Sam Darnold’s QB Stock on the Rise Again

The Minnesota Vikings are now 3-0 and quarterback Sam Darnold has been a key reason as to why. Despite previous employers moving on, Kevin O’Connell is glad he has the former third round pick under center. The Vikings quarterback continues to earn more praise nationally each week as well.

Where does Minnesota Vikings Sam Darnold rank this week?

Each week The Athletic puts out a quarterback stock report. There has been some shuffling in the early going this season. Josh Allen takes over the top spot this week, but it’s the Minnesota Vikings Sam Darnold that keeps climbing as well.

“The 27-year-old has never looked better, and head coach Kevin O’Connell’s scheme is a major reason. Darnold never had an opportunity like this with the New York Jets or Carolina Panthers.”

Jeff Howe on Sam Darnold (The Athletic)

After starting 28th to begin the year, and jumping to just 19th last week, Darnold is knocking on the top 10 door. Jeff Howe has him 13th after Week 3. Only Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff are in between him and the top ten. It’s crazy to think that Darnold has made this much movement in so little time, but it’s also a direct reflection of the on field performance.

The Minnesota Vikings are not just winning games, they are dominating them. Darnold missed a single play on Sunday against the Texans, but returned to orchestrate a 34-7 victory. He threw four touchdown passes and currently looks like one of the best signal callers in the NFL.

Related: Bill Belichick Points Finger at Jets; Says Everyone Likes Sam Darnold

Darnold always had this level of performance in him. It’s why he was the third overall pick. It just has taken Kevin O’Connell being the right coach to get it to show up on Sundays.

How high can Vikings Darnold climb?

To this point Sam Darnold has improved his stock by 15 spots since the beginning of the season. He jumped up another six places after getting into the top 20 just last week. Realistically there is a ceiling for all of this. Unless he truly winds up winning the MVP, it’s unrealistic to think that Minnesota’s quarterback becomes the best in football.

Sam Darnold with 4 passing TDs in Week 3. Is he an early MVP candidate?

(by @FedEx) pic.twitter.com/bTbNF22yNf

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

Howe is still taking a wait and see approach as Darnold has played better than multiple names above him. Joe Burrow has not looked good for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Brock Purdy might be on the shelf for a while. The Vikings face off against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets in London next week. Two more victories, or at least solid play from the quarterback, and that seems like a realistic range.

Related: Sam Darnold, the MVP Favorite?

Sam Darnold being a top five quarterback in the NFL is not something even the biggest believers saw coming. That said, it’s currently shaping up that way, and it’s why the Minnesota Vikings might be the best team in football.