Minnesota Vikings Week 8 player rankings: Adam Thielen impresses

7. Xavier Rhodes (No change)

Rhodes looked solid this game but was outshined by fellow cornerback Trae Waynes in his contest. Still, the defensive back did a good enough job of staying with the receivers to defend one pass and force Darnold to look to the tight end this game more than the receivers.

Even in run support, Rhodes was solid. He had three tackles on the day with one of them being a solo effort since most plays for the Jets didn’t get very far past the line of scrimmage. Rhodes continues to be a dynamic defender who will frustrate quarterbacks for many years to come.

6. Kirk Cousins (No change)

This was not a great game for the Vikings quarterback. While he didn’t throw an interception on the day, he did struggle to complete some passes due to wind and pressure plus what seemed to be mostly an off day for the usually accurate passes.

Of course, there were some exceptions where he showed excellent ball placement. The two touchdown passes of 34 yards each to Adam Thielen and Aldrick Robinson were right on the money and continues to prove that even on a bad day, Cousins can make good things happen.

5. Stefon Diggs (Down 1 spot)

When you’re targeted 14 times in the passing game, it’s hard not to expect a decent return. However, this was not a very good game for Diggs, as he only hauled in eight of those passes for 33 yards….and ten of those came on one play.

Adding to the trouble was the two times the Vikings designed a run. Between struggles in blocking and another backward pass, Diggs ended up losing six yards on that play and losing one on another. 16 total looks for 26 yards. Ouch.