That may have somewhat saved him in the eye of the law, but did not get him any suspension discounts from Roger Goodell, after the league suspended him for the full three games, as is custom in the NFL for a first-time drunk driving affliction.

Wide Receivers the Minnesota Vikings should look to sign/trade for

Now, with Addison out to start the regular season and Justin Jefferson recovering from a “mild” hamstring strain to start MN Vikings training camp, it’s time for general manager Kwesi Adofo- Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell to consider alternative options that are not currently on roster. The list has some intriguing names, too.

Amari Cooper – 31 years old

Arguably the biggest splash on this list, Cooper would be an addition that sticks well beyond the time Addison misses. Last season he split time between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills while making $20 million.

He’s not that player anymore, but he’s just a year removed from a Pro Bowl selection with the Cleveland Browns. Cooper averaged a career-worst 39.1 yards per game and scored just four touchdowns. That said, he may be rejuvenated in an offense that should have plenty of juice.

One year ago, @AmariCooper9 was traded to the Cowboys.

He's done nothing but cook CBs in Dallas 🔥 (via @NFL pic.twitter.com/6dnNp86SiE

— ESPN (@espn) October 22, 2019

The former fourth overall pick is at the end of his career, but he’d push Jalen Nailor down the depth chart and give new starter J.J. McCarthy another legitimate weapon. The Vikings have cap space, and there are worse ways to use it.

Adam Thielen – 34 years old

There’s no real indication that the Carolina Panthers want to trade veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen. This would be his third season with them after leaving the Vikings. Of course everyone loves a good reunion story.

Minnesota would likely need to overpay in terms of draft capital in order to bring back their former hometown hero. A sixth or seventh round pick probably doesn’t get it done if the Vikings are the team on the phone.

Bringing Adam Thielen back to Minnesota makes so much sense. He'd cost very little to acquire. Carolina has young receivers who need reps. Thielen was legitimately great in the second half of last year, when Bryce Young was cookin'. And he knows the KOC offense. DO IT! pic.twitter.com/2yOPzGFF0j

— Paul Charchian (@PaulCharchian) August 6, 2025

Related: NFL Agent Crowns Minnesota Vikings Owners

Still, Carolina is not really in a position to compete and stockpiling future assets may be intriguing. Thielen played 10 games last year and scored five touchdowns with 615 receiving yards. His possession and route-running prowess would be a significant addition regardless of the way the rest of the depth chart shakes out.

Brandon Powell – 28 years old

If Adam Thielen is “one of us” then Brandon Powell previously has been one of us as well. The Minnesota Vikings brought Powell over after two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.

Kevin O’Connell’s familiarity with the secondary wideout translated into a niche role, and he continued to show purpose each of the past two seasons. While he operated in the return game, Powell also hauled in 36-of-54 passes thrown his way.

Joshua Dobbs to Brandon Powell!

The Vikings take the lead. Wow.

pic.twitter.com/WKIHBtrxtW

— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) November 5, 2023

He’d be a less-than-exciting option, but could help to supplement Nailor’s role as a secondary wideout. Powell has more experience, and could potentially be pushed with a bit more opportunity.

Odell Beckham Jr. – 32 years old

While he is not the elder statesman of the group, Odell Beckham Jr. feels like he has been around forever. Last season he played in nine games with the Miami Dolphins, and it’s clear he is in the twilight of his career.

You aren’t going to get peak New York Giants superstar anymore, but there may still be a usable talent here that can bring some veteran experience. He’s doesn’t need to be the distraction he once was, and Beckham Jr. already has familiarity with O’Connell during their shared time in Los Angeles.

ODELL'S FIRST PLAYOFF TD.

Rams on the board first. #RamsHouse #SuperWildCard

📺: #AZvsLAR on ABC/ESPN/ESPN2
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/55mgYXw7ry

— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2022

Related: MN Vikings Starting CB Could Land Returner Job

It would be awesome if he could prop up Nailor and help develop Tai Felton and Silas Bolden. Beckham caught just nine passes last season, but there would be room for him to do that in the first three weeks of the season with Minnesota.

In fact, a strong case can be made for the upcoming Los Angeles Rams matchup being one of the easiest games on the Vikings’ schedule thus far. Yet, this isn’t your typical matchup against a 2-4 team. After all, Kevin O’Connell mastered his craft under the watchful eye of Sean McVay, and now he gets to go toe-to-toe with his former mentor.

