The Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats was held on December 1, 2024, and proved to be one of the closest contests of the season. Played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota, the game drew intense attention from fans and analysts due to its playoff implications and the storyline surrounding both quarterbacks.
The final score was 23–22 in favor of the Minnesota Vikings, who managed to mount a late fourth-quarter comeback. Despite dominating statistically in many areas, the Cardinals could not close out the game, suffering a heartbreaking interception in their final drive. This narrow loss highlighted the recurring issues Arizona has faced this season: turnovers under pressure and missed defensive assignments.
Scoring Summary by Quarter:
| Quarter | Arizona Cardinals | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | 3 |
| 2nd | 10 | 3 |
| 3rd | 6 | 0 |
| 4th | 3 | 17 |
| Total | 22 | 23 |
In terms of overall game pace, the Cardinals led in possession time and total offensive yards. However, the Vikings showed resilience in the final moments, led by quarterback Sam Darnold and a strong defensive finish.
This game became a textbook example of how momentum can shift rapidly in the NFL. It also served as a reminder of how player stats don’t always tell the full story—timing and execution in key moments often determine the outcome more than just the numbers.
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head History and Season Context
The Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings have a long-standing rivalry dating back to the early days of the NFL. Over the years, these two teams have produced numerous exciting matchups. Historically, the Vikings have held a slight edge in the head-to-head series, especially when playing at home in Minneapolis. Before this game, Minnesota led the all-time series with 18 wins to Arizona’s 12, including a winning streak in recent years.
In terms of season context, both teams entered the game with very different narratives. The Arizona Cardinals were trying to find consistency behind quarterback Kyler Murray, who had returned mid-season from an ACL injury. Their offense had shown signs of life but struggled with turnovers and red zone efficiency.
The Minnesota Vikings, on the other hand, were in a strong playoff position. Despite losing Kirk Cousins earlier in the season, backup Sam Darnold had taken control effectively. The team had won four of their last five games and was trending upward. This particular matchup was crucial for the Vikings to solidify their playoff seeding and for the Cardinals to prove they could finish games strong.
What made this matchup particularly compelling was the contrast in styles:
- Arizona relied on quick passes, play-action rollouts, and tight end utilization.
- Minnesota leaned on balanced offense, deep throws to Jefferson, and late-game defensive stands.
This clash of strategy and form set the stage for what became a statistical chess match, culminating in a one-point thriller.
Team-Wide Stats Comparison
This game was a tale of two types of dominance. Arizona dominated in total offensive yards and time of possession, while Minnesota won the turnover battle and capitalized in key red zone moments. Here’s how the teams stacked up across major categories:
Full-Team Stat Breakdown
| Stat Category | Arizona Cardinals | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Total Plays | 77 | 51 |
| Total Yards | 406 | 273 |
| Passing Yards | 252 | 235 |
| Rushing Yards | 154 | 38 |
| First Downs | 25 | 19 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 7/15 (47%) | 5/10 (50%) |
| Turnovers | 2 (2 INTs) | 1 (INT) |
| Time of Possession | 35:49 | 24:11 |
| Penalties | 5 for 40 yds | 6 for 52 yds |
As shown above, Arizona had more control over the ball and clock. However, two interceptions thrown by Murray—including a critical one late in the fourth quarter—swung the momentum sharply in Minnesota’s favor.
This data shows that yardage isn’t everything in football. Turnovers, red zone efficiency, and late-game execution are just as important, if not more so. Minnesota capitalized on short fields and created scoring opportunities with smart play-calling when it mattered.
Arizona Cardinals Player Stats Breakdown
The Cardinals had several standout performances on offense, particularly from Kyler Murray and Trey McBride, but mistakes at key moments held them back.
Kyler Murray – Quarterback
- Passing: 31 completions on 45 attempts
- Yards: 260
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 2
- Rushing: 7 carries for 48 yards
Murray’s stat line was solid, but the turnovers, especially the game-sealing interception, erased much of the progress. He showed improved pocket awareness and had success in intermediate throws but struggled under pressure late in the game.
James Conner – Running Back
- Rushes: 17
- Yards: 68
- Longest run: 16 yards
- Yards after contact: Strong, but inconsistent
Conner had a decent day on the ground, often creating yards after initial contact. However, the Cardinals leaned on the pass more in the second half, limiting his impact in crunch time.
