The Vikings return to Minnesota for a pivotal post-bye matchup against the Detroit Lions. Head coach Kevin O’Connell tossed out the first pitch at a San Diego Padres-Los Angeles Dodgers game. Quarterback Sam Darnold led the USC Trojans out of the tunnel against Penn State. And now they look to build on their grueling and impressive five-game start to the NFL season.
How good are the Vikings?
Check out Austin Mock’s 2024 NFL projections, where you will find each team’s probability of conquering its division, advancing through the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl. The projections are based on 100,000 simulations of the remainder of the season, which factors in each team’s projected strength, current health as well as its remaining schedule.
Week 7: vs. Detroit Lions, 12 p.m. CT (FOX)
The story behind the Vikings’ 5-0 start
The undefeated Vikings are an amalgamation of creative coaching, versatile on-field talent and good vibes. Can they keep it rolling?
Vikings acquire Cam Akers
Minnesota traded a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick as part of the deal, and Houston included a conditional 2026 seventh-rounder.
Why WR coach Keenan McCardell is a key, unheralded figure
When asked what makes McCardell a good enough coach that Justin Jefferson vouched for him, the star receiver replied, “What makes him not good?”
Can NFC North put every team in playoffs?
No other division in the NFL boasts even three teams with a plus-.500 record.
Mailbag: Trade deadline thoughts, Dallas Turner’s start, special teams
Is there any indication that the Vikings will be big-time buyers at the trade deadline? What’s the latest on Dallas Turner’s development? We have answers.
📈 Power Rankings: Vikings hold No. 1 spot
Can Darnold keep it up? Everyone is waiting for the Vikings quarterback to turn into a pumpkin.
Scouting the opponent
Catch up on all the latest news on the Lions before the two NFC powerhouses face each other.
Around the NFL
Sando’s Pick Six: Deshaun Watson and a Browns escape plan
The salary cap would make cutting Watson painful but not impossible. Could the Browns thread the tiniest needle with a trade?
Why Davante Adams, Amari Cooper trades could be different
In-season wide receiver trades usually flop. But the Jets and Bills should not necessarily panic.
NFL panic meter
How worried should the Cowboys, Browns and other struggling teams be?
NFL QB stock report
Since 2022, Brock Purdy has been just as good, if not better, than Bengals QB Joe Burrow. So why doesn’t he get the same shine?
Exclusive: Jerry Jones explains himself after fired up comments
“The facts are that if I’m going to be grilled by the tribunal, I don’t need it to be by the guys I’m paying.”
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(Top photo: Julian Finney / Getty Images)