This means Coach McVay and Coach O’Connell have a strong sense of what the other wants to do in any given situation. However, that same reasoning could leave for a few surprise punches in the mouth on Thursday. As we’ve done for each matchup on the 2024 schedule, it’s time for some Vikings bold predictions against the Rams.

Related: Upcoming Minnesota Vikings Game Flexed to Prime Time

Sam Darnold has new career-high in passing yards

Thursday marks the return to where two current Vikings starred in college, a visit to the Golden State, where Sam Darnold and Jordan Addison parlayed successful careers into becoming first-round picks. Minnesota’s quarterback is enjoying a breakout season, but his best may be yet to come.

• Sam Darnold stats (2024): 1,370 passing yards (17th), 8.4 YPA (4th), 12 TD (4th), 5 INT (12th-most), 104 QB Rating (7th)

So far, the most passing yards Darnold has had in a single game as a member of the Vikings came in Week 4 against the Packers, when he racked up 275 yards. Believe it or not, Darnold’s career-high in passing yards came as a rookie, far before the Jets completely shattered his confidence, when he had 341 yards, coincidentally also against Green Bay. No wonder Kevin O’Connell liked this guy.

Darnold also matched his personal best of 341 yards in 2023 as a member of the Panthers. But on Thursday, he’ll have the very best skill position group of talent he’s ever had when T.J. Hockenson joins his fellow Pro Bowl pass-catchers.

With Coach O’Connell having a chance to show his former employer what they’re missing out on, don’t be surprised to see some of the best plays in the Vikings’ playbook. It could lead to Darnold shattering his career-high in passing yards.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Seriously Considering a Move to Dalton Risner

Jordan Addison sets new career-high in receiving yards

Even though it’s just his second NFL season, it already feels like Jordan Addison is an accomplished receiver. Yet, did you know he’s only had two 100-yard games in his young Vikings career? What’s arguably even more surprising is that his single-game career-high in receiving yards is 123, which came in Week 7 last year against the 49ers.

That game was at home, at U.S. Bank Stadium. But on Thursday, Addison gets to return to California, where he also thrived as a member of the USC Trojans. T.J. Hockenson is expected to return to the starting lineup, which could draw more attention away from Addison, plus, Justin Jefferson’s gravitational pull is always an X-Factor on game day too.

• Jordan Addison’s stats (2024): 12 receptions, 209 yards, TD

With more defenders worried about what Jefferson, Hockenson, and even Aaron Jones are capable of, we could see Addison break loose for a new career-high in receiving yards on Thursday. It wouldn’t be all that surprising, considering the Rams have a young, inexperienced secondary that could be prone to making more mistakes.

After all, they do allow the fourth-most passing yards per attempt among all NFL teams. As a result, Addison could be in for his best game as a member of the Vikings. After Addison got called out by Coach O’Connell for not finishing his route in last Sunday’s loss to the Lions, expect the young star to be at his best.

Related: Cooper Kupp’s Role Uncertain For Comeback Game Vs. Vikings

T.J. Hockenson catches two TDs 2024 Minnesota Vikings debut

The day is finally here, or, it will be… on Thursday. Sam Darnold has long-awaited the return of T.J. Hockenson. Sure, he’s gotten to see what it’s like to throw to the two-time Pro Bowl tight end in practices, but he’ll finally get to experience the real thing in a live game in Week 8.

Hockenson is itching to show he’s ready to hit the field at full speed, destroying any and every defender in his path. It may be his first game back, but it’s a juicy matchup for anyone who still has one of the NFL’s best tight ends rotting away on their bench in fantasy leagues.

Seriously, the Rams are allowing more fantasy points to opposing tight ends in the NFL than any other team. This is largely because they’ve allowed the second-most touchdowns to tight ends, but they’ve even allowed 407 yards to them across six games, which is the fourth-most in the league.

So don’t be surprised if Darnold finds No. 87 often once the Vikings get near the red zone, because not only is he his biggest target as a pass-catcher, he should also get some great matchups.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Add New Player To Team After Week 7 Loss

Brandon Powell scores punt return touchdown against former team

Punt return touchdowns are extremely rare in the NFL nowadays. Punters are instructed to kick the ball out of bounds when facing the best returners. Yet, Brandon Powell, while servicable, is not one of the NFL’s best returners. The Rams know this, otherwise they would have held onto their former player.

Nevertheless, one team’s trash is another’s treasure, and Powell has at the very least provided a steady punt returning presence for the Vikings’ special teams. Yet, it’s been a long time since he’s touched paydirt. Powell hasn’t scored a special teams touchdown since 2021, which actually came against the Vikings.