Trey McBride – Tight End
- Receptions: 12
- Yards: 96
- Targets: 14
McBride was Murray’s favorite target. His route running and soft hands allowed him to dominate the middle of the field. He consistently moved the chains, showing why he’s considered a top young tight end in the league.
Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver
- Receptions: 5
- Yards: 60
- Touchdowns: 1
The rookie wideout continues to make an impact. He caught a beautiful touchdown in the second quarter and showed strong chemistry with Murray. His footwork and separation skills were on full display.
Notable Defensive Players
- Budda Baker: 7 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
- Zaven Collins: 1 sack, 4 pressures
- Michael Wilson: 5 solo tackles, 1 pass deflection
The defense did well for three quarters but collapsed in the fourth. They struggled to contain Justin Jefferson late and gave up big plays on Minnesota’s final two drives.
Minnesota Vikings Player Stats Breakdown
The Vikings played a cleaner, more efficient game offensively and came up with huge defensive plays when it counted most.
Sam Darnold – Quarterback
- Completions/Attempts: 21/31
- Yards: 235
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 0
Darnold delivered a calm, composed performance. He spread the ball around effectively and protected the football, which ultimately gave his team a chance to win in the closing moments.
Aaron Jones – Running Back
- Carries: 5
- Yards: 22
- Receptions: 2
- Receiving Touchdowns: 1
Jones wasn’t used heavily in the run game but made a significant impact with a receiving touchdown that gave Minnesota the lead late in the fourth quarter.
Justin Jefferson – Wide Receiver
- Receptions: 7
- Yards: 99
- Yards After Catch (YAC): 32
Jefferson was Darnold’s most reliable target. He had multiple first-down catches and played a huge role in the Vikings’ comeback. His ability to break free against zone coverage was critical.
Johnny Mundt – Tight End
- Receptions: 3
- Yards: 28
- Touchdowns: 1
Mundt capitalized on a red zone opportunity to score a crucial touchdown in the fourth quarter, demonstrating the depth Minnesota has at tight end.
Defensive Standouts
- Shaq Griffin: 1 interception (final drive), 3 pass breakups
- Byron Murphy Jr.: 5 tackles, 1 interception
- Danielle Hunter: 2 sacks, 4 pressures
- Cam Bynum: 6 tackles, strong coverage on tight ends
These defensive players were pivotal, especially in the fourth quarter. Griffin’s interception on Arizona’s final possession was the game-defining play.
Game-Changing Plays and Key Moments
In the NFL, a few pivotal moments often define the outcome of a game—and this was especially true in the Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings match. Despite Arizona controlling the clock and gaining more yards, Minnesota capitalized on critical situations that completely changed the trajectory of the game.
1. Kyler Murray’s Fourth Quarter Interception
With the Cardinals trailing by just one point and driving down the field in the final minutes, Kyler Murray attempted a quick pass on 4th down. It was read perfectly by Shaq Griffin, who stepped in front and intercepted the ball, ending the game and sealing the Vikings’ victory. This was the single most important play of the match. It wasn’t just a turnover—it was a momentum crusher that erased any chance of a comeback.
2. Sam Darnold’s Go-Ahead Touchdown to Aaron Jones
With 1:13 left in the game, the Vikings were trailing 22–16. Sam Darnold, showing poise under pressure, executed a perfectly timed short pass to Aaron Jones, who ran a crisp flat route and scored the game-winning touchdown. It was a well-designed play that took advantage of Arizona’s soft zone defense and capped off a remarkable 4th quarter surge.
3. Vikings’ Defensive Stand in the Red Zone (3rd Quarter)
Earlier in the game, Arizona marched deep into Vikings territory but had to settle for a field goal due to strong goal-line defense. A series of pressure plays from Danielle Hunter and Cam Bynum pushed the Cardinals back, forcing a crucial 3 points instead of 7. That red zone stop became incredibly important when considering the one-point margin of victory.
4. Missed 2-Point Conversion by Cardinals
After scoring in the third quarter, Arizona attempted a 2-point conversion to push their lead to 11. The play failed due to miscommunication and tight Vikings coverage. That one failed attempt loomed large in the final minutes, where even a field goal wouldn’t have been enough to win.
