BREAKIMG NEWS: Vikings LB Andrew Van Ginkel named NFC Defensive Player of the Week Read more

Aside from the holidays, there’s another reason for Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel to celebrate. Van Ginkel has been named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 16 performance against the Seattle Seahawks. The linebacker helped Minnesota soar to a 27-24 victory, tallying two sacks, three quarterback hits and two tackles for loss on Sunday at Lumen Field.

The 29-year-old’s two sacks led the league this past week and also tied a career high. He’s reached the same mark in four other games, including two other matchups this season against the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions.

Van Ginkel joined Pro Football Hall of Fame member Jason Taylor as the only two players since 1960 to put up at least 10 sacks along with two interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single season, according to the team. In the second half alone against the Seahawks, Van Ginkel posted a Pro Football Focus pass rush grade of 90.1, forcing six pressures, displaying a 33.3% pass rush win rate and a 28.6% pressure rate. It’s the first time Van Ginkel has earned a Defensive Player of the Week honor in his six years in the NFL. He joins two other Vikings – Sam Darnold and Jonathan Greenard – to win weekly honors this season.

Van Ginkel and the Vikings (13-2) will next take on the Green Bay Packers (11-4) at U.S. Bank Stadium at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday.