'24 Preview: Minnesota Vikings

All Access Football previews the 2024 Minnesota Vikings. All Access. All Football. All The Time.

Aug 03, 2024

Volume XXIV Edition XXVIII | 2024 Preview: Minnesota Vikings

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NFC SOUTH || 2023 Record: 7-10 || AAF Preseason Power Ranking: 24

Team Brass

Owner: Zygi Wolf || General Manager: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah || Head Coach: Kevin O'Connell || Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips || Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores || Special Teams: Matt Daniels

2024 NFLPA Report Card || Overall Ranking (2 of 32)

Offense Rankings

Total Offense: 347.8 (10th) || Passing: 256.4 (T-5th) || Rushing: 91.4 (29th) || Points: 20.2 (22nd) || Sacked: 47 (T-22nd) || 3rd Down: 38.1% (18th)

Defense Rankings

Total Defense: 333.2 (16th) || Passing: 234.5 (24th) || Rushing: 98.7 (8th) || Points Allowed: 21.3 (T-13th) || Sacks: 43 (T-19th) || Turnover Differential: -12 (T-30th)

Top 10 Franchise Players

WR Justin Jefferson (photo credit: Minnesota Vikings)
S Harrison Smith
WR Jordan Addison
TE TJ Hockenson
OT Christian Darrisaw
OT Brian O’Neill
CB Byron Murphy Jr.
S Camryn Bynum
OG Dalton Risner
FB CJ Ham

Key Additions

QB Sam Darnold (49ers) || RB Aaron Jones (Packers) || TE Robert Tonyan (Bears) || C Dan Feeney (Bears) || DE Jihad Ward (Giants) || DE Jonah Williams (Rams) || DT Jerry Tillery (Raiders) || LB Jonathan Greenard (Texans) || LB Andrew Van Ginkel (Dolphins) || LB Blake Cashman (Texans) || LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (Panthers) || CB Shaquill Griffin (Panthers)

Key Losses

QB Kirk Cousins (Falcons) || QB Joshua Dobbs (49ers) || RB Alexander Mattison (Raiders) || RB Cam Akers (Rams) || WR K.J. Osborn (Patriots) || C Austin Schlottmann (Giants) || DE Danielle Hunter (Texans) || DE Marcus Davenport (Lions) || DE Dean Lowry (Steelers) || LB Jordan Hicks (Browns) || LB D.J. Wonnum (Panthers)

Breakout Players

RB Ty Chandler - One of the more pleasant surprises on offense was the emergence of Chandler during his second season with the team. He stepped up admirably, even starting a handful of games and finished with 461 rushing yards on the season, demonstrating the ability to cut on a dime. Chandler would appear to be in line as the top alternate to newly signed Aaron Jones in the backfield.

LB Ivan Pace Jr. - It was somewhat of a roller-coaster ride for Pace Jr. who went from undrafted-to-starter for the Vikings. He ran into the rookie wall at the midway point of the year but recouped to finish up strong and tally 102 tackles. Pace Jr. is expected to take the next step in his development.

S Lewis Cine - Is it the end of the road for former first round pick? After appearing in just 10 games during his first two seasons and being a healthy scratch for much of last year, the light bulb needs to turn on, or Cine could happen to find his way out.

2024 NFL Draft Class

A determined Vikings front office was rewarded for their patience in landing JJ McCarthy, which makes for a fascinating marriage with offensive whiz Kevin O’Connell. Coming back to land edge rusher Dallas Turner was a savvy move. The experienced Walter Rouse could play a pivotal role as a swingman tackle and Minnesota deserves kudos for unearthing defensive tackle monster Levi Drake Rodriguez. Initial Overall Rookie Assessment: High Level Impact