Brandon Powell with a HOUSE CALL on the punt return! #RamsHouse

📺: #LARvsMIN on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/QL1FPk9uSj

— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2021

However, if there’s ever a time to feel some extra motivation, it’s during a revenge game against your former team. Powell will have the opportunity to play in front of many members of his old coaching staff and a few teammates too. What better way to show the Rams made a mistake than by having a momentum-swinging punt return touchdown?

Being that there’s only been three punt return touchdowns in the NFL this season, don’t hold your breath. But when it happens, we’ll be the first to tell you we told you so.

• Vikings vs Rams prediction: Vikings 31, Rams 16

Related: We Now Know Vikings Kicker Will Reichard’s Max Field Goal Distance

It was actually a 1st half muffed punt that got the Packers failed comeback started. A muffed punt that only happened because the Vikings starting punt returner, Brandon Powell, wasn’t available to do his job.

Nailor muffs the punt and the Packers get a massive break pic.twitter.com/ZCB9aLBVMk

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) September 29, 2024

Sam Darnold got Minnesota Vikings teammate Brandon Powell hurt

Why wasn’t Brandon Powell back taking that punt return? Because his quarterback, Sam Darnold — who’s been playing at an MVP level to start the season — got him hurt. Just ask the veteran wide receiver, who spoke to reporters after the game and had zero hesitations throwing Darnold under the bus.

According to Andrew Krammer (Star Tribune), Darnold knew what he had done and could be seen afterward apologizing on the sideline, to Brandon Powell, for putting him in harm’s way. Video of the sequence is right below.

Powell said quarterback Sam Darnold came up to him on the sideline to apologize after a late third-down pass over the middle that got Powell drilled by a couple of Packers defenders. Powell missed the end of the first half with a rib injury.

“It’s a timing play,” Powell said. “That’s his fault I got hurt, but it’s football.”

Star Tribune

Brandon Powell is down for the Vikings. pic.twitter.com/whmNnmgihn

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 29, 2024

Related: Sam Darnold Among Vikings Slapped with Surprisingly Low PFF Grades in Week 4

Powell also said that Darnold’s ability to bounce back, after a bad play, is exactly why the Vikings love him. There was no hard feelings between the two. Powell was just stating facts.

Brandon Powell shows importance for the Vikings

Not long after Powell exited the game, Green Bay was forced into a punt situation. With the traditional punt returner out of the game, Jalen Nailor was tasked with fielding the football. Nailor hasn’t returned a punt as a professional, and facing the sun, muffed the ball to set up the Packers.

Due to the miscue, Minnesota immediately had their backs against the wall. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty backed Green Bay up, but they found the end zone for the first time just before the half expired. Powell not being available on special teams play was huge.

Related: Kevin O’Connell Takes Lead in NFL Coach of the Year Race

He knows how important he is to the Vikings, but it’s the receiving corps as a whole that continues to get the job done. This is very clearly a team that believes in and supports on another. It takes a certain level of honesty and cohesion have high level success in the NFL, and the Minnesota Vikings are set up to keep things rolling.

Related: Top 10 Minnesota Vikings 1st Round Draft Picks of All-Time

Lewis Cine shows growth, makes Vikings roster

Lewis Cine. Where do we begin? Most Minnesota Vikings fans have probably already given up on Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s first draft pick. But the 32nd overall selection of the 2022 NFL Draft is still just 24 years old. That’s far too early to throw the towel in on one of the best players from a championship-level Georgia Bulldogs defense.

Lewis Cine was the definition of a headhunter while at Georgia. A heat seeking missile

See ball, attack ball 😈 pic.twitter.com/RV7dbsenjB

— Thumser (@JeffreyThumser) July 20, 2024

While skeptics are right to have their doubts about a player who hasn’t done anything at the pro level, it’s quite possible he’s still mentally trying to overcome an injury some athletes may never come back from. Cine is facing very stiff competition among a deep group of Vikings safeties. However, he does benefit from the fact that defensive coordinator Brian Flores loves to use three safeties at a given time, sometimes more.

With all the losses the Vikings have suffered to their cornerback group, Cine now has more opportunities. For the third-year pro, it’s now or never. The ball is in his court.

