When Ryan Kelly was activated from injured reserve prior to Minnesota’s game against the Green Bay Packers, Cam Akers was sent packing to clear a roster spot. The veteran running back didn’t need to wait long in order to find a new job, and he’ll get an opportunity for immediate revenge too.

Seattle Seahawks sign former MN Vikings running back Cam Akers

The New Orleans Saints released Cam Akers in late-August and the Vikings signed him in mid-September. Akers spent the entirety of the season in Minnesota, but played in just three games. Now with Kevin O’Connell’s team facing the Seattle Seahawks this weekend, he’s flipped allegiances.

Sources: The #Seahawks are signing veteran RB Cam Akers to their active roster.

Akers, still just 26, spent time with the Vikings this season and now joins 8–3 Seattle for RB depth. pic.twitter.com/iE2RQnii4M

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 26, 2025

Akers spent time with Minnesota each of the past two season. First he came over from the Los Angeles Rams, and then last season from the Houston Texans. This year he had just five carries for 19 yards before being released from the roster.

Minnesota didn’t have Akers active since the London contest against the Cleveland Browns, but he remained in the building until last week. There’s a level of value that experience comes with, and the Seattle Seahawks are now going to try and extract it.

Of course the biggest storyline heading into the game against Seattle is a reunion of Sam Darnold and Kevin O’Connell. The quarterback led the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-win season last year, and he has Seattle owning an 8-3 record.

The Vikings are 10.5 point underdogs on Sunday as Max Brosmer will be making the first start of his career. With J.J. McCarthy concussed, O’Connell is hoping he can solve his former starting quarterback and come home with a victory. Akers shouldn’t figure to impact the box score much, but he can prove a level of value during the week of preparation.

Being the Vikings have already beaten the Bears in Chicago and Lions in Detroit earlier this year, week 12 represents an opportunity for Minnesota to sweep their NFC North rivals on the road this season, a feat they haven’t accomplished since 2017.

Ryan Kelly activated by Minnesota Vikings

Without a doubt, having their full starting offensive line for the first time all year should certainly help. Ryan Kelly (concussions), who the Vikings brought in as the centerpiece to their o-line reconstruction project during the offseason, was activated Saturday, meaning he will start for the first time since week 4.

The #Vikings have activated C Ryan Kelly from IR and he will enter #MINvsGB without an injury designation.

CB Dwight McGlothern Jr. has signed to the practice squad and elevated to the active roster for tomorrow's game. RB Cam Akers has been released from the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/CXPcqI7XxO

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 22, 2025

Kelly has dealt with injuries in recent seasons. He played just 14 games in 2023 and 10 in 2024. And with just three games under his belt this year, his veteran presence should help young quarterback J.J. McCarthy substantially.

If Will Fries is able to go, as he was limited in practice this week, then the offensive line will be completely intact for the first time all season. Fill in center Blake Brandel would be in line to start at guard if he misses time.

Beyond just activating Kelly, the Vikings also brought back waived cornerback Dwight McGlothern. Depth at the position has been questionable all season, and right now the running back room is healthy. That makes Cam Akers expendable with both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason locked in.

Packers Josh Jacobs questionable against MN Vikings

On the flip side, the Green Bay Packers could be without one of their top playmakers. Last week Josh Jacobs suffered a bone bruise and has struggled to regain flexibility in his knee. It remains to be seen if he can go.

With Josh Jacobs listed as questionable, the Packers elevated LB Jamon Johnson and RB Pierre Strong Jr. for Sunday’s game vs. the Vikings.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2025

Emmanuel Wilson is next in line if Jacobs can’t go. He has played in 10 games this year, and 34 in his career, but never started. Wilson has a 4.7 career yards per carry average.

Across 10 games this year, Jacobs has 648 yards but is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry. He does have 11 touchdowns, and he’s well within reach of the 15 touchdowns he posted a season ago.

Minnesota and Green Bay kick off at 12 pm central time on Sunday.

We know that they are going to be without running back Aaron Jones as he was placed on injured reserve. Jordan Mason carried the load last weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was also joined by recently-signed veteran Cam Akers.

That will again be the case in Dublin.

