In a thrilling Week 2 matchup, the Minnesota Vikings secured a hard-fought victory over the San Francisco 49ers with a final score of 23-17. The game showcased the Vikings’ tenacious defense, which recorded an impressive six sacks on 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, making it a challenging day for the young signal-caller.
Sunday’s action kicked off with a big deflected pass from Blake Cashman on a 3rd down pass attempt from Brock Purdy. That 3rd down stop setup a pivotal play from C.J. Ham, who blocked a punt attempt which then was recovered and returned by Vikings defensive back Theo Jackson. This set the stage for an early field goal from Will Reichard that put the Vikings on the board.
In the second quarter, the defense continued to shine, particularly during a critical standoff on the Vikings’ 5-yard line. Ivan Pace Jr. and Harrison Smith made standout plays to thwart the 49ers’ attempts to score, showcasing their resilience and determination. The momentum shifted dramatically when Sam Darnold connected with Justin Jefferson for a stunning 97-yard touchdown pass, electrifying the crowd and extending the Vikings’ lead.
After the half, the Vikings’ defense remained relentless in the third quarter, with Josh Metellus making a crucial interception that was deflected off Blake Cashman’s hands. This turnover ultimately led to another scoring drive capped off by a touchdown catch from Jalen Nailor, further solidifying the Vikings’ advantage.
The Fourth quarter was a letdown. Aaron Jones had a huge opportunity to help put a nail in San Fransisco’s coffin, but couldn’t hold onto the ball when 49er’s Fred Warner punched the ball out on the 2 yard line. This ultimately led to a 49ers driving down the field and scoring a touchdown. Luckily, rookie kicker Will Reichard (Alabama) was lights out this week for Minnesota. Contributing 3 field goals and helping solidify the win after Aaron Jones devastating fumble.
Blake Cashman was a standout on defense, leading the team with 13 total tackles and contributing a sack. Pat Jones also had a stellar performance, recording two sacks for the second consecutive week, demonstrating the effectiveness of defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ innovative schemes. Flores has been instrumental in shaping the defensive roster to fit his vision, and it showed in this game. The Vikings now lead the league in sacks, through the first two weeks, with 11. Sacksville, Minnesota is now open to all opposing quarterbacks who are brave enough to endure the pain.
On the offensive rushing side of things, Ty Chandler led the rushing attack with 10 attempts for 82 yards, outpacing Aaron Jones, who managed only 32 yards on 9 attempts and a crucial fumble on the 2 yard line in a tense moment. The question here is, are we seeing a lead shift in the backfield? Or was this just a faulty game by Aaron Jones? Let’s hope Jones gets back on his feet.
Overall, the Vikings’ combination of a powerful defense and timely offensive plays led them to a well-deserved victory, showcasing their potential as a formidable team this season and absolutely outperforming there 6.5 projected wins this season.
KEY PLAYERS FROM WEEK 2
Offense
- SAM DARNOLD – 26 Attempts 17 Completions 268 Yards 2 TDs 1 INT; 5 Carries 32 Yards
- JUSTIN JEFFERSON – 7 Targets 4 Receptions 133 Yards 1 TD
- JALEN NAILOR – 4 Targets 3 Receptions 54 Yards 1 TD
- TY CHANDLER – 10 carries for 82 yards. (8.2 yards per attempt)
Defense
- BLAKE CASHMAN – 5 Tackles 8 Assists
- IVAN PACE JR – 6 Tackles 3 Assists
- JOSH METELLUS – 5 Tackles 2 Assists 1 INT
- PAT JONES II – 2 Tackles 3 Assists 2 Sacks
In week 3 they face a yet another STRONG team in the Houston Texans who will be showcasing 3 former Vikings players; Stefon Diggs, Cam Akers and Danielle Hunter.
Let’s get into some key injuries for the Vikings week three game.
INJURIES/PLAYERS OUT
Jordan Addison (Wide Receiver)
Injury: Ankle
Status: OUT
Once again, the Vikings will be without their number 2 receiver. Sounds like Jordan is on pace to make his appearance next week against the Packers. Look for Jalen Nailor to step up in Jordan’s absence.
Dallas Turner (Outside Linebacker)
Injury: Knee
Status: OUT
Dallas got a little banged up in week 3 but did happen to get himself a sack. Sounds like he will be back and ready to play when the team travels to Green Bay to face the Packers.
Ivan Pace Jr. (Linebacker)
Injury: Quad/Ankle
Status: OUT
Ivan had a quad injury coming out of last weeks game and it also sound like he may have also tweaked his ankle in practice. This is a huge blow to the explosive Vikings defense. Ivan has been an absolute monster and has stepped up big in huge situations. He is truly going to be missed this week as he is one of our top tacklers. Hopefully he makes his return in week 4.
The other key players whom were on Minnesota’s injury report did not receive a designation for the game and are expected to be available!
Garrett Bradbury (Center) (Knee), Ed Ingram (Guard) (Triceps), Justin Jefferson (Wide Receiver) (Quad), Aaron Jones Sr. (Running Back) (Hip), Jalen Nailor (Wide Receiver) (Ankle), Brian O’Neill (Tackle) (Elbow) and Andrew Van Ginkel (Outside Linebacker) (Foot).
GAME DETAILS
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
Date: Sunday, 9-22-2024
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: CBS or Paramount+
Texans vs Vikings Odds
- Spread: Houston -1.5 (-112) | Minnesota +1.5 (-108)
- Moneyline: Houston (-123) | Minnesota (+105)
- Over/Under: 46 Points Over (-112) | Under (-108)
Odds courtesy of Draft Kings Sportsbook
My Week 3 Bets and Final Prediction for Texans Vs Vikings
- Vikings get the victory this week at +105
- Texans 21 / Vikings 24
- The Total for this game is 46 which means I’m predicting this will be a more heavy Defensive game than expected and taking the under at -108
FAVORITE BETS
- Blake Cashman – Over 8.5 Tackles + Assists (-115)
- Patrick Jones II – Over 0.25 Sacks (-115)
- Ty Chandler – Over 35.5 Rushing Yards(-115)
This is going to be the really tough matchup this week for the Vikings, especially without one of their best tacklers on defense. Cam Akers will get the go for the Texans which mean we will be facing three former Vikings in week 3. We all know Stefon Diggs has most definitely been looking forward to this matchup as he feels like he got burned by Minnesota. CJ Stroud is going to be the toughest Quarterbacks our defense has faced this season and he has 3 absolute studs at receiver. Our defense is going to have to step it up big time.
On the other side of the ball we will be facing the second sack leading team. Oh ya, and Danielle Hunter. I believe Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores have a really big task in front of them this week being underdogs at home. Regardless of the tough matchup, I still believe that the Vikings defense finds a way to keep them in the game and we are sittin’ 3-0 going into Green Bay.
Skol Viking Let’s Win This Game!
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