Questions Answered: Prediction for Vikings-Jets, Difference from 2016, Most Surprising Player

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by VikingsTerritory. Today is the October 4th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].

Questions Answered: Prediction for Vikings-Jets, Difference from 2016, Most Surprising Player

Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.

Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is presses by Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark (97) during the first quarter of their game Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Q: Who you got in Vikings-Jets? And what will the score be?

Florham Park, NJ July 19, 2023 — Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams being interviewed as players arrived today to participate in the NY Jets 2023 Training Camp at their practice facility in Florham Park, NJ. © Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Answer: Jets 23-20.

This matchup feels a little tricky for the Vikings because of four reasons:

1. Aaron Rodgers knows the Vikings and about 40% of the defensive personnel.

2. The Jets are desperate after losing to the lowly Broncos and arguably need a dub more than Minnesota.

3. Minnesota played a little shaky in the 2nd Half of the game at Green Bay, and if that persists, New York can steal one.

4. The Jets’ defense is on the same level as the Vikings’ and might be the toughest challenge to date in 2024.

Q: What’s the main difference between the 2016 Vikings team that started 5-0 and this 2024 squad that’s 4-0?

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.

Answer: The 2016 team could not rush the football — at all. The 2024 team can.

Furthermore, the 2024 team is just more balanced. Defense and special teams kept the 2016 club afloat during the first section of the season. The schedule also wasn’t as brutal that year.

While no Vikings fans would be too shocked if the current team regressed — like it did in 2016 — the 2024 Minnesota club is better coached and hasn’t felt fluky at all.

Q: To you, who’s the Vikings’ most surprising standout player?

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) is tackled by Minnesota linebacker P. Jones II (91) during their football game on Sunday, January, 1, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.

Answer: Patrick Jones II.

The veteran pass rusher has 5 sacks, 7 QB hits, a forced fumble, and 14 tackles to boot. And that’s while playing about half the time on defense. Jones II was a cut candidate for some during the summer but has proven his worth and then some in 2024.

It’s uncertain if he’ll remain a Viking after 2024 — this year is the final of his contract — but he’s really making an impact right now.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.