Cam Akers activated from MN Vikings practice squad

When the Minnesota Vikings signed Cam Akers they placed the veteran, on his third reunion with the team, on their practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster against the Cincinnati Bengals and will be again this weekend against the Steelers.

The #Vikings have elevated RB Cam Akers to the active roster for tomorrow's game. pic.twitter.com/6226cAOqqu

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 27, 2025

With Akers elevated from the practice squad, the Vikings will have three active running backs. Akers joins bellcow Jordan Mason, and rookie Zavier Scott. With two elevations, Akers can be added to the active roster from the practice squad just one more time this season before he needs to be signed to the 53-man roster.

Last weekend, his first back with Minnesota this season, Akers turned five carries into 19 yards. He had a 14-yard rush sprinkled in. He was also targeted once in the passing game. Mason, working as the starter, churned out 116 yards on 16 carries. He also scored twice.

Minnesota traded for Akers again last year after he started with the Houston Texans. He originally came over from the Los Angeles Rams and played in six games before tearing his achilles in 2023. Last season he had 297 yards across 12 games for the Vikings.

Kevin O’Connell’s team kicks off at 8:30 am central time on Sunday. Croke Park in Dublin plays host and Minnesota is a slight 2.5 point favorite as the neutral-site road team.

But sprained ankle of their former 1st round pick is far from this team’s biggest injury issue. Look at running back, for example. With Ty Chandler already sidelined from an injury in week one, Aaron Jones has been (mostly) ruled out for Sunday’s contest vs the Bengals, with a hamstring strain he suffered in week two vs the Falcons.

The loss of Jones, who has a long history of injury issues, meant that the Vikings only have two healthy running backs on the active roster, in Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott. Thus, it was no surprise Tuesday when a familiar news item hit the internet. Cam Akers is signing with the Minnesota Vikings.

Cam Akers back to the MN Vikings yet again

While the news might look old, it broke in a rather unconventional way. He was spotted by a Vikings fan who works at the airport (Adam) and happens to have an anonymous Twitter account (@vikingsman_28).

Adam shared a selfie with Akers at the airport. Akers told him, “you’re about to break the news.” And once the new/old MN Vikings running back gave him the go-ahead, @vikingsman_28 did just that. The signing was later verified by KSTP (Ch. 5).

BREAKING NEWS: Vikings signing RB Cam Akers @TomPelissero pic.twitter.com/G6misc3RSj

— Adam (@vikingsman_28) September 16, 2025

As many have alluded to, joked about, etc., we hear that the #Vikings are indeed bringing back RB Cam Akers. Inevitable: Death, taxes, and the return of Akers. The Vikings did workout other free agents today. Busy day in Eagan.

— KSTPSports (@KSTPSports) September 16, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Schedule Allows for Hope

Working at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport very clearly has Adam bumping into all sorts of people. His pinned post is a picture with quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He also helped unload the Patriots’ planes this summer, when they were in town for joint practices.

How does Akers fit for the Minnesota Vikings?

It’s pretty easy to plug-in a player you have employed each of the past two seasons back into the same system. Akers was originally acquired from the Rams before he tore his achilles. Last year he came over from Houston after the Vikings had previously beaten his team.

In 12 games with Minnesota last season, Akers operated as a change-of-pace back behind Aaron Jones. He rushed for 297 yards and a touchdown on 64 carries. He also caught 10-of-11 passes for 52 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Related: Confusing JJ McCarthy Return Timeline Muddied Even More by Vikings’ Flight Plans

Jordan Mason had already seemingly overtaken Jones for the lead back role. Now Mason will continue in that capacity, but be spelled by Akers. The two have different skillsets and that should allow them to work well together.

We’ll see how quickly Akers is utilized, or in what capacity, this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals. Carson Wentz will be under center, and it’s a game the Vikings need to win while they work back to a cleaner bill of health.

The running back position doesn’t have a ton of intrigue for the Vikings this year. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are locked in as the top tandem. They’ll operate behind a beefed up offensive line, and with a quarterback that will initially rely on them.

After the top two, there’s probably room for one more. Ty Chandler may luck into the role that Zavier Scott has earned, but maybe Cam Akers just makes sense.

Cam Akers doesn’t require a Minnesota Vikings trade this time

Each of the past two seasons the Minnesota Vikings have felt good about their Week 1 running back depth. Each time they went out and swung a trade to acquire Cam Akers. He landed a job with the New Orleans Saints, but was a roster casualty on Monday.

