 is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) and linebacker E.J. Speed (45) during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/akerscolts.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=771,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/akerscolts.jpg”><figcaption> Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Minnesota Vikings own a 10-2 record <a href=)
after 13 weeks, possessing a 99.8% chance of reaching the postseason, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI).
3 X-Factor Players for Vikings Down the Stretch of 2024
The purple team can clinch a playoff spot Sunday with a win over the Atlanta Falcons, a Los Angeles Rams’ loss to the Buffalo Bills, and a Seattle Seahawks dub over the Arizona Cardinals to clinch a playoff spot by Week 14.
And between now and the next several weeks, these three x-factor players — or unsung contributors — can help the team move the needle even further.
.</p>
<h2>3. Cam Akers (RB)</h2>
<div>
<figure><img loading=)
In October, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah swung a trade for Cam Akers — he traded for the same guy in 2023, too — an effective RB2 in the Vikings’ offense. Down the stretch of 2024. the offense might depend more on Akers, hoping to reduce Jones’ workload to prepare for the postseason.
What’s more, Jones is 30. It wouldn’t be weird one bit for an injury to knock him down. Then, Minnesota would pivot to Akers as RB1. In either scenario, he’s an X-factor guy.
2. Cam Robinson (LT)
 signs his jersey for Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Anton Harrison (77) after the game of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 12-7. © Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24730562.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=785,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24730562.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24730562-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption>Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Cam Robinson (74) signs his jersey for Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Anton Harrison (77) after the game of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 12-7. © Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p>When Christian Darrisaw got hurt in October, the sky fell. Or so it seemed.</p>
<p>Adofo-Mensah swung a nifty little trade for Robinson, a former Jacksonville Jaguar, and he’ll remain with the club through the 2024 postseason. So far, he’s filled in for Darrisaw quite admirably, which is no easy task.</p>
<p>He must continue his impressive pass-blocking, especially because quarterback Sam Darnold loves to hold onto the ball in the pocket until the last second possible. </p>
<h2>1. T.J. Hockenson (TE)</h2>
<div>
<figure><img loading=)
In those moments, Hockenson must step up for a 10-reception game — and perhaps do it a few times. He’s one the most handsomely paid tight ends in the sports, and folks will probably discover why in the next month.
He must merely continue his dependable ways as his snap count climbs back to the normal rate.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
