Something about this game leading up to it felt off, dreadful even. Maybe I am just too cynical? 
The Vikings added another disappointing loss to the pile of playoff losses with a deflating defeat to the Rams in the Wild Card round.
Final: Minnesota Vikings 9 Los Angeles Rams 27
Stats:
Minnesota:
QB:
S. Darnold 25/40 245 yds 6.1 avg 1 TD 1 INT 77.6 rtg (1 fumble lost)
RB:
A. Jones 13 car 48 yds 3.7 avg 13 long (3 rec 12 yds)
C. Akers 5 car 39 yds 7.8 avg 26 long
WR:
TJ Hockenson 5 rec 64 yds 12.8 avg 1 TD 26 long
J. Jefferson 5 rec 58 yds 11.6 avg 22 long
J. Nailor 3 rec 33 yds 11.0 avg 14 long
J. Addison 3 rec 29 yds 9.7 avg 15 long
J. Mundt 2 rec 28 yds 14.0 avg 22 long
CJ Ham 1 rec 8 yds
T. Sherfield Jr 2 rec 8 yds 4.0 avg 7 long
J. Oliver 1 rec 5 yds
DEF:
B. Cashman 1 sack
A. Van Ginkel 1 sack
K:
W. Reichard 1/1 FG (34)

Game summary:
The Vikings exactly start the game right, allowing a touchdown on the first possession. The offense then did nothing and punted, LA would kick a field goal next. Minnesota finally got on the board with a field goal. Fortunately the defense would hold LA to a punt, but Sam Darnold would throw a pick on the next possession. It really wouldn't get any better. Darnold would fumble that resulted in a touchdown. The Rams scored a late first half TD and the game was arguably over.
In the second half, Minnesota generated some hope when they scored on the 2nd possession of the 3rd quarter. But they wouldn't score again, while the Rams would kick a field goal. The Vikings just couldn't find anything on offense, the running game was constantly stuffed and the pass game was hindered by Sam Darnold constantly being pressured. Sam would be sacked 9 times over the evening. Darnold was visibly frustrated for most of the game, and it affected his play.

Up Next
Be on the lookout for my Vikings season review, coming soon.

#skol

The Vikings seemingly took the 2nd half off on Sunday, as they fell to the Lions in the regular season finale.

Final: Minnesota Vikings 9 Detroit Lions 31
Stats:
Minnesota:
QB:
S. Darnold 18/41 166 yds 4.0 avg 55.5 avg
RB:
C. Akers 6 car 65 yds 10.8 avg 58 long
A. Jones 10 car 45 yds 4.5 avg 8 long (5 rec 30 yds)
WR:
J. Jefferson 3 rec 54 yds 18.0 avg 31 long
J. Nailor 3 rec 53 yds 17.7 avg 27 long
J. Oliver 2 rec 16 yds 8.0 avg 13 long
TJ Hockenson 2 rec 9 yds 4.5 avg
DEF:
I. Pace Jr 1 INT
H. Smith 1 INT
J. Greenard 1 sack
J. Bullard 1 sack
K:
W. Reichard 3/4 FG (25, 31, 51)

Game summary:
The Vikings did not start off this game very well. The offense couldn't manage much of anything. Detroit put up a touchdown late in the 1st quarter. In the 2nd quarter, the Vikings were looking like they were going to finally break into the game. However, they only managed to kick two field goals. Detroit would drive down the field in 20 seconds and kick a field goal of their own before halftime. The Lions were up 10-6 at the break.
In the 3rd quarter, Minnesota got a field goal to start the quarter. But that would pretty much do it for them on offense. They tried another field goal but would miss. Detroit would score three touchdowns to seal the game.

Up Next
Now the NFL Playoffs start. Minnesota has the 5 seed and will play in the Wild card round next weekend. They will play in LA in a rematch with the Rams. Kickoff is at 7:15 PM CT on Monday Night Football.

#skol

After a mid-game surge that game them the lead, the Vikings held on late to sweep the Packers and win their 9th game in a row.

