Despite a perceived downgrade from former quarterback Kirk Cousins, QB Sam Darnold has exceeded expectations. Leading the Minnesota Vikings (2-0) to the top of the NFC North.

In Week 2, Darnold lead Minnesota to a shocking upset against the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers (1-1) 23-17. He threw for 268 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. This included a 97-yard touchdown to wide receiver Justin Jefferson who had nine catches for 133 yards against one of the best defenses in the league.

Certainly an improvement from the previous weeks performance, where Darnold threw for 208 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Jefferson had 59 receiving yards and one touchdown in their 28-6 win against the New York Giants (0-2).

Their run game has improved from last year, at least for now, with running back Ty Chandler running up the gut for 82 yards. Former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones ran for 94 yards and one touchdown against New York.

The injuries for the Vikings in terms of key players has gotten worse since last week. WR Jordan Addison is still out with an ankle injury. However, two new names have been added.

According to Minnesota’s official injury report, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (quad/ankle) and rookie LB Dallas Turner (knee) are confirmed to be out for their next game. The injury to Pace Jr. in particular is concerning for the Vikings as they now have to rely on backup LB Brian Asamoah II to fill in for at least the next game.

Minnesota next travels to take on Houston Texans (2-0) in an exciting matchup between the the eighth best passing offense (229.0 yards per game) against the 11th best passing defense in Houston (166.5 yards per game allowed).