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Football

NFL London 2024: Five things to look out for in Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Jets

NFL London 2024: Five things to look out for in Minnesota Vikings vs. New York JetsStephen Maturen/Getty Images
The first NFL London Game of 2024 takes place this weekend.

The 2024 NFL season rumbles on and it is now time for regular season games to go international. 

As has become tradition since 2007, NFL regular season games have been played in London with the number taking place increasing over the past couple of years. 

In 2024, there will be three games being staged in the English capital, and the first of those takes place on Sunday when the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings go head-to-head at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

Here are five things to look out for in what should be an intriguing clash. 

The Sam Darnold revenge game 

PIC 2 Sam Darnold Vikings_22092024Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

At the start of the 2024 season, no one expected Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold to be the spearhead in a team which is undefeated and a mesmerising force on offense. 

However, this weekend's London clash with the New York Jets carries plenty of significance for Darnold and there will be added to attention to his performance. 

Selected by the Jets in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold was set to be the guiding light to a team which had hit rock bottom, but his position was undermined when the franchise then decided to draft Zach Wilson three years later to replace Darnold under centre which prompted the latter's exit. 

With Darnold now set to suit up against a former employer in London, inflicting more misery onto the Jets would be a perfect way to get revenge and maintain this season's unbeaten record. 

Is Aaron Rodgers fully fit? 

PIC 2 Aaron Rodgers NY Jets_August 2023Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Metlife Stadium in Week 4 was not where anyone wanted to be as the New York Jets and Denver Broncos went head-to-head. With the constant rainfall, a forgettable game unfolded with Broncos managing to beat the Jets 10-9. 

One concern which came out of the game was whether quarterback Aaron Rodgers had picked up a serious injury to his left knee after taking a number of hits. 

Rodgers did confirm on Tuesday to the Pat McAfee Show that his knee was 'a little swollen' and is not concerned about missing any action on the field, but he could be set for another tough game under centre with the Vikings leading the NFL in sacks with 17.

There is no doubt come Sunday the Jets offensive line will need to step up if they are to have any chance of winning and protecting the team's prized asset. 

Can the Vikings defense hold their nerve? 

Andrew Van Ginkel Vikings_22092024Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

For three quarters against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4, the Vikings looked like they would be cruising to a comfortable win at the home of their rivals. 

However, a Packers comeback in the fourth saw them score 22 points, but that was not enough with the Vikings securing a 31-29 victory. 

While the Vikings defense is still one of the best in the league under Brian Flores, there is no reason such a dangerous unit should be allowing 465 yards of Packers offense in a game which seemed all but sewn up. 

Going into this Sunday's clash with the Jets, the Vikings will be favourites, however, with a quarterback as talented as Rodgers, the Vikings defense cannot afford to switch off against an opponent who will be looking to prove a point and showcase why they should be taken seriously this season. 

The growing tensions between Rodgers and head coach Saleh

Robert Saleh NY Jets_July2023Rich Schultz/Getty Images

With Sunday's loss to the Broncos bringing the Jets back down to earth after two back-to-back wins, conversation turned towards the relationship between Rodgers and head coach Robert Saleh. 

Following the Broncos defeat, Saleh was quick to place blame on Rodgers and his offense for a number of pre-snap penalties, but since then Saleh has backtracked on his comments with Rodgers labelling their relationship as 'great'. 

Whether this is an attempt to silence the media and tame any speculation, only time will tell, but if the Jets produce a poor performance against the Vikings, there is no doubt the working relationship between Saleh and Rodgers will be under the microscope once again. 

Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison electric duo on Vikings offense

Justin Jefferson Vikings_October2022David Berding/Getty Images

Vikings QB Sam Darnold is not the only name lighting up the offense, wide receiver duo Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are also proving to be a serious problem. 

Opposing defenses will immediately see Jefferson as the main threat with teams sometimes opting for double coverage, but this will free up Addison and when in scoring mode, both receivers are deadly. 

Against the Packers in Week Four, Jefferson and Addison scored three touchdowns between them, and the Jets will have a tough task on their hands to keep these two quiet in North London.    

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