Final: Green Bay Packers 25 Minnesota Vikings 27
Stats:
Minnesota:
QB:
S. Darnold 33/43 377 yds 3 TD 1 INT 116.1 rtg
RB:
A. Jones 12 car 47 yds 3.9 avg 13 long (4 rec 30 yds)
C. Akers 6 car 18 yds 3.0 avg 16 long (2 rec 15 yds)
T. Chandler 5 car 7 yds 1.4 avg 7 long
WR:
J. Jefferson 8 rec 92 yds 11.5 avg 37 long
J. Nailor 5 rec 81 yds 16.2 avg 1 TD 31 long
J. Addison 6 rec 69 yds 11.5 avg 1 TD 20 long
TJ Hockenson 5 rec 68 yds 13.6 avg 28 long
CJ Ham 2 rec 15 yds 7.5 avg 13 long
J. Mundt 1 rec 7 yds
DEF:
C. Bynum 1 fumble recovery
B. Cashman 1.5 sacks
D. Turner 1 sack
A. Van Ginkel 0.5 sack
K:
W. Reichard 2/4 FG (25, 50) 3/3 XP

Game summary:
The Packers started the game with the ball, and were driving down the field until Josh Jacobs fumbled the ball and Minnesota recovered. That seemed to stunt the Packers advance, as they will struggle score in the first half - only putting up a short field goal. Meanwhile, the Vikings found their stride in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, putting up all 27 of their points there, including a late 1st half field goal to put them up 2 possessions. However, in the 2nd half, the Vikings would get a little sloppy on offense late and allowed the Packers to score a couple touchdowns to get within 2. Fortunately, the Vikings were able to draw up a couple 3rd down conversions to run the clock out.

Playoff Update
Now that we have one week remaining in the regular season, lets go over what will most likely be the playoff picture. A crucial game remains on the schedule to determine the winner of the NFC North, between the Vikings and Lions. Whoever wins that will be the NFC's top seed, the loser will be the 5 seed. The 2 seed is locked in as Philadelphia (NFC East champion). The 3 and 4 seeds are still to be confirmed yet, as both Tampa Bay and LA are 10-6. If Tampa Bay loses, they would drop to the 4 seed unless Atlanta wins - then the Falcons would take the NFC South. The LA Rams are locked into the playoffs as the NFC West champion no matter what. The 6 and 7 seeds are also technically still up for grabs as well. Green Bay and Washington have both clinched spots in the playoffs as well. But depending on whether they win or not, will determine who gets those spots. If both teams win, Washington would be the 6 and Green Bay would be the 7 seed. This would only change if Washington loses and Green Bay wins, then the Packers would be the 6 and Commanders would take the 7.

Up Next
This week, the Vikings will head out to Detroit to play the Lions for the NFC North division title and the NFC No. 1 seed. Kickoff is at 7:20 PM CT on Sunday on Sunday Night Football broadcast on NBC.

​#SKOL

The Minnesota Vikings continued to roll on Monday night for yet another win!

Final: Chicago Bears 12 Minnesota Vikings 30
Stats:
Minnesota:
QB:
S. Darnold 24/40 231 yds 5.8 avg 1 TD 1 INT 74.1 rtg
RB:
A. Jones 18 car 86 yds 4.8 avg 1 TD 14 long (2 rec 20 yds)
C. Akers 10 car 24 yds 2.4 avg 1 TD 11 long
WR:
J. Jefferson 7 rec 73 yds 10.4 avg 1 TD 21 long
J. Addison 7 rec 63 yds 9.0 avg 16 long
TJ Hockenson 5 rec 52 yds 10.4 avg 16 long
B. Powell 1 rec 12 yds
T. Sherfield Sr. 1 rec 6 yds
J. Nailor 1 rec 5 yds
DEF:
B. Cashman 1 fumble recovery
J. Greenard 1 sack
D. Turner 1 sack
K:
W. Reichard 3/3 FG (52, 31, 46) 3/3 XP

Game summary:
Minnesota started this game strong, with two great drives by the offense that put 10 points on the board in the first quarter. The Vikings defense held Chicago to nothing in the first half as a whole, including a 4th down stop. They also forced a fumble from QB Caleb Williams that assisted in the touchdown as well. In the 2nd quarter, Reichard hit another field goal before halftime to give Minnesota a firm two possession lead.
In the 3rd quarter, Minnesota yet again owned the quarter with a touchdown and only allowed a field goal to Chicago. In the 4th quarter, things got a little dicey but Minnesota was able to put up their 10 points to put themselves far enough to keep the Bears out of reach.