Related: 6 Cornerbacks Vikings Could Add to Address Sudden CB Need

Vikings stand pat at CB, Andrew Booth snags key role

Losing two players who were expected to contribute in 2024 in Khyree Jackson and Mekhi Blackmon places the Vikings in a tough spot. However, they emerged from the draft with a wealth of depth. That depth is now being tested, and then some.

Previously, a player like Andrew Booth Jr may have been a prime trade candidate. The Vikings could have likely swapped the former second-round pick for another high-upside player at another position, or a veteran more capable of contributing right away.

But not anymore. Now Booth is very much back in the mix to emerge as anywhere from a CB2-CB4. Yet, even doing that won’t be easy. He’ll have to show he’s better than a former Pro Bowler in Shaq Griffin while holding off Akayleb Evans, who started 15 games last season.

Yet, there’s a reason why the former Clemson product was once viewed as a fringe first-round prospect. If the 23-year-old can put it all together in his third season, the Vikings’ defensive back group will see a big boost, and we know he’s confident in his abilities.

Related: Vikings Beat Writer Very Critical of Two MN Cornerbacks

Jalen Nailor steals WR3 role from Brandon Powell

One of the biggest training camp battles to watch is seeing who will emerge as the third receiver option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. While T.J. Hockenson will eventually become a top target once he returns to health, Vikings QBs will have to get used to relying on another playmaker until then. That man might just become third-year pro Jalen Nailor.

.@jalennailor hauls it in from @jjmccarthy09 🙌 pic.twitter.com/VVzuDDOKUy

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 25, 2024

The 2022 sixth-round pick is one of the fastest receivers on the team. Some say he might even be the fastest overall player. His biggest issue has been staying healthy, but he even saw 15 games of playing time as a rookie. So if he’s able to stay healthy, we wouldn’t rule Nailor out for a sizable role.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Know Who They Want to Win the WR3 Job

James Lynch earns starting role on Minnesota Vikings D-Line

The Vikings only have one established starter along their defensive line. Harrison Phillips isn’t losing his starting role, but Jonathan Bullard and Jerry Tillery’s jobs are not safe. There’s a group of hungry trench warriors eyeing playing time, and 2020 fourth-round pick James Lynch is one of them.

A rotational player that has been flashing the past few weeks has been Vikings defensive lineman q #92 James Lynch.

Lynch is in his third season but is still only 23 years old. He doesn't always fill up the box score but did against the Bills.

Plus his middle name is 'Husker'. pic.twitter.com/l7cEIZ4cJt

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) November 15, 2022

He’s displayed a strong motor in his past opportunities in Minnesota, but a torn ACL wiped out his entire 2023 season. Now back on track, the 25-year-old is as motivated as ever to prove he not only belongs in the NFL but is one of the best defensive linemen on the team. We’ll see if he can pull it off.

Related: 6 Vikings Training Camp Battles that Matter in 2024

J.J. McCarthy wins starting QB job

Don’t tell the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff, but we know what they’re doing by hyping up Sam Darnold and lowering expectations for their new 21-year-old quarterback. Of course they don’t want their first-round QB to get too big of a head before he’s even made his official debut.

It’s not that Darnold isn’t fully capable of holding down a starting role. He was the No. 3 overall pick for a reason, and the 27-year-old has only sharpened his craft since joining the league in 2018. However, there’s also a reason he’s been bouncing around the NFL ever since.

All McCarthy needs to do to emerge from camp as the Vikings’ starting QB is prove that he’s more consistent than Darnold, while showing he’s capable of winning over the locker room. Our money’s on McCarthy’s leadership shining through over the next few weeks, making it so the coaching staff has no choice but to name him the starter for Week 1.

Related: J.J. McCarthy is Already Climbing Vikings’ Depth Chart

Now it’s up to coach Kevin O’Connell to get the most out of the pieces he’s been given. So, which Vikings training camp battles can fans look forward to?

Related: Top 10 Minnesota Vikings QB Draft Picks of All-Time

Minnesota Vikings fans get first QB competition since 2014

It’s crazy to think back, but the Vikings haven’t headed into the season with a quarterback battle since 2014, when it was either Teddy Bridgewater, Matt Cassel, or Christian Ponder. It’s a similar scenario this year, only J.J. McCarthy, selected tenth, was drafted far ahead of Bridgewater, who was the final player picked in the first round.

Vikings coaches have done their best to lower expectations of the 21-year-old while hyping up former No. 2 overall pick Sam Darnold. But teams don’t take players in the top ten and then sit them on the bench all year long.

