The Vikings’ Darnold does it again, throwing an incredible game-winning pass to Jefferson

NFL fans continue to wait to see if Sam Darnold will turn back into… well, Sam Darnold. The former No. 3 pick was considered a massive bust after a disastrous tenure with the New York Jets and another terrible stop with the Carolina Panthers.

But in 2024, Sam Darnold leads one of the best teams in the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings. Sure, Darnold is in the best situation of his career and surrounded by the best playmakers he’s ever had.

However, that doesn’t detract from what he achieved. And on Sunday in Seattle against the Seahawks, it was another win that included a fourth-quarter comeback. Additionally, Darnold led the team on a game-winning drive, the fifth time he led a game-winning drive this season.

The play that ultimately won the game showed exactly why Darnold was such a high pick in the NFL Draft in the first place. He showed athleticism, pocket awareness and then his arm talent by making a perfect throw to Justin Jefferson.

And just look at how his offensive linemen celebrate with their quarterback after the pass.

Darnold is the only player selected in the top eight of the 2018 NFL Draft who never made the Pro Bowl. That will probably end this year.

But Darnold is focused on team goals and the Vikings are suddenly in play to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the NFC, which comes with a first-round bye.

The Philadelphia Eagles lost to Washington on Sunday, leaving Philly 12-3. The Vikings are 13-2, tied with NFC North rival Detroit for the top spot in the conference as the Lions also won on Sunday.

Quarterback Sam Darnold led the Minnesota Vikings in a crucial touchdown drive against the Seattle Seahawks, including a game-winning pass to Justin Jefferson.

(Joe Nicholson/Imagn Images)

The Vikings actually control their own destiny in the NFC playoff race. They host the Green Bay Packers next week. Then they travel to Detroit to face the Lions in Week 18.

If Detroit beats San Francisco and Minnesota beats Green Bay next week, the game between the Lions and Vikings would be a game for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

While both teams easily secured playoff spots, the difference between winning the NFC North and retaining the No. 1 seed – compared to falling into a wild card spot – is HUGE.

Obviously the winner would have a bye and then home field advantage during the playoffs. But not only would the loser miss the bye, but because the NFL gives home-field advantage to division winners, the loser would have to travel for the first round of the playoffs and likely the entire postseason.

But that’s another day to worry about. For now, Cinderella Sam Darnold and the Vikings are heading into Week 17.

You just have to hope he doesn’t turn into a pumpkin come January.