3 winners (and 2 losers) from the Vikings first 5 games of the 2024 season

It is hard to complain about much from the first five games of the 2024 season if you are a Minnesota Vikings fan. The team sits on top of the NFC North with a 5-0 record and had their bye in Week 6 to prepare for the Detroit Lions.

Still, there are some players who have performed better than others this season. The Vikings have some tough challenges ahead on their schedule and will need everyone to play their best football if they hope to continue their winning ways.

Let's take a look at the three biggest winners and two of the biggest losers from Minnesota's first five games.

3 winners (and 2 losers) from the Vikings first 5 games of the 2024 season

Not every Minnesota Vikings player is putting their best performances on the field each week. Here are some players on both sides of that spectrum.

Vikings winner No. 1: Sam Darnold, quarterback

Sam Darnold entered the 2024 NFL season with a lot to prove. Many fans and experts dismissed the former first-round pick of the New York Jets as a bust before he ever took a snap with the Vikings. He was thrust into becoming this season's starter following a preseason injury to first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy and has played good football since.

Darnold is legitimately an early candidate for MVP through five games. He completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 1111 yards and 11 touchdowns with four interceptions. He added 20 runs for 61 yards as well. Although he made mistakes this season as well, his positives have far outweighed his negatives.

Vikings loser No. 1: Ty Chander, running back

Although he showed flashes of brilliance last year, Ty Chandler has struggled to make a big impact this season. Playing a backup role to Aaron Jones, the Vikings' fifth-round pick in 2022 hasn't been able to take the next step.

Chandler has yet to score a touchdown this season. He has accounted for eight first downs despite touching the ball 48 times. His good game against the 49ers boosts his average yards per carry, which has been under 2.1 yards per attempt in the other four games, raising questions about his consistency.

Vikings winner No. 2: Andrew Van Ginkel, edge

It would be easy to pick either Andrew Van Ginkel or Jonathan Greenard for this spot. Minnesota's new pass rush duo has thrived under defensive coordinator Brian Flores and their contributions are a major reason the Vikings have been in good positions early in games.

Van Ginkel in particular is on a highlight reel player this year, notching three sacks and 19 combined tackles so far. However, it is his pair of pick-sixes that have everyone talking and the former Dolphins pass rusher seems very comfortable in Minnesota's scheme.

Vikings loser No. 2: Ed Ingram, guard

To give Ed Ingram some credit, he has come a long way since his rookie year when he stepped on his quarterback's foot and lost his balance far too often. But that doesn't mean he's become a strong part of the offensive line.

Opposing defenses have learned to attack the gap between Ingram and center Garrett Bradbury. The Vikings boast strong offensive tackles, but their interior has been vulnerable, especially to bigger, stronger, defenders.

Vikings winner No. 3: Aaron Jones, running back

Looking back, it's curious to think what the Minnesota Vikings offense would have been like if they hadn't signed former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones. A dual threat out of the backfield, Jones is a great fit for the offense and provides Sam Darnold with another option in the passing game.

Jones is averaging 4.9 yards per carry and 9.8 yards per reception in Minnesota while scoring two touchdowns. As of Monday morning, he is No. 11 in the league in rushing yards with 350 despite not playing in Week 6 and leaving the game in Week 5 with a hip injury. Hopefully he can return to the lineup in Week 7 against the Lions and continue to be a major contributor for the Vikings.

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