The #Saints released RB Cam Akers, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 25, 2025

The Vikings opted against signing Cam Akers this offseason, but that is the same path they chose each of the past two years. Trades still made him part of the roster, and now he’s available as a free agent.

We already know that head coach Kevin O’Connell views Akers as a better back than Chandler. That has been proven the last two years. Whether Zavier Scott’s ankle injury is serious or not, it’s pretty straightforward to make Akers the third back rather than Chandler.

Cam Akers for 58 yards!

📺: #MINvsDET on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/aAhU8iWVwv

— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2025

Akers played six games for Minnesota in 2023 prior to his achilles injury. Last year he was with the Houston Texans, and actually played against the Vikings, before finishing the final 12 games in purple.

Related: Adam Thielen Wants to Come Home; Vikings Trying…

He rushed for 297 yards on 64 carries in 2024. Akers also hauled in 10-of-11 passes and scoring a pair of receiving touchdowns. The 26-year-old has plenty of tread left on the tires, and he’s a much more trustworthy all-around back than Chandler has proven to be.

Minnesota still must assess where Scott is at in relation to a 53-man roster spot. If he’s going to be a candidate for injured reserve to open the year though, a third-reunion for Akers and O’Connell might need to happen. This time is just doesn’t have to include trade capital.

New to the team, however, is Jordan Mason, who the Vikings traded for back in March. He is expected to have a major role in the 2025 backfield, more so than any other “backup” behind Jones last season. Speaking of depth running backs from 2024, Cam Akers is expected to sign elsewhere yet again this offseason.

For two offseasons straight, the Minnesota Vikings tried and failed to sign Akers in the spring/summer, just to trade a conditional 6th round pick for him in two-straight regular season. In 2023, that conditional day 3 pick went to the Rams. Last year, it went to the Texans.

Cam Akers gets a shot with New Orleans Saints

More than likely, no such trade will take place in 2025, as long as Jones and Mason stay healthy. Should the Vikings be forced to turn their gaze Cam Akers’ way for the third in-season trade in a row, they might be dealing with the New Orleans Saints.

According to Nick Underhill (NewOrleans.Football), the Saints are bringing Akers in this week for a minicamp tryout that may or may not lead to a training camp invite.

Cam Akers will be trying out for the Saints this week at minicamp, according to a league source. The running back spent last season with the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings.

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) June 9, 2025

Honestly, I will be surprised if Cam Akers doesn’t impress the Saints during his minicamp tryout. Both times he wore purple, he impressed me just about every time he touched the football, especially when we got used to seeing Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler take on an increased amount of carries or blitzers.

Akers was worth the (2x) Minnesota Vikings squeeze

In 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings, Cam Akers ran for 297 yards and 1 touchdown in 12 games played, averaging an impressive 4.6 yards per carry, way up from the 3.6 YPC he averaged in purple during his six-game stint with the Vikings in 2023.

In total, Akers played 18 games in purple (0 starts), posting 435 yards on 102 carries (4.3 YPC) for 2 touchdowns. He was also a nice threat through the air, where Cam put up 122 yards and 2 more touchdowns on 21 total receptions.

Cam Akers for 58 yards!

📺: #MINvsDET on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/aAhU8iWVwv

— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2025

That block by Cam Akers tho pic.twitter.com/UOkjuhsXez

— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) December 2, 2024

Related: Should the Minnesota Vikings Sign THAT Newly Released Controversial CB

During his now five-year NFL career, Cam Akers has accumulated 2025 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, along with 388 yards and 4 touchdowns on 52 career receptions.

Heading into New Orleans minicamp, Alvin Kamara still runs the Saints’ RB room. For years, they have gone as Kamara has. This week, Akers will be competing with 22-year-old Kendre Miller, who’s averaged 3.8 YPC in his first two NFL seasons, along with Kansas rookie Devin Neal and former Chief, Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Ownership must commit to Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and extend his contract next. From there the front office will work on roster construction for 2025. Minnesota has a boatload of free agents to consider the future of, and some should be a priority to retain over others.

