Today, we’re hoping the Vikings do the right thing…
doubting a conspiracy theory, and watching some West Coast baseball.
Vikes’ QB Conundrum
What Happened: After six seasons with three different franchises, it’s safe to say we know what quarterback Sam Darnold is. Namely, a backup/spot starter, capable but by no means a game-changer.
If you are a Jets fans, that still might sting to hear. If you are a Vikings fan, that might only make your calls for J.J. McCarthy to earn the team’s starting job louder, especially after the rookie flashed his immense talents in Saturday’s preseason win over the Raiders.
Starting McCarthy would almost certainly involve some growing pains; rookie signal callers inevitably struggle, and McCarthy is especially green after engineering a Michigan offense in college that was built more on balance than relying solely on its QB. But while the floor is lower, opting for McCarthy over Darnold raises the team’s ceiling.
Why It Matters: If head coach Kevin O’Connell indeed rides with Darnold for an extended period of time, the Vikes can kiss any chance at a division title goodbye. The former USC passer represents the squishy middle, and that’s reflected in the betting odds: while Vegas likes the Lions (+130) to prevail in the NFC North, it also gives the Packers (+200) and Bears (+330) healthy odds at the division crown.
Minnesota is a hopeless +1000 as of this writing, with all signs pointing to Darnold > McCarthy to start the season. Opting for the rookie widens the range of outcomes, but in today’s NFL, you need to know what you have at the game’s most important position as soon as possible, and the Vikings won’t learn that by having McCarthy hold a clipboard for Darnold. Here’s hoping O’Connell eschews playing for seven wins and gives McCarthy a chance sooner rather than later.
What We’re Watching Today
Astros at Rays (6:50 PM ET) – Framber Valdez has been excellent this season and will garner Cy Young votes. But Houston needs him more for its playoff push, as the Mariners have pulled even in the AL West standings.
Royals at Twins (7:40 PM ET) – Speaking of tight division races, just four games separate three teams in the AL Central, and these two clubs are both still chasing Cleveland at the top. Bobby Witt Jr. has five hits and seven RBI over his last three games, but obviously he’s struggled a bit in road games this season, even if nothing nefarious is going down.
Braves at Giants (9:45 PM ET) – The pitching matchup of the night. Chris Sale is even odds (ESPN Bet) to be named NL Cy Young winner, while Snell has racked up 34 Ks and a no-hitter in his last three starts, reminding Giants fans why Snell won the Cy…for the rival Padres last season.
The Look Ahead
Byron Buxton HITS – Specifically, getting over his 0.5 line for tonight. Buxton knows Royals starter Brady Singer well, and has produced seven hits in 15 ABs against the righty, including two doubles and two dingers. The Twins center fielder is also coming off a 2-homer day on Sunday against Cleveland, so the bat is playing for sure.
