The NFL media couldn’t have imagined the script that Week 3 featured. This was a week of upsets. The Carolina Panthers’ offense destroyed the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense. Bo Nix led the Denver Broncos to a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the same team that beat the Detroit Lions last week.
Additionally, the Minnesota Vikings upset the Houston Texans. Minnesota is our Team of the Week.
Mono Man
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold didn’t look like the same player who contracted mononucleosis and saw ghosts in New York. Darnold was 17 of 28 for 181 yards and four touchdowns. Four different Vikings players had touchdowns (Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Jalen Nailor, and Johnny Mundt). Darnold has elevated the Vikings’ offense to a level that the team was missing last year with Josh Dobbs under center.
Sam Darnold is the first quarterback in Vikings history to win his first three games of the season and throw multiple pass touchdowns in each of them. (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/Y5dkoTthYN
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 24, 2024
Aaron Jones is the New Owner of Houston
As previously stated, Jones had a touchdown. Additionally, he had 19 carries for 102 yards, which was the most rushing yards of any player in this contest. He also brought back his famous sombrero, this time in the Minnesota Vikings’ yellow and purple color scheme.
Brian Flores Coached on Madden Rookie Mode
Flores’ defense made life miserable for C.J. Stroud and the Houston offense. Jonathan Greenard had a big day with three sacks. Andrew Van Ginkel and Jalen Redmond also each had a sack. Van Ginkel also led the team with five solo tackles (tied with Camryn Bynum).
In addition, Bynum and Kamu Grugier-Hill each picked off Stroud to make his day worse. The defense held Stroud to 215 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, which was one of the worst games of his young career. Minnesota shut out the Stroud-led Texans for three out of the four quarters.
Brian Flores has CJ Stroud in hell right nowpic.twitter.com/azU2rraXWV
— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) September 22, 2024
Quality of Opponents
When the selection for Team of the Week is made, stats, context, and the quality of the opponent are all considered. The Carolina Panthers were heavily considered for the top team this week because they dominated the Raiders and Andy Dalton became the first quarterback this season to throw for over 300 and three touchdowns. However, the Texans are a better matchup than Vegas.
The Upcoming Schedule
The next opponent for the Minnesota Vikings is the Green Bay Packers. The Packers’ defense may give the Vikings’ offense some problems. After Green Bay, Minnesota travels to London, England, to take on the New York Jets, which may be an easier game to win than the Packers game. However, the NFL has decided to be extra chaotic this season and anything can happen.
When the NFL becomes unpredictable, the season gets more entertaining. We are in a great stretch of the season where teams are still defining their identities and nobody is out of contention. This is when NFL football becomes extra exciting.
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