Four 2025 Minnesota Vikings free agents to retain

There are plenty of holes for the Minnesota Vikings to fill. They will do some of that work on the open market, and they’ll utilize the draft picks they do have to bring in talent as well. There are a couple of guys they have gotten to know though, that they shouldn’t let leave the organization.

Byron Murphy Jr., cornerback

This should be the first person Minnesota reaches out to with when looking at a signing a new contract. Byron Murphy Jr. signed a two-year deal worth $17.5 million to join the Vikings in 2023.

He started 14 games last year before being healthy for all 17 this season. After three interceptions during his Minnesota debut campaign, he pricked off six this season. His 81 tackles were a new career-high and he made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.

ONE HAND ARE YOU KIDDING ME @byronmurphy 😱😱

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/eWHDOUl3Mk

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 8, 2024

The Vikings depth chart is ridiculously thin at cornerback going into the offseason. Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin are both free agents as well. There isn’t a single returning starter, and Murphy Jr. is going to be in line for a pay increase.

Related: 5 NFL Free Agents That Fit the Minnesota Vikings Perfectly

Mekhi Blackmon returns next year, but coming off a season-ending injury it remains to be seen what his effectiveness will look like. The tragic death of Khyree Jackson continues to impact the room, and despite being a training camp darling, Dwight McGlothern had minimal impact this year.

Camryn Bynum, safety

This offseason is already going to be one of massive turnover for the Vikings at the safety position. It should be all but guaranteed that Harrison Smith rides off into the sunset. If Bynum is going to follow suit, the Brian Flores will be turning over the position entirely.

Bynum has been with the Vikings since he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. His rookie deal was just shy of $4.2 million, and it wasn’t until this last year that he carried his first annual salary of at least $1 million.

Cam Bynum always has the @Vikings ready with full choreography 🕺

(via @Cambeezy_) pic.twitter.com/92Bvkzkkja

— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2024

In his rookie year Bynum started just three of the 14 games he played. He has started 17 games in each of the last three seasons, and 2024 was his best as a pro. Bynum picked off three passes this season and recovered a paif of fumbles. His 97 tackles fell short of the 137 last season, but he was a key cog of Flores’ defense.

Minnesota still has Josh Mettellus on the back end of the defense, but he is best utilized as a hybrid weapon. Bynum is going to command a significant pay increase, and he understands that may not come with the Vikings.

Related: Former Vikings HC Mike Zimmer Unemployed Again

He certainly faded down the stretch and became a bit too known for practicing his choreography. Still, if the secondary is to have a level of continuity, then keeping Bynum around in the vein of Smith’s tenure makes a good deal of sense.

Daniel Jones, quarterback

No, the quarterback Minnesota should keep is not Sam Darnold. They have their face-of-the-franchise in J.J. McCarthy. Darnold’s development earned him a payday, and short of a franchise tag and trade, he should expect to find that elsewhere.

That doesn’t mean McCarthy will be given the keys during Week 1. He has had ample time to recover, but still needs to acclimate at the highest level. Daniel Jones represents an ideal backup that could play bridge starter in the meantime, if McCarthy is not ready.

The #Vikings have signed QB Daniel Jones to the 53-man roster and waived QB Brett Rypien. pic.twitter.com/ycem45v50j

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 7, 2025

He represents a potential higher ceiling than Darnold came to Minnesota with, and got a first hand look at how the Vikings transformed the former Jets and Panthers quarterback’s career. Of course Jones flamed out in New York, but he’s just two years removed from a playoff victory and he posted a 9-6-1 record in 2022.

Thanks to Ed Donatell, Jones already got the bag from the Giants. Minnesota shouldn’t need to pay him much money in order to stick around. The situation may wind up being similar to Sam Darnold with the San Francisco 49ers last year, and that deal cost under $6 million.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff Remains Untouched… So Far

Jones’ name shouldn’t cause fear from Vikings fans for either playing time or cap hits. He immediately gives Kevin O’Connell a better backup than Nick Mullens, and McCarthy would have another veteran to bounce ideas off of.

Cam Akers, running back

Similarly to the cornerback position, there’s an exodus at running back in Minnesota. Aaron Jones was signed to a one-year deal, and so to was Cam Akers. That leaves just Ty Chandler as 53-man roster options, and we have already seen that O’Connell doesn’t feel comfortable with him as the starter.

