Preview: New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets touching down in the UK can mean only one thing – the 2024 NFL London games are finally upon us. This Sunday, two of the NFL’s most talented rosters will go head-to-head at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – behind the instrumental leadership of quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers. With just three days to go, Decyfr lays out everything we can expect to see from these two storied franchises.

Will the @Vikings and @Patriots remain UNDEFEATED after this year’s London Games? 🇬🇧#SKOL #NEPats | @UKVikings pic.twitter.com/Muss22Piao

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 2, 2024

MVP-Calibre Sam Darnold

From Geno Smith to Brock Purdy, NFL fans love a Cinderella story and while the end is yet to be written, Sam Darnold’s 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings has all the makings of exactly that. Prior to the season, ESPN predicted that with Darnold at the helm the Vikings would end up with the seventh-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and ESPN were by no means the only ones with such expectations. Darnold, however, has been performing at an MVP level through the first four weeks of the season – leading the league in both passing touchdowns and passer rating, with 11 and 118.9 respectively. Moreover, Darnold was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September after becoming one only of only two quarterbacks since 2000 to throw 10 or more TDs, while starting 4-0.

With an abundance of weapons, expect Sam Darnold to continue his show of dominance against his old team. The Jets defense are renowned for putting pressure on opposing QBs, so don’t be surprised if head coach Kevin O’Connell utilises screens, and the short-to-intermediate pass game to ensure Darnold stays on his feet and has success through the air.

Rodgers’ Redemption

Prior to last week’s embarrassing showing against the Denver Broncos, the New York Jets offense were excelling in a number of pivotal areas – notably ranking as the NFL’s best team for third-down efficiency with 56.8%, as they put up nine touchdowns in just three games. The fast start hit a speed bump against the Broncos, however, as Aaron Rodgers and the Jets failed to score a single touchdown – despite three snaps from the one-yard line. Undeniably, the biggest issue for the Jets was penalties. New York recorded 13 total penalties, five of which were false starts from the offense – an issue that prompted extensive discussion in the media throughout the week.

Aaron Rodgers preaches accountability, so expect this week to see a notable drop in pre-snap penalties and, as a result, a much more effective offense. Despite the Vikings’ elite run defense, don’t rule out a bounce back performance from star running back Breece Hall. Hall currently ranks last in the NFL for yards per carry, of all RBs with 30+ carries – shockingly low for someone of his talent. A 100-yard performance from Hall could be enough to get the Jets’ offense back on track this Sunday.

The 4-0 @Vikings have exceeded ALL EXPECTATIONS this season 😈#Skol | @UKVikings pic.twitter.com/5lbTyKjPZO

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 1, 2024

A Kevin O’Connell Masterclass

Twice a New York Jets quarterback, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is more than familiar with this week’s opponent, and will be ready to pull out every trick in the book to get the win. O’Connell has already proven that his ‘trick book’ is rather extensive – orchestrating elite offensive performances in each of the Vikings’ four victories. If an unbeaten start wasn’t enough, the Vikings are now the only team in the Super Bowl era to start 4-0 despite never being more than a one-point favourite. O’Connell has managed to exceed all expectations and that’s with multiple injuries to star players – including tight end T.J. Hockenson, who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP).

The New York Jets have struggled against the run to start the 2024 season – ranking 21^st for rushing yards allowed per game – presenting an opportunity for O’Connell to lean on Aaron Jones in the ground game, with Jones currently sitting eighth in the NFL for rushing yards. The prioritisation of the rush should also increase the Vikings’ time of possession – a tool used by the 49ers to defeat the Jets in Week 1 – whilst simultaneously providing Darnold with increased play action opportunities.

The Jets’ ‘No Fly Zone’

Despite their struggles against the run, the New York Jets defense have continued to dominate opposing quarterbacks. In fact, through the first four weeks of the season, the Jets rank second for both pass defense and total defense – with last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos serving as a prime example of the challenge they present to QBs. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix came into the game fresh off a 263-yard game against the highly-touted Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Against the Jets, however, he managed only 63 total yards and completed just 48% of his throws.

With stars like Will McDonald IV – who ranks third in the league for sacks – and linebacker Quincy Williams playing at an All-Pro level, the Jets defense have lived up to the remarkable reputation they forged for themselves in 2023.

In Sunday’s matchup, all eyes should be on interior defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and Javon Kinlaw – who will be tasked with stopping Aaron Jones from running riot – along with star cornerback Sauce Gardner. Prior to the season, Sauce Gardner and the Jets defensive coaching staff referenced the possibility of Sauce shadowing star WRs in tough games. With Justin Jefferson proudly holding the title as the league’s best, Sunday presents Sauce with his most formidable challenge yet.

Aaron Rodgers and the @nyjets were ELITE against the Patriots last night 💪#JetUp | @NYJetsinUKandIE pic.twitter.com/uOZSzDHPhu

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) September 20, 2024

Brian Flores’ Dominant Defense

While Sam Darnold and the Vikings offense have stolen the headlines, defensive coordinator Brian Flores has quietly built one of the most impactful defenses in all of football. To the degree that 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy made sure to tell Flores just how impressive his defensive scheme was, following Minnesota’s 23-17 win against San Francisco in Week 2. The star of the show, however, has been the Vikings’ run defense – which ranks second in the NFL with just 75 yards allowed per game and only one rushing touchdown allowed all season.

Last week, the Denver Broncos defense overwhelmed the Jets’ offense with consistently packed boxes and a particularly high blitz rate. Expect Flores to follow a similar approach in London this weekend, utilising the tenacity of linebacker Pat Jones II, who ranks third in the league with a career-high five sacks. Furthermore, Aaron Rodgers is carrying a minor injury into this week’s contest – limiting his ability to escape the pocket and thus putting added pressure on an inconsistent offensive line to stop a very capable pass rush from Minnesota.

Final Predictions

Score: Minnesota Vikings 24 – 13 New York Jets

Player of the Game: Aaron Jones, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings