Football fans always look forward to a game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings. These two teams have played each other since the 1970s, and their games often bring close scores and exciting finishes. One of the most talked-about matchups took place on December 1, 2024, in Week 13 of the NFL season. The Vikings won a tight battle, 23-22, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. This article looks closely at the player stats from that game and explains what made it so memorable.
A Close and Tense Game
The final score tells you this was not an easy win for either team. Both sides fought hard until the last two minutes. The Cardinals came into the game with a 6-6 record, and a win would have given them their first victory over the Vikings in Minnesota since the franchise moved to Arizona in 1988. The Vikings were having a strong season with a 10-2 record, and they wanted to keep their winning streak alive.
For most of the game, the two teams traded field goals and stayed close on the scoreboard. Arizona took a 19-6 lead in the third quarter after a big touchdown pass. But Minnesota came back with two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to take the lead. The Cardinals did not trail at all until just over one minute remained in the game. In the end, a late interception by the Vikings defense sealed the win.
Quarterback Performance
The quarterback matchup was a big part of this game’s story.
Sam Darnold, the Vikings’ quarterback, played a smart and steady game. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 235 yards and threw two touchdown passes. He also picked up 22 yards on the ground. What made his performance special was how he handled pressure. A large part of his passing yards came in the fourth quarter, when the Cardinals were blitzing often to try to stop him. Darnold stayed calm and moved the offense down the field when it mattered most, including the game-winning drive in the final minutes.
Kyler Murray, the Cardinals’ quarterback, had a mixed game. He led Arizona to a strong lead in the third quarter, including a touchdown throw to Marvin Harrison Jr. However, things got harder for him in the fourth quarter. Murray threw two interceptions late in the game, and those turnovers hurt the Cardinals’ chances of holding on to their lead. He was also flagged for intentional grounding while under pressure near the goal line, which cost his team a chance at a touchdown and forced a field goal instead.
Running Backs and the Ground Game
The running game was actually a strength for Arizona in this matchup. The Cardinals rushed the ball 31 times for 154 yards, which was almost double what the Vikings defense had been allowing per game up to that point in the season. This showed that Arizona’s offensive line and running backs did a good job creating space and picking up tough yards.
That strong rushing performance helped Arizona control the clock. One drive in the fourth quarter lasted 16 plays and covered 66 yards, using up 7 minutes and 48 seconds of game time. That kind of drive can wear down a defense and keep the other team’s offense off the field, which is exactly what the Cardinals were trying to do.
On the Vikings’ side, running back Aaron Jones also made his mark, not just on the ground but through the air. He caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Darnold in the fourth quarter, which gave Minnesota the lead for good.
Receivers and Tight Ends
Pass catchers played a big role for both teams in this game.
Trey McBride, the Cardinals’ tight end, had an outstanding day. He caught 12 passes for 96 yards, which made him one of the most reliable targets for Murray all game long. At the time, McBride was already known as one of the top tight ends in the league for receiving yards, and this game added to that reputation.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona’s rookie wide receiver, made one of the biggest plays of the game. He caught a 15-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter that put the Cardinals ahead 19-6. That catch came after the Vikings’ backup cornerback was called for pass interference twice on the same drive, which helped set up the score.
For the Vikings, Justin Jefferson continued to show why he is one of the best receivers in football. He made key catches on Minnesota’s final scoring drive, including a big 12-yard grab on fourth down that kept the game-winning drive alive. Jordan Addison also had an important catch on that same drive, gaining 26 yards to move the Vikings deep into Arizona territory.
Johnny Mundt, a Vikings tight end, caught a 6-yard touchdown pass that helped Minnesota cut into Arizona’s lead in the fourth quarter.
Defense and Special Teams
Defense played a huge part in how this game ended. Shaquill Griffin of the Vikings made the biggest defensive play of the day. With only 40 seconds left in the game, he intercepted a pass to seal the win for Minnesota. That turnover ended any hope of a Cardinals comeback.
The Vikings also had to deal with an injury on defense. Stephon Gilmore, a veteran cornerback with five Pro Bowl selections, left the game in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. His replacement, Fabian Moreau, struggled at times and was called for two pass interference penalties in the third quarter, giving up 51 yards on those plays alone.
On special teams, Arizona kicker Chad Ryland made five field goals in the game, which shows how often the Cardinals’ offense had to settle for three points instead of touchdowns. Every one of those kicks mattered in a game decided by just one point.
Why This Game Mattered
This matchup was more than just a regular-season game. For the Cardinals, it was a chance to end a long losing streak against the Vikings in Minnesota, a streak that went back to 1977. For the Vikings, the win kept their strong season on track and pushed their home win streak against Arizona to 12 straight games.
The game also showed how much individual plays can change a football game. A missed tackle, a dropped pass, or a well-timed blitz can shift momentum in seconds. That is exactly what fans saw in the fourth quarter, when the game swung back and forth before Minnesota finally pulled ahead for good.
Final Thoughts
The Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings game from Week 13 of the 2024 season was a great example of how player stats tell the real story behind a football game. Sam Darnold’s steady play, Kyler Murray’s late mistakes, Trey McBride’s big receiving day, and Shaquill Griffin’s game-sealing interception all came together to create a memorable finish. Games like this remind fans why every player’s performance matters, from the quarterback to the special teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings game in Week 13 of 2024?
The Minnesota Vikings won the game 23-22. They scored the winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter and then sealed the win with an interception in the final minute.
Who had the best stats in the game?
Trey McBride had a standout game for Arizona with 12 catches for 96 yards. For Minnesota, Sam Darnold played a key role with 235 passing yards and two touchdown passes, especially during the game-winning drive.
Why did the Cardinals lose despite leading for most of the game?
The Cardinals led 19-6 in the third quarter, but two fourth-quarter interceptions by Kyler Murray and a late defensive stop by the Vikings allowed Minnesota to come back and win the game in the final minutes.
