The New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats on October 6, 2024, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London as part of the NFL’s International Series. This Week 5 matchup was a thrilling contest that ended with the Vikings securing a 23-17 victory, keeping their undefeated record intact at 5-0, while the Jets fell to 2-3. This game was packed with exciting plays, standout performances, and critical moments that shaped the outcome. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats, key moments, and what made this game a memorable one, all in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the game, we’ve got you covered with a clear, engaging breakdown.
Game Overview: A Tale of Two Halves
The game started with a bang for the Vikings, who jumped out to a commanding 17-0 lead in the first half. A pick-six by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and a rushing touchdown by fullback C.J. Ham set the tone early. The Jets, led by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, struggled with turnovers, including three interceptions that proved costly. However, the second half saw a spirited comeback attempt from the Jets, with Rodgers connecting with receivers Allen Lazard and Garrett Wilson for touchdowns. Despite their efforts, a late interception by Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore sealed the win for Minnesota.
This matchup wasn’t just about the scoreline—it was a showcase of individual brilliance, defensive prowess, and some critical mistakes. Let’s break down the player stats to see who stood out and how their performances shaped the game.
Passing Stats: Quarterbacks Under Pressure
Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)
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Completions/Attempts: 29/54 (53.7%)
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Yards: 244
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Touchdowns: 2
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Interceptions: 3
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Passer Rating: 54.9
Aaron Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, had a day he’d likely want to forget. Completing just over half of his passes, Rodgers threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns, but his three interceptions were a major factor in the Jets’ loss. The first interception, a quick slant picked off by Andrew Van Ginkel, resulted in a 63-yard touchdown return that gave the Vikings an early 10-0 lead. Another interception by Camryn Bynum in the first quarter and a game-sealing pick by Stephon Gilmore in the final minute hurt the Jets’ chances. Despite the turnovers, Rodgers showed resilience, especially in the second half, where he led drives that brought the Jets within striking distance. A notable moment was his 7-yard pass to Tyler Conklin, which pushed him past 60,000 career passing yards, making him the ninth player in NFL history to reach that milestone.
Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings)
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Completions/Attempts: 14/31 (45.2%)
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Yards: 179
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Touchdowns: 0
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Interceptions: 1
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Passer Rating: Not specified
Sam Darnold, the former Jets first-round pick, faced his old team and played a steady, if unspectacular, game. Completing 14 of 31 passes for 179 yards, Darnold didn’t throw any touchdown passes but managed the game well, avoiding the big mistakes that plagued Rodgers. His one interception came on a tipped pass, and he also lost a fumble on a botched pitch to running back Ty Chandler. However, Darnold’s quick-release passes and play-action throws helped the Vikings control the clock and keep the Jets’ defense on their toes. His efficiency, compared to Rodgers’ riskier approach, was key to Minnesota’s ability to maintain their lead.
Rushing Stats: A Struggle for Both Teams
New York Jets
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Breece Hall: 9 carries, 23 yards (2.6 yards per carry)
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Total Team Rushing: 18 carries, 36 yards (2.0 yards per carry)
The Jets’ running game was nearly nonexistent, totaling just 36 yards on 18 carries. Breece Hall, their lead running back, managed only 23 yards on nine attempts, averaging a paltry 2.6 yards per carry. The lack of a ground game forced Rodgers to rely heavily on passing, which played into the Vikings’ defensive strengths. Without a balanced attack, the Jets struggled to sustain drives early in the game, putting them in a deep hole.
Minnesota Vikings
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Ty Chandler: 14 carries, 30 yards (2.1 yards per carry)
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Aaron Jones: 7 carries, 29 yards (4.1 yards per carry, ruled out with a hip injury)
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C.J. Ham: 3 carries, 4 yards, 1 touchdown
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Total Team Rushing: 27 carries, 82 yards (3.0 yards per carry)
The Vikings fared slightly better on the ground, accumulating 82 yards on 27 carries. Ty Chandler led the team with 30 yards on 14 carries, while Aaron Jones added 29 yards before leaving the game with a hip injury. Fullback C.J. Ham made his mark with a 2-yard touchdown run that helped the Vikings take a 17-0 lead. While Minnesota’s rushing numbers weren’t stellar, their ability to keep the ground game active allowed them to control the pace and limit the Jets’ possessions.
Receiving Stats: Standout Performers Shine
New York Jets
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Garrett Wilson: 13 receptions, 101 yards, 1 touchdown
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Allen Lazard: 4 receptions, 34 yards, 1 touchdown
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Tyler Conklin: 4 receptions, 55 yards
Garrett Wilson was the star of the Jets’ offense, hauling in 13 catches for 101 yards and a 1-yard touchdown that brought the Jets within three points late in the fourth quarter. His high target share (22 targets) showed how much Rodgers relied on him, especially in critical moments. Allen Lazard contributed with a 14-yard touchdown catch just before halftime, giving the Jets some momentum. Tight end Tyler Conklin also had a solid day, catching four passes for 55 yards, including a key 7-yard reception that marked Rodgers’ 60,000-yard milestone.
Minnesota Vikings
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Justin Jefferson: 6 receptions, 92 yards
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Total Team Receiving: 14 receptions, 179 yards
Justin Jefferson, one of the NFL’s elite receivers, led the Vikings with six catches for 92 yards. While he didn’t find the end zone, his ability to make tough grabs and move the chains kept Minnesota’s offense moving. The Vikings’ passing game was limited compared to the Jets, but Jefferson’s performance ensured they didn’t need to rely heavily on big plays through the air.
Defensive Stats: Turnovers Tell the Story
New York Jets
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Quincy Williams: Fumble recovery
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Brandin Echols: 1 interception
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Isiah Oliver: 1 sack
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Micheal Clemons: 1 sack
The Jets’ defense had its moments, particularly in the second half. Linebacker Quincy Williams recovered a fumble after a botched pitch from Darnold to Chandler, nearly scoring but being tackled at the Minnesota 42. Cornerback Brandin Echols stepped up with an interception of Darnold, setting up a short field that led to Wilson’s touchdown. Defensive backs Isiah Oliver and Micheal Clemons each recorded a sack on Darnold, helping to disrupt Minnesota’s rhythm. However, the defense couldn’t overcome the early 17-0 deficit caused by offensive turnovers.
Minnesota Vikings
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Andrew Van Ginkel: 1 interception (63-yard touchdown return)
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Camryn Bynum: 1 interception
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Stephon Gilmore: 1 interception
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Total Team Sacks: Not specified
The Vikings’ defense was the difference-maker, forcing three interceptions from Rodgers. Andrew Van Ginkel’s pick-six in the first quarter set the tone, as he returned a quick slant 63 yards for a touchdown. Camryn Bynum added another interception in the first quarter, and Stephon Gilmore’s pick in the final minute sealed the victory. The Vikings’ ability to capitalize on turnovers and control field position was crucial to their success.
Special Teams: Kickers and Punters Make an Impact
New York Jets
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Greg Zuerlein: 1/1 field goals (32 yards), 2/2 extra points
Kicker Greg Zuerlein was perfect on his attempts, hitting a 32-yard field goal in the third quarter to cut the Vikings’ lead to 17-10. His reliability kept the Jets in the game, but they needed more offensive production to capitalize on his efforts.
Minnesota Vikings
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Will Reichard: 3/3 field goals (54, 53, 41 yards), 2/2 extra points
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Ryan Wright: Pinned Jets deep with effective punts
Rookie kicker Will Reichard was flawless, nailing field goals from 54, 53, and 41 yards, including a 53-yarder in the fourth quarter that extended the Vikings’ lead to 20-10. Punter Ryan Wright also played a key role, pinning the Jets deep in their own territory multiple times, which helped Minnesota maintain a field position advantage.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
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Van Ginkel’s Pick-Six: Early in the first quarter, Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted a quick slant from Rodgers and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown, giving the Vikings a 10-0 lead. This play set the tone for Minnesota’s defensive dominance.
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C.J. Ham’s Touchdown: A 2-yard rushing touchdown by C.J. Ham in the second quarter extended the Vikings’ lead to 17-0, putting the Jets in a deep hole.
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Jets’ Second-Half Comeback: After trailing 17-0, the Jets fought back with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Lazard before halftime and a 1-yard touchdown to Wilson in the fourth quarter, making it a 20-17 game.
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Gilmore’s Game-Sealing Interception: With 44 seconds left, Stephon Gilmore intercepted Rodgers’ pass intended for Mike Williams, securing the 23-17 win for the Vikings.
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Injuries and Inactives: The Jets were without key players like linebacker C.J. Mosley (toe) and right tackle Morgan Moses (knee), while the Vikings lost running back Aaron Jones to a hip injury. These absences impacted both teams’ strategies.
Why the Vikings Won
The Vikings’ victory came down to three key factors:
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Turnover Differential: Minnesota forced three interceptions from Rodgers while only committing two turnovers (one interception, one fumble). The points off turnovers, especially Van Ginkel’s pick-six, were decisive.
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Special Teams Edge: Will Reichard’s perfect kicking and Ryan Wright’s effective punting gave the Vikings better field position and crucial points.
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Defensive Pressure: The Vikings’ defense disrupted Rodgers’ rhythm, forcing him into risky throws under pressure. Their ability to capitalize on mistakes kept them in control.
Why the Jets Lost
The Jets’ loss can be attributed to:
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Turnovers: Rodgers’ three interceptions, including two in the first quarter, dug a hole too deep to climb out of, despite a valiant second-half effort.
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Weak Running Game: With only 36 rushing yards, the Jets couldn’t establish balance, making their offense predictable.
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Early Deficit: Falling behind 17-0 early put the Jets in catch-up mode, forcing Rodgers to take chances that led to more mistakes.
What’s Next for New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Both Teams?
The Vikings (5-0) head into their Week 6 bye week as one of the NFL’s two remaining undefeated teams, alongside the Kansas City Chiefs. They’ll look to keep their momentum when they host the Detroit Lions on October 20. The Jets (2-3), meanwhile, return home to face the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football in Week 6, hoping to bounce back from this tough loss.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
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Start Garrett Wilson: His 13 receptions and 101 yards show he’s a must-start receiver, especially with Rodgers targeting him heavily.
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Vikings D/ST: Their ability to force turnovers makes them a sneaky pick against turnover-prone offenses.
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Avoid Jets’ Running Game: Breece Hall’s 23 yards on nine carries highlight the Jets’ struggles on the ground, making their backfield a risky fantasy option.
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Monitor Aaron Jones’ Injury: Jones’ hip injury could impact the Vikings’ backfield, so keep an eye on his status for Week 7.
Conclusion
The New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats on October 6, 2024, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Vikings holding on for a 23-17 win thanks to their opportunistic defense and strong special teams. While Aaron Rodgers showed flashes of brilliance, his three interceptions proved too costly. Sam Darnold, facing his former team, played a cleaner game, and players like Justin Jefferson, Garrett Wilson, and Andrew Van Ginkel delivered standout performances. This game was a reminder of how turnovers, field position, and small moments can swing an NFL game. Whether you’re a Jets fan, a Vikings supporter, or just love football, this matchup had plenty of drama and lessons to take away.