PFF Absolutely Loves the Minnesota Vikings After Week 1

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Andrew Van Ginkel, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have kicked off their 2024-25 season with a strong 1-0 record, thanks to a decisive 28-6 victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in Week 1. The impressive win has left many fans pleasantly surprised and optimistic about what’s ahead for the rest of the season.

So, how did the Vikings really perform? ProFootballFocus has just dropped their Week 1 grades, which are a go-to for fans and analysts alike when assessing team and player performances. The verdict? They’ve got some great news for the Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings second highest ranked teams in PFF grades after week 1

The Minnesota Vikings currently hold the second-highest team grade, excluding the teams playing on Monday Night Football. They earned an overall grade of 84.5, placing just behind the Seattle Seahawks, who posted an impressive 91.3 PFF grade.

PFF Team Grades

  1. Seattle Seahawks – 91.3
  2. Minnesota Vikings – 84.5
  3. New Orleans Saints – 82.8
  4. Detroit Lions – 78.8
  5. Dallas Cowboys – 76.3

The Minnesota Vikings not only secured the second spot in the rankings this week, but several standout individual performances also played a key role in their strong overall team grade.

PFF also selected their Player of the Game from the Vikings vs. Giants matchup, awarding the honor to QB Sam Darnold. They described him as “clinical from a clean pocket,” which played a big role in his impressive grade this week.

Minnesota Vikings Offense PFF Grades

  1. *LG Blake Brandel – 91.2
  2. *RB Aaron Jones – 90.9
  3. *QB Sam Darnold – 88.1
  4. RT Brian O’Neil – 85.9
  5. LT Christian Darrisaw – 79.4

*No. 1 graded player in NFL at their position

After Week 1, PFF ranked Blake Brandel as the 5th best overall run and pass blocker in the league. Sam Darnold took the top spot as the best quarterback, while Aaron Jones led the pack among running backs.

In his debut as a Viking, Sam Darnold went 19-for-24, racking up 208 yards and tossing 2 touchdowns. At the same time, Aaron Jones made a strong impression in his first game in purple, rushing for 94 yards on 14 carries and adding a touchdown.

It wasn’t just the offense that played a key role in the game, the defense also had a strong showing, contributing significantly with several impressive performances that made a real difference on the field.

Minnesota Vikings Defense PFF Grades

  1. Andrew Van Ginkel – 90.6
  2. Harrison Smith – 90.4
  3. Ivan Pace Jr. – 82.2
  4. Harrison Phillips – 80.3
  5. Josh Metellus – 80.2

Related: Win Over Giants Launches Vikings Up Major Power Rankings

Van Ginkel earned the 10th highest overall defense ranking in the league after Sunday’s games, with Smith close behind at 11th. On top of that, Van Ginkel also claimed the top spot in the coverage category.

Both Smith and Van Ginkel snagged interceptions to kick off their seasons, with Van Ginkel returning his for a defensive touchdown. That big play might have been a key factor in boosting his grade this week.

Minnesota Vikings off to great start

The Minnesota Vikings have started their 2024-25 season with a promising performance, despite entering with low expectations. This strong beginning could give the team a confidence boost as they head into Week 2, where they will face the San Francisco 49ers, last season’s runner-up, in their home opener.

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