Three Vikings Worthy Of MVP In Week Four Win Over Panthers

The Minnesota Vikings finally have their first victory of the 2023 NFL season following a 21-13 game against the Carolina Panthers.

It was a 'must win' matchup for the Vikings if the team hopes to salvage this year. As is typical in the NFL, the game was full of ups and downs for fans in Minnesota, with some players standing out more than others.

So, which players were the most valuable to the Vikings in Week Four? Here are three individuals who had stand-out games.

Potential League MVP

Justin Jefferson is by far the best player on this Vikings team, and potentially the best player in the entire NFL. While this is the first game this season that Jefferson has recorded less than 100 receiving yards, he still had a fantastic game in Carolina.

The three-time Pro Bowler finished with six catches, 85 yards and two touchdowns on nine targets. He would have had three scores if it weren't for a holding penalty on tight end Josh Oliver.

K.J. Osborn was the only other Vikings receiver with a grab in the game (one catch for 16 yards). Jefferson was the only player with more than two catches in this game.

On a day when the passing game struggled to get going, Jefferson put up okay numbers and came up big with two touchdowns, making him worthy of the game's MVP.

New Vikings Defensive Weapon

I was intrigued when the Vikings signed linebacker Marcus Davenport in the offseason. Although an ankle injury kept him out of the action through the first three weeks, the former New Orleans Saint made an impact against the Panthers.

Davenport recorded four total tackles, one tackle for loss, one QB hit and a sack. His performance did not go unnoticed by Vikings fans and media.

While Davenport's performance was great it was somewhat overshadowed by the next player on the list...

Future Hall Of Famer

Safety Harrison Smith was the best player for the Minnesota Vikings this weekend.

The 12-year NFL vet had 14 total tackles, including eight solo tackles, along with three sacks, two tackles for loss and three quarterback hits. One of his three sacks was the game-clinching play.

If I were awarding a game MVP, Harrison Smith would be the guy. He led the defence in a game where the offense sputtered and helped the Vikings secure the win.

Moving Forward

The Vikings won this game, and that's what matters most. But it would be naive to think everything is okay moving forward.

Minnesota needs to move the ball better and must limit the turnovers if they want to win in Week Five when they host the Kansas City Chiefs.

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