Darnold may very well be in for a career year, but if McCarthy looks ahead of the curve, the coaching staff may not have a choice but to start him. Once the locker room becomes convinced he’s ‘the guy,’ there’s no looking back.

Related: Top 10 Minnesota Vikings 1st Round Draft Picks of All-Time

Who will snag the Vikings’ WR3 role?

After letting K.J. Osborn leave in free agency, the Vikings suddenly have a gaping hole at the third receiver position. The in-house leader to snag the WR3 role is Brandon Powell, who’s seemingly Coach O’Connell’s teacher’s pet. But there are several worthy competitors too.

Vikings coaches have also propped up Jalen “Speedy” Nailor for a couple of seasons now. Injuries have held him back, but if Nailor can stay on the field, he may prove to be the best pure receiver of the bunch. There’s always the chance that Trent Sherfield Sr, Lucky Jackson, or possibly even an outside addition becomes the third receiver behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison too.

Related: Vikings’ Star Tight End Has Some Big Praise for Rookie QB

MN Vikings training camp battles in trenches could be pivotal

The Vikings’ interior offensive line has been a weak point for several seasons now. Garrett Bradbury finding his way in 2022 was a much-needed development, and the same goes for Ed Ingram last season. But there are still question marks at left guard, despite Dalton Risner providing a steady hand in 2023.

Now the Vikings are starting from scratch, opening up the competition at guard between Risner, Ingram (who probably isn’t at risk of losing his job), and Blake Brandel. The Vikings didn’t give Brandel near-starter money just so he could stick around as a trusted backup; he’s definitely in the mix to start. Yet, competition breeds excellence, so maybe lighting a fire along the interior is just what this team needs.

Related: Blake Cashman is Gushing Over New Vikings Teammate, JJ McCarthy

Defensive line rotation is up for grabs in Minnesota

Arguably the Vikings’ biggest weakness heading into the season, the Vikings NEED to identify a difference-maker along the defensive line. Harrison Phillips is an above-average player, but he’ll never be elite, and he needs some help.

Unlike other areas of the team (defensive backs), the Vikings’ new regime hasn’t invested much draft capital into the defensive trenches. Edge rusher, sure, but not on the interior. However, the Vikings have a collection of ‘bodies’ who could snag a starting role. Along with Phillips, Jonathan Bullard, and Jerry Tillery are the expected starters, but don’t sleep on 2023 fifth-round pick Jaquelin Roy or James Lynch from earning a role either.

We also can’t forget about the fire inside Levi Drake Rodriguez’s heart. The rest of the NFL passed on LDR several times over before the Vikings ended his freefall as the 232nd overall pick. But coaches love his motor, giving him just as strong of a chance as any other competitor in this dogfight.

Related: Two of the Best Safeties in Football Should be Minnesota Vikings

Vikings cornerback battle will be fierce

Byron Murphy Jr replaced Patrick Peterson as the Vikings’ top cornerback with ease last season. After that? The jobs are up for grabs. Shaq Griffin, as a former Pro Bowl cornerback, is a good bet to hold down a starting role.

But Mekhi Blackmon and Akayleb Evans won’t make it easy. They combined for 18 starts last season (15 for Evans, 3 for Blackmon). There’s always the possibility Andrew Booth Jr shows up healthy and ready to live up to his potential as a former second-round pick, too; he’s only 23.

That’s not even accounting for 2023 undrafted rookies Jaylin Williams, NaJee Thompson, or the safety/cornerback hybrid Jay Ward. There’s a lot of competition here. Aside from the perceived QB battle, watching the corners slug it out might be the next best show in town.

Related: Kevin O’Connell Cannot Comprehend Why Other Teams Don’t Want Brian Flores

Kicking competition: Will Reichard or John Parker Romo?

Kickers are people too. The Vikings let Greg Joseph test free agency, which led to him joining a three-headed Green Bay Packers competition. Good luck.

Meanwhile, the Vikings have turned their attention to All-XFL kicker John Parker Romo, who’s spent time with the Saints, Lions, and Bears. But he’s never kicked in an NFL game. Although, some kickers just take longer to find their way, and it’s possible the 26-year-old is ready for primetime.

But then there’s Will Reichard, who the Vikings couldn’t wait to make the first kicker drafted back in April. The sixth-round pick out of Alabama has a big boot, which should play well in U.S. Bank Stadium, and coaches are already impressed. Since the Vikings used a draft pick on Reichard, it’s hard to imagine him losing his roster spot, but it all depends on the competition.

