Vikings improve to 6-6 after an ugly overtime win over the Jaguars
By Adam Patrick
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday to remain in playoff contention.
It would be really nice if the Minnesota Vikings could have a win secured before the final seconds of a game this season. On Sunday, the Vikings won another close matchup when they were able to avoid an embarrassing upset and defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars in overtime by a final score of 27-24
Early in the contest, the upset seemed like it was going to happen as the Jaguars were able to get out to a 9-0 lead. But Minnesota settled down after the first quarter and showed why they have won five of their last six games.
With the victory, the Vikings are now 6-6 and they could take over the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff race if the Arizona Cardinals fall to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Playoff hopes alive after Minnesota Vikings win over the Jacksonville Jaguars
Once again, Kirk Cousins played a big factor in Minnesota being able to come from behind and get a win. Against Jacksonville on Sunday, Cousins threw for 305 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
The Vikings quarterback has now thrown for at least 300 yards and three scores in each of the team’s last three games.
Cousins’ performance was even more impressive considering Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook finished Sunday with a whopping 38 touches. Cook carried the ball 32 times for 120 yards and he also added six catches for 59 yards.
Vikings rookie receiver Justin Jefferson led the team with nine catches for 121 yards and a touchdown. Jefferson passed the 1,000 receiving-yard mark for the year and he is just the second Minnesota rookie to accomplish this in the history of the team along with Randy Moss.
Next week could be huge for the Vikings as they will head out on the road to face Tom Brady and the 7-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A win for Minnesota next Sunday would tie them and the Bucs in the NFC standings and put them in prime position for a spot in the postseason.