The Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats from December 1, 2024, highlight one of the most dramatic finishes of the NFL Week 13 slate. Played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, this tightly contested matchup saw the Vikings snatch a last-minute victory, winning 23–22 after trailing for much of the game.
Despite being outgained in total yardage and time of possession, Minnesota capitalized on key mistakes and late-game execution. Arizona, meanwhile, delivered a strong overall performance statistically but fell short due to turnovers and missed opportunities. This article provides a complete breakdown of team and player statistics, key performances, scoring summary, and tactical insights from the contest.
Match Overview
- Match: Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings
- Date: December 1, 2024
- Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
- Final Score: Vikings 23, Cardinals 22
- Week: NFL Week 13
- League: NFL
The Cardinals dominated possession and yardage, but the Vikings remained resilient, mounting a late comeback that defined the game’s outcome.
Final Score Summary
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 7 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 22 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 3 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 23 |
Minnesota’s final touchdown drive with just over a minute left proved decisive.
Team Stats Comparison
| Statistic | Cardinals | Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 406 | 273 |
| Passing Yards | 252 | 205 |
| Rushing Yards | 154 | 68 |
| First Downs | 24 | 17 |
| Time of Possession | 35:49 | 24:11 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Penalties | 5 for 45 yards | 6 for 52 yards |
Key Takeaways:
- Arizona dominated in total offense and time of possession.
- Minnesota relied on efficiency and timely plays.
- Turnovers played a crucial role in deciding the match.
Quarterback Performance
Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals
- Completions/Attempts: 31/45
- Passing Yards: 260
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 2
- Rushing Yards: 32
Murray delivered a high-volume passing game, spreading the ball efficiently to his tight ends and wide receivers. However, two interceptions disrupted Arizona’s rhythm and proved costly in a one-point loss.
Sam Darnold – Minnesota Vikings
- Completions/Attempts: 21/31
- Passing Yards: 235
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 0
- QB Rating: Above 100
Darnold showcased strong pocket awareness and clutch execution, particularly on the final drive. His mistake-free performance was one of the game’s defining factors.
Rushing Leaders
Arizona Cardinals Rushing Stats
| Player | Carries | Yards | Avg | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Conner | 17 | 68 | 4.0 | 0 |
| Kyler Murray | 6 | 32 | 5.3 | 0 |
| Emari Demercado | 7 | 28 | 4.0 | 0 |
Arizona’s ground game was consistent and effective, helping them dominate time of possession.
Minnesota Vikings Rushing Stats
| Player | Carries | Yards | Avg | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Jones | 5 | 22 | 4.4 | 0 |
| Ty Chandler | 8 | 26 | 3.2 | 0 |
| Sam Darnold | 2 | 10 | 5.0 | 0 |
Minnesota struggled to establish a strong rushing presence and relied primarily on its passing attack.
Receiving Leaders
Arizona Cardinals Receiving Stats
| Player | Receptions | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trey McBride | 12 | 96 | 0 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | 5 | 60 | 1 |
| Michael Wilson | 4 | 48 | 0 |
| Rondale Moore | 5 | 42 | 0 |
McBride’s 12 receptions were a season-high, making him Murray’s primary target throughout the game.
Minnesota Vikings Receiving Stats
| Player | Receptions | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Jefferson | 7 | 99 | 0 |
| Jordan Addison | 5 | 58 | 1 |
| T.J. Hockenson | 4 | 46 | 1 |
| K.J. Osborn | 3 | 32 | 0 |
Jefferson led all receivers in yardage, consistently winning matchups and keeping Minnesota’s offense alive.
Defensive Highlights
Arizona Cardinals Defense
- Total Tackles Leader: Budda Baker (11)
- Sacks: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Pass Breakups: 5
Arizona’s defense limited big plays and controlled the run game but struggled to close the game late.
Minnesota Vikings Defense
- Total Tackles Leader: Harrison Smith (9)
- Sacks: 3
- Interceptions: 2
- Forced Fumbles: 1
Minnesota’s defensive unit made crucial plays in the second half, including an interception in the fourth quarter that shifted momentum.
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
- Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. 8-yard TD reception
- Vikings: Field goal
Second Quarter
- Cardinals: Two field goals
- Vikings: Touchdown pass to Hockenson
Third Quarter
- Cardinals: Field goal
- Vikings: Field goal and safety
Fourth Quarter
- Cardinals: Field goal
- Vikings: Touchdown pass to Addison (1:13 remaining)
Minnesota’s final scoring drive covered over 60 yards and demonstrated excellent clock management.
Key Moments That Decided the Game
Fourth-Quarter Interception by Vikings Defense
Gave Minnesota excellent field position.
Missed Red Zone Opportunity by Arizona
The Cardinals settled for a field goal instead of a touchdown.
Final Drive Touchdown
Darnold’s touchdown pass to Addison sealed the victory.
Time of Possession Advantage Wasted
Arizona controlled the clock but could not finish drives.
Tactical Analysis
Cardinals Strategy
- Balanced run-pass offense
- Heavy use of tight ends
- Sustained drives
- Conservative fourth-quarter play calling
Vikings Strategy
- Quick passing game
- Defensive pressure
- Late-game aggressiveness
- Exploiting turnovers
Minnesota’s ability to capitalize on Arizona’s mistakes made the difference.
Fantasy Football Impact
Best Fantasy Performers
- Justin Jefferson – 16+ PPR points
- Trey McBride – 18+ PPR points
- Sam Darnold – Efficient QB performance
- Marvin Harrison Jr. – Touchdown
Disappointments
- Aaron Jones – limited usage
- Cardinals defense – failed to protect late lead
What These Stats Mean Going Forward
Arizona Cardinals
- Offense is efficient but must reduce turnovers
- McBride is emerging as an elite tight end
- Defense needs better late-game execution
Minnesota Vikings
- Darnold proving reliability
- Jefferson remains elite
- Defense thrives under pressure
Fan and Analyst Reaction
Analysts praised Minnesota’s resilience and late-game discipline. Arizona drew criticism for conservative play-calling in the final quarter and failure to convert red zone opportunities.
Conclusion
The Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats from December 1, 2024, reflect a game defined by efficiency versus control. Arizona dominated statistically, but Minnesota delivered where it mattered most in the final moments.
With Sam Darnold’s composure, Justin Jefferson’s receiving dominance, and defensive pressure at key moments, the Vikings secured a crucial 23-22 victory. Meanwhile, the Cardinals showed promise offensively but were undone by turnovers and late-game execution.
This matchup will be remembered as a textbook example of why statistics alone do not guarantee victory. Execution in critical moments does.
