is that Darnold will now be throwing to the likes of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T. J. Hockenson.
The quality of weapons at his disposal for the upcoming season will see him eclipse the 4,000-yard mark for the first time in his career.
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