Jones had a career-best 1,138 rushing yards with Minnesota this season. He also remained incredibly healthy. That said, he’ll be 31 next season and the Vikings might not want to risk rolling the dice again.

Akers was a guy that Minnesota wanted again this last offseason. He went to Houston in hopes of an expanded opportunity, but the Vikings came calling and brought him back in a trade. Akers looked spry in a change-of-pace role.

CLUTCH catch by Cam Akers for the first down to seal it! 🔥

📺: #GBvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/tqo6bSZaSp

— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2024

Across 12 games he tallied 297 yards with a 4.6 yards per carry average. That’s even better than he was in 2023, and he could help a rookie to acclimate into the offense.

Although Akers has torn his achilles twice, he is still young and will be just 26 years old next season. Maybe he commands more than a one-year deal, but he definitely could be talked into the reality that the grass isn’t always greener.

Related: Vikings Linebackers Appear Committed to Minnesota

On a modest deal, the Vikings could get a starting caliber back to pair with a drafted rookie. It would be the first time he signs with them from the start as well.

It’s a playoff game that will have a very weird feel to it, especially inside State Farm Stadium. The crowd will probably have something close to a 50/50 split between Vikings fans and Rams fans, maybe 60/40 one way or another (I’d bet on slightly more Vikings fans).

Final Minnesota Vikings injury report vs Los Angeles Rams – Wildcard Round

But at the end of the day, this contest will be decided on the field, by the players of each team. And this deep into an NFL season, the final injury report is always worth keeping an eye on. But on Saturday afternoon, the Minnesota Vikings injury report didn’t reveal any surprise injuries.

Instead, we got another backup running back who is questionable to play because of a pop-up illness. On Friday, Ty Chandler landed on the injury report for the first time this week, with an illness. Now, one day later, Aaron Jones No. 1 replacement, Cam Akers, is questionable for an illness of his own.

Final #Vikings injury report

OUT: Pat Jones II

QUESTIONABLE: Cam Akers (illness) and Taki Taimani*

*Currently within 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/Ae9fFyR8Dj

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 11, 2025

Cam Akers has played a pretty big part in the Minnesota Vikings offense, since November 3 vs the Colts, about three weeks after trading for him. In total, Akers has played 186 snaps for the purple, carrying the ball 64 times for 297 yards and one touchdown.

Related: LA Rams WR Charged with DUI Before Playoff Game vs Vikings

The 25-year-old back out of Florida State has also caught 10 passes (on 11 targets) for 52 yards receiving and 2 more touchdowns. Akers is a much better blocker than Ty Chandler, too. So without a doubt, it would hurt to lose Akers to a surprise illness. Thankfully, Kevin O’Connell told reporters that he is expected to go.

#Vikings injury report:

Pat Jones II is out; Cam Akers is questionable because of an illness. Kevin O’Connell said he expects Akers to be good to go.

Vikings will make a decision on Taki Taimani by tomorrow afternoon.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) January 11, 2025

Other Minnesota Vikings injuries

In some good news, Taki Taimani, who has been on injured reserve since November 1 with an ankle injury, was the only other Minnesota Vikings player listed on Saturday’s final injury report. He had his 21-day practice window opened earlier this week and could be activated before Monday night’s game, if he is ready and the Vikings choose to do so.

Pat Jones will miss his second-straight game, after suffering a knee injury in week 17 vs the Green Bay Packers, with just eight defensive snaps under his belt. Jones played a crucial role, down the stretch, for the Vikings. He put up 6 QB hurries between weeks 13 and 16. PFF gave him an 80.4 defensive grade in his final full game vs Seahawks.

If the Vikings are itching to get back on track following a hard-fought five-point victory over what’s now the NFL’s worst team, then the Titans game comes at the perfect time. This is a team that ranks 27th in scoring and 29th in points allowed. But we also have to remember the Titans are a group that’s lost four of their past five games and has a roster full of motivated athletes looking to prove why they deserve more attention.

In other words, we never know what to expect on Sunday. We could even see some wacky stat lines and eyebrow-raising production like the four Vikings bold predictions found below.

Related: Where Does Vikings QB Sam Darnold Rank Among 2025 NFL Free Agents?

