Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, nothing gets the blood pumping quite like a classic NFL matchup between two storied franchises. The New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats have a history that’s as exciting as it is unpredictable, and their most recent clash on October 6, 2024, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London was no exception. This game, part of the NFL’s International Series, pitted Aaron Rodgers and the Jets against Sam Darnold and a surging Vikings squad. The Vikings edged out a 23-17 victory, staying undefeated at 5-0, while the Jets slipped to 2-3. But what really makes these games memorable? The player stats, of course!
In this article, we’ll break down the key player stats from this matchup in a way that’s easy to follow—no jargon overload here. Whether you’re a die-hard Jets fan reliving the heartbreak or a Vikings supporter celebrating the win, or even just someone new to the sport, I’ve got you covered. We’ll look at passing, rushing, receiving, defense, and more, all presented in simple tables for quick reading. Plus, I’ll chat about the bigger picture: how these numbers tell the story of the game, standout performers, and even a nod to the teams’ historical rivalry. Let’s dive in!
Setting the Scene: Why This New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Game Mattered
Picture this: It’s early morning in the U.S., but across the pond in London, 61,139 fans pack into the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Jets, coming off a frustrating 10-9 loss to the Broncos, needed a spark. Rodgers, the future Hall of Famer, was under pressure to deliver after a shaky start to the season. On the other side, the Vikings were rolling, having won their first four games, with Darnold—once a Jet himself—finding his groove under center.
The game kicked off under mostly cloudy skies at around 59°F, perfect for some gritty football. The Vikings jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead, thanks to a pick-six and some opportunistic plays. The Jets clawed back in the second half, but turnovers doomed them. Rodgers threw for 244 yards and two scores but coughed up three interceptions. Darnold was efficient, if not spectacular, at 179 yards with no picks in the stat sheet (though the defense feasted on Jets’ mistakes).
This wasn’t just any game—it was the Vikings’ first international win, keeping their perfect record intact in such contests. For the Jets, it was another London heartbreaker; they also trailed 17-0 here in 2021 against Atlanta. Now, let’s get to the meat: the player stats that shaped the outcome.
Passing Stats: Rodgers vs Darnold – A Tale of Two QBs
Quarterbacks often steal the show, and this matchup was no different. Aaron Rodgers, in his second year with the Jets, aimed to hit 60,000 career passing yards—a milestone he reached with a 7-yard toss to tight end Tyler Conklin in the third quarter. But the day belonged more to the Vikings’ defense than to the passing games. Both QBs faced pressure, but Darnold managed the game better, avoiding the big mistakes that plagued Rodgers.
Here’s a quick table of the top passing performances:
| Player | Team | Completions/Attempts | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Rodgers | NYJ | 29/54 | 244 | 2 | 3 | 50.0 |
| Sam Darnold | MIN | 14/31 | 179 | 0 | 1 | 54.8 |
Rodgers’ inefficiency stands out—54 attempts is a lot for just 244 yards, and those three picks (including a game-sealing one by Stephon Gilmore with 44 seconds left) were costly. His touchdowns went to Allen Lazard (14 yards) and Garrett Wilson (1 yard), showing he could connect when it mattered late. Darnold, meanwhile, spread the ball without forcing it, though he didn’t throw a TD. His one interception came early, but the Jets couldn’t capitalize. Overall, the passing game was grounded: Jets total 244 yards, Vikings 179. No fireworks, but plenty of drama.
Rushing Stats: Ground Games That Kept Defenses Honest
Rushing often decides close games, and this one was no slouch on the ground. The Jets leaned on Breece Hall to control the clock, while the Vikings used a committee approach led by Aaron Jones. Total rushing yards were close: Jets 87, Vikings 93. But the Vikings turned theirs into points more effectively, including C.J. Ham’s 2-yard TD run that made it 17-0.
Check out the top rushers in this easy table:
| Player | Team | Carries | Yards | Yards per Carry | Touchdowns | Longest Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breece Hall | NYJ | 9 | 23 | 2.6 | 0 | 18 |
| Aaron Jones | MIN | 11 | 46 | 4.2 | 0 | 12 |
| Ty Chandler | MIN | 7 | 25 | 3.6 | 0 | 9 |
| C.J. Ham | MIN | 4 | 17 | 4.3 | 1 | 7 |
| Isaiah Davis | NYJ | 5 | 20 | 4.0 | 0 | 10 |
Hall’s 23 yards might seem low, but remember, the Jets were playing catch-up, so fewer carries. His 18-yard scamper was a bright spot, though. Jones was steady for Minnesota, averaging over 4 yards per pop, but it was Ham’s short-yardage plunge that shifted momentum. The Vikings’ balanced attack wore down the Jets’ defense, especially in the first half.
Receiving Stats: Where the Stars Shined Brightest
Ah, the receivers—this is where the game got fun! Garrett Wilson finally broke out for the Jets, hauling in a career-high 13 catches for 101 yards and a TD. It was his best game of 2024, proving why he’s a cornerstone of the offense. On the Vikings’ side, Justin Jefferson was quiet (just 3 catches for 31 yards), but Jordan Addison stepped up.
Total receiving yards: Jets 244 (all passing), Vikings 179. Here’s the top performers:
| Player | Team | Receptions | Yards | Yards per Reception | Touchdowns | Longest Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett Wilson | NYJ | 13 | 101 | 7.8 | 1 | 22 |
| Allen Lazard | NYJ | 5 | 54 | 10.8 | 1 | 14 |
| Breece Hall | NYJ | 6 | 29 | 4.8 | 0 | 12 |
| Jordan Addison | MIN | 6 | 62 | 10.3 | 0 | 20 |
| T.J. Hockenson | MIN | 4 | 43 | 10.8 | 0 | 15 |
| Justin Jefferson | MIN | 3 | 31 | 10.3 | 0 | 13 |
| Tyler Conklin | NYJ | 3 | 42 | 14.0 | 0 | 24 |
Wilson’s 13 grabs were huge—he was Rodgers’ go-to guy in the second half, especially that 1-yard score that made it 20-17. Lazard’s TD before halftime kept the Jets alive. For Minnesota, Addison’s 62 yards showed his explosiveness, while Hockenson was reliable underneath. Jefferson’s quieter day (targeted only 5 times) didn’t hurt, thanks to the run game and defense.
Defensive Stats: Turnovers and Tackles That Sealed the Deal
Defense wins championships, right? Well, it sure won this game for the Vikings. They forced three turnovers from Rodgers, including Andrew Van Ginkel’s pick-six that put Minnesota up 7-0 early. The Jets’ D held firm but couldn’t stop the bleeding from those gifts.
Key defensive numbers in a straightforward table:
| Player | Team | Tackles (Solo/Assist) | Sacks | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Van Ginkel | MIN | 5 (3/2) | 0 | 1 (TD) | 0 | 1 |
| Stephon Gilmore | MIN | 4 (4/0) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Harrison Smith | MIN | 6 (4/2) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Quincy Williams | NYJ | 7 (5/2) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jamien Sherwood | NYJ | 8 (6/2) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jonathan Allen | NYJ | 3 (2/1) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Josh Metellus | MIN | 4 (3/1) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Van Ginkel’s 94.7 PFF grade was the game’s highest, thanks to that 37-yard interception return for a touchdown. Gilmore’s late pick was clutch. For the Jets, Sherwood stepped up with C.J. Mosley out (toe injury), notching the team’s only sack. Williams nearly scored on a fumble recovery but was stopped at the 42. Vikings total: 3 INTs, 1 fumble forced. Jets: 1 sack, but no turnovers created from Darnold.
Special Teams and Misc Stats: The Unsung Heroes
Don’t sleep on special teams—they flipped the field a few times. Xavier Gipson’s 30-yard punt return set up the Jets’ first TD, while Will Reichard’s three field goals (25, 53, 41 yards) were perfect for Minnesota. Greg Zuerlein hit a 32-yarder for New York but missed the extra point after Wilson’s score? Wait, no—sources say he was good on extras.
Quick special teams table:
| Player | Team | Field Goals (Made/Att) | Extra Points | Punts Avg | Returns (Yards) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Reichard | MIN | 3/3 (25, 53, 41) | 2/2 | – | – |
| Greg Zuerlein | NYJ | 1/1 (32) | 2/2 | – | – |
| Xavier Gipson | NYJ | – | – | – | 30 (punt) |
| Kene Nwangwu | MIN | – | – | 4 (45.5) | – |
Reichard’s 53-yarder early in the fourth pushed the lead to 20-10. Gipson’s return was huge for momentum. Fumbles: Jets lost 1, Vikings 1 (recovered by each).
Standout Players and Game-Changing Moments
Let’s talk stars. Garrett Wilson was the Jets’ MVP—13/101/1 is the kind of line that builds legends. He torched the secondary late, giving fans hope. For the Vikings, Van Ginkel’s pick-six was the dagger, and Reichard’s kicking kept them ahead.
Moments that mattered:
- First Quarter Pick-Six: Van Ginkel’s INT return makes it 7-0. Rodgers’ first of three picks.
- Halftime Spark: Lazard’s 14-yard TD off Gipson’s return cuts it to 17-7.
- Third Quarter Push: Rodgers hits Conklin for his 60,000th yard, but Vikings answer with a FG.
- Late Drama: Wilson’s 1-yard TD makes 20-17, but Reichard’s 41-yarder and Gilmore’s pick seal it.
The Jets outgained Minnesota 331-272 total yards but lost the turnover battle 3-1. Time of possession: Even at 31:40 each.
Historical Context: New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Through the Years
This wasn’t their first rodeo. The teams have met 13 times since 1970, with the Jets leading 8-5 overall. But the Vikings have won the last four, including this one, a 29-17 win in 2022, and a 37-17 blowout in 2016. Back in 1982, the Jets dominated 42-14.
Notable historical player stats (last 10 years, select games):
- In 2022: Zach Wilson (NYJ) 188 yards, 1 TD; Kirk Cousins (MIN) 242 yards, 1 TD.
- 2014 OT Thriller: Teddy Bridgewater’s 87-yard OT pass for a 30-24 Vikings win.
The rivalry is lopsided lately in Minnesota’s favor, but with Rodgers healthy, future matchups could flip the script.
What These Stats Mean for the Season Ahead
For the Jets (now 2-3 as of October 2024), this loss stings, but Wilson’s emergence and Rodgers’ milestone show promise. They face the Bills next—tough sledding. The Vikings (5-0) are legit contenders; their defense (top-10 in points allowed) and balanced attack could carry them far. Darnold’s poise is key with rookie J.J. McCarthy sidelined.
Player stats like these aren’t just numbers—they’re stories. They show resilience (Wilson), opportunism (Van Ginkel), and areas to grow (Rodgers’ picks). As the season rolls on, keep an eye on these trends.
Wrapping It Up: Why Player Stats Make Football Magic
Whew, what a game! From Rodgers’ ups and downs to the Vikings’ defensive heroics, the New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats delivered thrills. We’ve covered the key stats in simple tables so you can reference them anytime. Whether you’re analyzing for fantasy, debating with friends, or just enjoying the sport, understanding these numbers makes every snap more exciting.