Related: ESPN: Vikings Should Have NFL’s Best Weapons

The good news is that Kirk Cousins is capable of having big offensive games, without a star wide receiver. The best season of his career, from a yardage standpoint, was 2016, in Washington, when his top receivers were Pierre Garcon and Desean Jackson, who were both in their 30’s and beyond their prime.

Low Expectations for KJ Osborn and TJ Hockenson

With Jefferson out, you would think that the next man up would be the Vikings WR2 or maybe, their very highly paid pass-catching tight end? Based on Minnesota’s offensive depth chart and snap count, that would be KJ Osborn and TJ Hockenson. A smart betting man wouldn’t put his hard-earned money on either of those two, though.

Osborn was better during the 2022 season, when he was used less. The more he plays, the more his inability to be a complete receiver is exposed. He has not given any indication that he is a reliable WR2, let alone a WR1. Using him more would be a recipe for disaster, surely to result in more fumbles and more dropped passes than what we’ve already seen.

On that same token, TJ Hockenson has been a major disappointment too, since resetting the tight end market with a new contract before the start of the season. Since getting paid, his play has been very inconsistent and he’s hurting the team. His overall numbers have not been bad, but he has dropped a lot of passes at crucial times. Passes you’d expect someone paid in that manner to catch.

Related: Numbers Say TJ Hockenson Extension Paying Dividends; Eye Test Says Different

Is it an easy ball to catch? No. But don’t sit out of camp and ask to reset the market at your position and not come down with this ball. pic.twitter.com/SIJPpFuYpZ

— Tanner Weber – Purple Post (@Purple_Post) October 10, 2023

Kirk Cousins without Justin Jefferson.

That doesn’t mean all hope is lost. I may not have faith in a couple of the most obvious candidates but I do expect others to step up, until Justin Jefferson is healthy enough to return.

As mentioned above, Kirk Cousins can cook with or without a star wide receiver. Because of that, I don’t expect a big drop off in offensive production. Furthermore, a team with nothing to lose can be dangerous and, at 1-4, the Minnesota Vikings certainly fall into that category.

Jordan Addison’s time to shine

If Kirk takes on that “do or die” mentality and the Vikings continue to air it out, even in JJ’s absence, I wouldn’t be shocked if the offense ends up being more explosive. Not because Jefferson is gone but because Kirk Cousins is attempting throws and hitting windows he wouldn’t shoot for, in a less dire situation.

The main person Cousins should be throwing to now is Jordan Addison. The Vikings spent a first round draft pick on him and he has shown that he can be a big time receiver, even with limited opportunities. He is much more dynamic than KJ Osborn and should jump right to WR1, until Jefferson is ready to take it back. This is Addison’s time to introduce himself to the NFL and give Vikings fans something to be excited about.

Kirk finds @Espn_Jordan in the end zone, and the @Vikings take the lead!

📺: #KCvsMIN on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/LxW25sxPWA pic.twitter.com/6lpU5caBKA

— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2023

Sleeper candidate: Brandon Powell

Another receiver I hope to see more of is Brandon Powell. The Vikings used him more against the Chiefs and he looked really good. He is shifty with the ball in his hands and can run some plays we have not seen since the Cordarrelle Patterson days. Against the Chiefs, Powell caught 4 passes for 43 yards and had 1 rush for 9 yards.

It’s up to Kevin O’Connell to make sure he puts Powell in situations to succeed. At 5’9″, Powell has plenty of deficiencies holding him back. But if KOC can scheme some of those away, Powell could be a big help in finding more offensive production.

Running backs, you say?

Outside of the receivers, I expect Kevin O’Connell to lean on the running backs more. Cam Akers was a good addition to this offense. While his first game wasn’t overwhelming statistically, he’s looked very comfortable and explosive already.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Defense Rankings 2023 – Week 6

Alexander Mattison, on the other hand, has an opportunity to be that big downhill bruising back the Vikings drafted him to be. He has made a few costly mistakes, this season, that can must be cleaned up. Most importantly, stop fumbling.

Mattison and Akers have the potential to be a solid backfield duo. With Justin Jefferson sidelined, we’ll see if O’Connell is finally forced to rely on his rushing attack, to take some pressure off the pass game. It’s definitely going to be more difficult for the Minnesota Vikings offense, with Jefferson out.

But the Vikings offense being forced to find production, outside of JJ, may shine some light through that darkness.

Dominique Clare | Minnesota Sports Fan