Sam Darnold avoids turnovers and gets 3 TD

The Vikings got lucky last week, escaping with a win despite three interceptions from Sam Darnold. It was the continuation of a sudden turnover trend ever since T.J. Hockenson returned to the lineup. Since the Pro Bowl tight end returned, Darnold has thrown five interceptions across two games. But he had just five interceptions in the seven games prior.

Perhaps Darnold is reverting back to the ways that got him pushed out of New York and Carolina, but unlike in his previous stops, he now has Kevin O’Connell to help correct mistakes. Knowing that the Vikings can’t afford to keep committing multiple turnovers per week, expect Coach O’Connell and Darnold to enter Lucas Oil Stadium with a more careful gameplan that prioritizes taking care of the football against a team that’s intercepted just three passes all season.

Related: Would the Minnesota Vikings be Better with Kirk Cousins at Quarterback?

Vikings record 150+ rushing yards for second consecutive week

It may not have felt like it due to all the turnovers, but the Vikings quietly had their best rushing performance of the season last week, going off for 169 yards. Their previous season-high came with a 146-yard day against the 49ers in Week 2. But against the Jaguars, the Vikings racked up rushing yards mainly because they had a season-high 43 attempts.

This time, they’re facing a Titans team that’s prone to committing turnovers, which could see the Vikings build an early lead. If so, instead of continuing to air it out and risk more interceptions, Coach O’Connell would likely rely on his running back rotation, with Aaron Jones, Cam Akers, and Ty Chandler combining for over 150 rushing yards for the second week in a row.

Related: Vikings DC Brian Flores Confirms: He Wants to be a Head Coach Again

Brian Flores’ defense holds Titans to fewer than 200 passing yards

The Titans have one of the NFL’s worst offenses. Derrick Henry is long gone, but Tennessee’s rushing attack is actually respectable, ranking 10th in yards and 13th in YPA. It’s their passing game that’s been so atrocious as second-year pro Will Levis tries to gain his footing while also battling injuries.

Tennessee has the NFL’s second-fewest passing yards and averages the fifth-fewest YPA, yet they’ve been better with veteran Mason Rudolph in the lineup, who averages 201.5 YPG. When Levis plays, he averages the fewest yards per game among QBs with six or more starts this season at 145.7 YPG, and he hasn’t played a defense like the one Brian Flores operates in Minnesota.

Related: What’s the Cheapest Way to Watch NFL Games?

Wanna watch Brian Flores but the Jaguars in a blender for a full minute? Hat tip to Jacksonville's RBs in pass protection here. Really good job. pic.twitter.com/bnzHKHiyAY

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) November 12, 2024

With all of Tennessee’s struggles, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings held their opponent to less than 200 passing yards for just the third time this season.

Related: Where Do Vikings Stand in NFC Playoff Picture After Win vs Jaguars?

Minnesota Vikings force four turnovers

The Vikings prediction we’re most confident in is that the Titans will commit four turnovers on Sunday. Tennessee has already thrown an NFL-high 11 interceptions in nine games, and their offense has committed the third-most turnovers in the league.

The All22 of the Will Levis fumble is wilder than you’d expect. Just completely lost himself while in the air. pic.twitter.com/2k6tSXhQ5S

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) September 16, 2024

Tennessee can do bad all by themselves; they don’t need anyone’s help. Yet, this is a nightmare matchup for the Titans, considering the Vikings have intercepted the NFL’s most passes and forced the most turnovers entering Week 11. Even though they average just over two takeaways per game, the Vikings can force Levis to make even more mistakes, leading to Minnesota’s second game with four turnovers committed this season.

I cannot stop watching Will Levis fall to his knees and just sit there after throwing the game-losing pick 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ITO3VFFrvH

— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) September 8, 2024

• Vikings vs Titans score prediction: Vikings 28, Titans 13

Related: Minnesota Vikings Open as Big Favorites in Week 11

Whether the the former No. 1 overall pick can go or not, Sunday should be a victory for the Vikings. Even after losing two-thirds of their special teams starters to injury, Minnesota is just better than Jacksonville.

On paper, this matchup has the potential to be the most dominant purple performance of the entire season, but this is the NFL, where nothing is that easy? Below, we tap into four bold predictions for Sunday’s Vikings vs. Jaguars game.

