The Arizona Cardinals are fighting for their division lead in the NFC West against the Seattle Seahawks. At the same time, the Minnesota Vikings need to win every game for the rest of the year while hoping the Lions lose two to win the NFC North.
Sunday is a matchup between two of the NFC's better teams that will set the tone for the rest of the season.
The Vikings will rely on their defense to withstand and play against Arizona's explosive offense. rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. looked every bit as good as we all thought he would. The Vikings defense, especially the secondary, will have a lot of work to do. The offense needs to pick up the pieces and Sam Darnold needs to build on a strong Week 12 performance.
Here are five Vikings who need to have a big game against the Cardinals in Week 13.
Byron Murphy Jr.
November 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) celebrates his interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Byron Murphy Jr. will be tasked with keeping rising rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. under control. It will also be a game for Murphy Jr., facing his former team that he left in free agency. Murphy Jr. is one of the leaders in interceptions; He hopes to increase that amount on Sunday.
Blake Cashman
November 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) celebrates a fumble return that is later declared dead in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
The Vikings will use Blake Cashman all over the field on Sunday, while Kyler Murray will direct traffic for the Cardinals. Cashman will be responsible for containing Murray so that he doesn't play with his legs but also covers the middle of the field. If Cashman has a good game, it likely means the Vikings secure their fifth straight win.
Jonathan Greenard
November 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) sacks Tennessee Titans' Will Levis (8) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Jonathan Greenard is having a very quiet but very effective 2024 campaign. He has four sacks in his last four games, and when you look at the Cardinals' offensive line, he needs to be put to the test. Look for Greenard to force Kyler Murray out of the pocket and even take him down a time or two with his rush of speed.
Justin Jefferson
November 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Jonathan Owens (36) is called for pass interference as he intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory attribution: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
After a two-catch, 27-yard performance on Sunday, Justin Jefferson will have something to prove. The Cardinals' secondary will make it difficult for him, but Jefferson is an All-Pro for a reason. Look for Justin Jefferson to make his presence felt on Sunday in an entertaining matchup between him and the Cardinals' supporting group.
TJ Hockenson
November 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) tackles Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson (87) after the catch in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
The Cardinals are expected to have their first-round pick edge rusher Darius Robinson in the lineup, who will make his debut on Sunday. Hockenson will have as much impact in his handling as he does in the passing game. I expect Hockenson to have a big game in various aspects of the game, but especially when cutting the edges to protect Sam Darnold.
