The Minnesota Vikings are 8-4 this season. They are currently in the second Wild Card spot and one game behind the Green Bay Packers for the lead in the NFC North. The Vikings are running the ball effectively with Dalvin Cook and Kirk Cousins is having another strong season.

Yes, another strong season from No. 8. Cousins received criticism during his first year in Minnesota because his team did not make the playoffs after he signed a massive contract. Little blame seemed to be put on their putrid offensive line that gave Cousins no time. How about their defense that struggled with Xavier Rhodes getting exposed every week? Cousins deserved some blame, but the Vikings had more problems than their quarterback.

In fact, Cousins had his best statistical season in 2018. He finished with his most touchdown passes as a starter (30), least number of interceptions (10), best completion percentage (70.1%), and second most yards (4,298). In 2019, he is continuing his strong play and the team is starting to win.

Kirk Cousins' Grade Through 13 Weeks

Cousins got off to a slow start this season. He threw the ball just 10 times in a Week 1 victory and struggled in his first meeting with the Chicago Bears. Beginning in Week 5, Cousins began to turn the tables.

Since Cousins' poor performance in Chicago, he has thrown for 20 touchdowns and just two interceptions. On the season, he has 23 touchdowns and four interceptions. He is well on pace to throw the least amount of picks in his career. He has thrown for 300 or more yards four times this season.

The Vikings are leaning on their run game this season. Cook is finally healthy and has been dominating. He is looking like the best running back in the league this season. Cousins has been without his No. 1 receiver Adam Thielen at times this season because of injuries. Most importantly, the Vikings are winning. They have won six of their last eight games and are in line for a playoff berth.

Cousins will receive criticism no matter what because of his contract. He signed a three-year, $84 million guaranteed deal prior to the 2018 season. This is not the worst quarterback contract in the league. Cousins is better than players who have received more money such as Jared Goff and Carson Wentz. The criticism is nothing new for Cousins. It goes all the way back to when he was drafted and his days in Washington. If he stays in Minnesota long-term, he will start to shed the negative thoughts.

Final Grade: A-