Sam Darnold scores a career-high five touchdowns

Vikings QB Sam Darnold has accounted for four touchdowns on three separate occasions in his seven-year career. One even came in Week 3 with the Vikings. But he’s never combined to score five touchdowns in a single game. We’ve already seen Darnold have a game with four touchdown passes.

We’ve also seen how mobile the former No. 3 overall pick is by picking up 12 first downs as a rusher this season. The Jaguars have allowed the ninth-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL and the second-most passing touchdowns, which gives Darnold a strong chance of setting a new career-high on Sunday, combining for five scores.

“We talked about Sam Darnold being great for fantasy last week… Jacksonville has already allowed the overall QB1 for fantasy football in three different games this year… It is another amazing matchup for Sam Darnold and this Vikings pass offense.”@DraftKings #DKPartner pic.twitter.com/RNb59EtsiU

— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) November 6, 2024

Related: Sam Darnold’s Contract Ranks as One of NFL’s Most Valuable Assets

Cam Akers racks up 80+ yards for first time with Minnesota Vikings

Recent addition Cam Akers provided a jolt of energy in last Sunday’s win, racking up 46 rushing yards despite getting just six carries. It’s become obvious that he’s now the preferred secondary option to Aaron Jones, quickly surpassing Ty Chandler. Expect that to continue in Week 10 after last week’s performance.

Cam Akers got 7 touches in his first game back with offensive snaps as a member of the Vikings. He had only gotten special teams run in the previous two games. pic.twitter.com/aP8CvqUgHX

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) November 5, 2024

Related: ESPN Analytics Guy Trashes Vikings Trade for Cam Robinson

Seeing Akers average 7.7 YPC could earn him a bigger role on Sundays, especially if the Jaguars game turns into a blowout. If the Vikings find themselves with a two or three-possession lead, it only makes sense to give Jones more rest while evaluating what Akers and even Chandler have in the tank. In other words, don’t be surprised if Akers has his best game yet as a member of the Vikings.

Dallas Turner records first career multi-sack game

It was hard not to notice Dallas Turner’s snaps increase last Sunday, seeing action on 25 defensive plays. Part of his sudden surge has to do with the extended absence of Blake Cashman, plus Andrew Van Ginkel being a bit banged up last Sunday. Yet, Turner did well with his opportunities, earning a career-high 73.1 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus.

Turner also had a new personal best of four pressures, three hurries, and one hit. He was also credited with a run stop. But he hasn’t had a sack since his season debut in Week 1. This week, he gets to go up against a Jaguars offensive line that PFF ranks as the 11th-worst unit in the league.

Best game of Dallas Turner's NFL career last night. 26 snaps, nearly matching his total from the previous four games combined. 4 pressures, 1 QB hit, 1 run stop, 71.3 PFF grade. Encouraging stuff from the 21-year-old rookie.

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) November 4, 2024

Related: Cowboys Waive Former Minnesota Vikings Cornerback

The Jaguars have allowed the 19th-fewest sacks in the NFL, but they no longer have Cam Robinson at left tackle, and their right tackle, Anton Harrison, is tied for allowing the 15th-most pressures among tackles. Jacksonville’s shaky offensive line could present the perfect opportunity for Turner to build off last week’s momentum and have his first two-sack game as a member of the Vikings.

Ivan Pace Jr. scores another Minnesota Vikings defensive touchdown

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has mastered the art of confusing his opponents. Meanwhile, Ivan Pace Jr. is a jack of all trades, capable of getting run stops, pressuring quarterbacks, and using his impressive athleticism to get out in coverage too.

Pace plays like his hair is on fire, flying around the field to make his presence felt. We saw just how valuable that can be when he returned a fumble recovery 36 yards for a touchdown against Detroit.

IVAN PACE GIVES MINNESOTA THE LEAD!

📺: #DETvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/n3PbVItTXp

— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024

Defensive touchdowns are rare, but the Jaguars will either have a QB playing at less than 100% or one who’s supposed to be a backup, which tends to create its own form of chaos. If Coach Flores can press all the right buttons and players follow through with his orders, we could see multiple takeaways, and Pace has the type of speed to bring one back to the house.

• Vikings vs Jaguars prediction: Vikings 28, Jaguars 13

Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign New Veteran Long Snapper, Place Andrew DePaola on IR