NFL Travel Packages Minnesota Vikings: Skol, Captain Sam and a mastermind

If you're planning a last-minute NFL London trip, you might be rubbing your eyes in disbelief. Could we really witness a team with a perfect record at Tottenham? Just one win away from defeating their hated division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings (3-0) are about to sail down the Thames as the surprise team of the season. And at the helm? A man everyone had written off!

Captain Kirk Cousins? Sailed off to Atlanta! J.J. McCarthy? Spending his rookie season on crutches after a meniscus tear! Given all this, many—including myself—were ready to write off the Vikings' season early. A roster loaded with talent, but with no quarterback, the team just couldn't click. Classic rebuilding year, maybe even a ghostly appearance from Sam Darnold.

Fans of the New York Jets, the Vikings' opponent at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (check out all-inclusive NFL London 2024 ticket packages with hotel), will either relate to the metaphor or fail to recognize their former quarterback when he steps on the field in two weeks.

Vikings vs. Jets in London: Unbeaten record and a Touchdown leader in the bag?

That same Sam Darnold, once the 3rd overall pick in the green half of the Big Apple (2018-2020) with little success to show, now leads the NFL in touchdown passes (8). The same Sam Darnold who struggled under far better circumstances in Carolina (2021-2022) and San Francisco (2023), throwing more head-scratchers than reasons to earn another shot as a bridge QB—or even a starter—has now led his team to three straight wins.

Of course, this and a potential win at Lambeau Field against the Packers (2-1) might not mean much yet. Remember the 2016 regular season? The franchise up north in Minneapolis, at the NFL’s northernmost point, started that year with five straight wins. The second half, though, was brutal: 8 wins and 8 losses, with a playoff berth only on the couch!

The mastermind behind Sam Darnold and the Vikings offense

Minnesota knows a thing or two about rollercoaster seasons. And that could happen again, especially with all the potential brewing in the NFC North, a division poised to be a powerhouse for years to come. But what stands against that? The sheer number of offensive playmakers (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones) and the mastermind responsible for their 3-0 start.

Kevin O’Connell, entering his third year on the sideline for the Men in Purple, has cemented his reputation as a brilliant playcaller thanks to Sam Darnold’s resurgence. Looking at the five unbeaten teams after Week 3, I see two categories: the Steelers and Seahawks have benefited from favorable schedules. But the Vikings’ victories, particularly with Jefferson and Co. facing tougher opponents each week, stand out as truly impressive.

NFL London 2024: Tailgate mania with the Viking World Order

After a 23-17 win over last year’s Super Bowl contender, the San Francisco 49ers (Week 2), the Vikings delivered a dominant performance against the previously undefeated Houston Texans (34-7), both on offense and defense. This has fans more excited than ever for the NFL London Games in 2024.

And of course, no Minnesota Vikings NFL trip is complete without their passionate fans, traveling from the American North and Scandinavian countries to paint London purple and gold. You can’t miss it - the Skol Chant, based on Nordic traditions, will echo in and around Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

And it wouldn’t be a proper celebration without raising a drink - preferably from a drinking horn - at the official team pub (Greenwood Victoria Pub, 170 Victoria St, London SW1E 5LB). My NFL Travel Tip for Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Jets: On game day, look out for the flag with the initials “VWO.” The Viking World Order is known for throwing some of the wildest tailgate parties out there.