These moments highlight how football is not just about total yards or time of possession. Execution in the red zone, defensive takeaways, and timely scoring drives often matter far more. Minnesota didn’t dominate statistically, but they made the most of the few opportunities they got.
Fantasy and Advanced Stats Insights
Fantasy football players and advanced stat analysts had plenty to dissect from this matchup. While the Cardinals outgained the Vikings, some of the most valuable fantasy points came from Minnesota players due to red zone success and turnovers.
Top Fantasy Scorers – PPR Format
| Player | Team | Fantasy Points |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Jefferson | Vikings | 19.9 |
| Trey McBride | Cardinals | 17.6 |
| Kyler Murray | Cardinals | 17.0 |
| Sam Darnold | Vikings | 16.8 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | Cardinals | 12.0 |
| Aaron Jones | Vikings | 11.4 |
Key Fantasy Takeaways:
- Trey McBride continued his emergence as a top fantasy tight end, leading Arizona in targets and receptions.
- Justin Jefferson remained a WR1 thanks to his high yardage total and consistent targets.
- Sam Darnold, while not flashy, was extremely efficient and avoided turnovers—valuable in 2QB leagues.
- Kyler Murray’s rushing helped boost his floor, but the two interceptions kept his overall total modest.
Advanced Metrics to Note:
- Pressure Rate Allowed by Arizona OL: 32% (Murray was hurried often in Q4)
- Darnold’s QB Rating: 106.2 – clean, turnover-free football
- Yards After Catch (YAC): Jefferson (32), McBride (18)
- Missed Tackles Forced: Conner (4), Jefferson (3)
For fantasy managers, these stats suggest Jefferson and McBride are must-starts. Meanwhile, Murray’s ceiling is capped unless the offensive line improves and mistakes are reduced.
Key Takeaways from the Match
This game was a clinic in how execution beats production. Let’s look at the main conclusions from the Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats:
- Time of Possession Doesn’t Win Games Alone
Arizona had the ball longer and gained more yards, but Minnesota’s 4th quarter heroics and red zone efficiency told the real story. - Turnovers Kill Drives and Confidence
The two interceptions thrown by Kyler Murray not only ended possessions but also shifted the emotional momentum in Minnesota’s favor. - Darnold Deserves More Respect
While he isn’t a top-tier QB, Sam Darnold’s poise and clean decision-making were key in this win. He showed he can be more than just a backup. - Cardinals Need Better Late-Game Defense
The Cardinals defense held for three quarters but collapsed when it mattered most. They allowed 17 points in the 4th quarter alone. - Playmakers Decide Outcomes
Justin Jefferson and Shaq Griffin were the difference. Whether gaining yards or sealing the win, they made the biggest plays of the night.
This matchup revealed a lot about each team’s identity. The Vikings are resilient and opportunistic. The Cardinals are talented but lack late-game discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was the best player in the Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings match?
Justin Jefferson stood out as the top performer. He recorded 99 receiving yards and was Darnold’s primary target in clutch moments. His big plays kept Minnesota’s offense alive when it mattered most.
2. Why did the Cardinals lose even with more total yards?
Despite outgaining the Vikings, the Cardinals made costly mistakes. Two interceptions by Kyler Murray and a failed 2-point conversion were critical. Minnesota capitalized on these and had better red zone efficiency.
3. How did Kyler Murray perform overall?
Murray threw for 260 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also ran for 48 yards. While productive, his late-game turnover cost Arizona the win.
4. Which defensive player made the biggest impact?
Shaq Griffin of the Vikings made the game-sealing interception and broke up multiple passes. He was instrumental in shutting down the Cardinals’ final drive.
5. Are there any fantasy football takeaways from this match?
Yes, Jefferson and McBride continue to be strong fantasy assets. Darnold is a safe QB2, and Aaron Jones may see more usage in red zone plays moving forward.
Final Thoughts
The Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats tell a story of a game that was dominated statistically by one team, but won strategically by the other. The Cardinals showed flashes of offensive explosiveness and control. However, football games are not won in spreadsheets—they are won in moments.
Minnesota’s ability to convert opportunities, protect the ball, and make critical plays in the fourth quarter defined the outcome. For the Cardinals, this match is a painful reminder that talent needs to be matched with composure and decision-making.
Whether you’re a fan, a fantasy player, or just love NFL analysis, this matchup gave plenty to study—and more to anticipate in potential future rematches.
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