The Minnesota Vikings are riding high at 13-2, with their sights firmly set on securing the NFC’s top playoff seed. Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson sees something special brewing – a championship-caliber vibe reminiscent of his 2019 LSU team that captured the national title.
“We’re coming together,” Jefferson said after his second touchdown catch sealed a crucial 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks. “Every single game, we’re finding different ways to overcome adversity. These close games are what make championship teams.”
Similarities to LSU’s Championship Run
When asked if he sees the 2024 Vikings as true contenders, Jefferson didn’t hesitate. “Oh for sure,” he affirmed, drawing parallels to the chemistry and resilience of that celebrated LSU squad.
“Not just what we’re doing out there on the field, but the way we carry ourselves, the way we treat each other… In 2019 when I won a championship at LSU, it was the same type of vibe. The team is just together, fighting for one another every single game. It definitely feels the same.”
Justin Jefferson on the Vikings’ team chemistry
Road to the Top Seed
Thanks to the Eagles’ surprise loss to the Commanders, Minnesota now controls its own destiny for home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Two more wins to close out the regular season would clinch that coveted top seed.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell preaches a “go 1-0 each week” mentality that’s clearly resonated with his team. “It’s a mature team that can be dangerous, I do believe,” O’Connell noted, “if we continue to just understand what got us to this moment from the first day of training camp.”
Darnold Delivers in the Clutch
Quarterback Sam Darnold once again rose to the occasion, engineering the game-winning touchdown drive in Seattle despite headset issues that forced him to improvise the play-calling at times.
His 39-yard scoring strike to Jefferson, which O’Connell dubbed the “play of the game, and maybe even … the season,” showcased Darnold’s poise under pressure. The rejuvenated signal-caller has now posted a 100+ passer rating in 12 of his 15 starts, thriving in an offense tailored to his strengths.
Jefferson’s Soaring Production
As for Jefferson, the electric wideout just keeps raising the bar. His 10-catch, 144-yard eruption in Seattle matches his career high of 10 touchdown grabs in a season. Few secondaries have had an answer for his game-breaking ability.
If Jefferson and Darnold maintain this lethal connection, and the Vikings’ team-first culture holds strong, Minnesota may just have the right championship formula brewing as the calendar flips to 2025.
