Vikings set to bring back Sam Darnold in 2025

On December 29, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sam Darnold delivered a standout performance for the Minnesota Vikings, passing for a personal-best 377 yards alongside three touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers. This game marked the ninth consecutive victory for the Vikings, improving their record to 14-2. The team is now just one win away from securing the top seed in the NFC playoffs, a position that would afford them home-field advantage. Darnold's impressive outing included touchdown connections with Jalen Nailor, Jordan Addison, and Cam Akers, bringing his touchdown total for the season to 35 which is the fourth-most in NFL history by a player in their debut season with a team. The game was tightly contested, with the Packers fighting back late, scoring a touchdown with 2:18 left to play, but ultimately falling short 27-25. Their quarterback, Jordan Love, struggled to make significant gains against a strong Vikings defense throughout the match. The Vikings offense ran a total of 70 plays, accumulating 441 yards, showcasing a balanced attack that effectively utilized both passing and rushing strategies. Injuries plagued the Packers, with several key players inactive, including WR Christian Watson and LB Quay Walker. The game also saw two backups enter the concussion protocol, adding to their challenges. Meanwhile, the Vikings experienced some injury issues as well, though they managed to keep their composure and maintain offensive momentum throughout the game. Looking ahead, the Vikings are set to face the Detroit Lions in their final regular-season game, while the Packers will host the Chicago Bears. As the playoffs approach, both teams have different stakes in the upcoming matchups, with the Vikings hoping to solidify their playoff positioning and the Packers aiming to end their season on a positive note as they seek improvements for the future.