Playoff Update
Minnesota clinched a playoff berth with Green Bay's win over Seattle on Sunday night and it was confirmed with the win over the Bears. Right now, Detroit and Philadelphia have also clinched playoff berths. Elsewhere, Tampa Bay leads the NFC South and the LA Rams lead the NFC West. Green Bay and Washington are the final two wildcards right now.

Injury Report
Minnesota has lost a couple folks these last few weeks. OL Brian O'Neill had several injury issues in the win over Chicago, and CB Stephon Gilmore has been dealing with a few injuries these last few weeks that kept him out of the last two games. He will most likely be questionable for this week's game.

Up Next
The Vikings will hit the road to play in Seattle against a Seahawks team trying to make the playoffs. Kickoff is at 3:05 PM CT in the Rainy City.

​#SKOL

Minnesota completed yet another comeback to win another game within one score!
Final: Arizona Cardinals 22 Minnesota Vikings 23
Stats:
Minnesota:
QB:
S. Darnold 21/31 235 yds 2 TD 111.6 rtg (4 car 22 yds)
RB:
C. Akers 4 car 22 yds 5.5 avg 18 long
A. Jones 5 car 22 yds 4.4 avg 8 long (3 rec 6 yds) 1 fumble lost
T. Chandler 2 car 2 yds
WR:
J. Jefferson 7 rec 99 yds 14.1 avg 30 long
J. Addison 4 rec 54 yds 13.5 avg 26 long
TJ Hockenson 3 rec 28 yds 9.3 avg 12 long
J. Mundt 2 rec 22 yds 11.0 avg 1 TD 18 long
J. Nailor 1 rec 18 yds
B. Powell 1 rec 8 yds

Game summary:
The Vikings didn't look all that great for the majority of this game. The defense started out very sharp, and only allowed field goals in the first half. The offense however was very stagnant and only put up 2 field goals in the first half.
In the second half, the Vikings allowed a touchdown from Arizona to dig themselves into a hole. But in the late in the 3rd quarter and in the 4th quarter the Vikings would score touchdowns to win the game. Minnesota would pick off Kyler Murray twice in the 4th quarter to seal the game.

NFC North Update:
Much like the last update, Detroit is still in the lead by a game. The Vikings trail them in 2nd place and then Green Bay is in 3rd place. Chicago is back in lowly 4th place.
In the playoff picture, Detroit is leading the conference. Minnesota is in the first wildcard spot at the 5 seed and Green Bay is at the 6 seed.

Injury Report
CB Stephon Gilmore left the game in the 3rd quarter with an injury that I am not sure of. The timetable for him is unknown.

Up Next
This week, the Vikings will continue the homestand as the Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins come to town. This will be Cousins' first time back in US Bank Stadium since he left the franchise after last season. Kickoff is at noon.

​#SKOL

Minnesota may have tried their best to lose the game late, but nevertheless return home with yet another win.

Final: Minnesota Vikings 23 Tennessee Titans 13
Stats:
Minnesota:
QB:
S. Darnold 20/32 246 yds 2 TD 107.0 rtg (8 car 18 yds 1 TD)
RB:
A. Jones 15 car 39 yds 2.6 avg 5 long
C. Akers 10 car 25 yds 2.5 avg 12 long (2 rec 11 yds 1 TD)
WR:
J. Jefferson 6 rec 81 yds 13.5 avg 31 long
J. Addison 3 rec 61 yds 20.3 avg 1 TD 47 long
J. Oliver 3 rec 34 yds 11.3 avg 21 long
T. Sherfield Sr 1 rec 16 yds
J. Mundt 1 rec 13 yds
B. Powell 1 rec 13 yds
TJ Hockenson 2 rec 13 yds 6.5 avg 
DEF:
A. Van Ginkel 2 sacks
P. Jones II 2 sacks
B. Cashman 1 sack
H. Smith 1 INT
K:
J. Parker Romo 1/1 FG (40) 2/3 XP

Game summary:
Minnesota somewhat repeated a lackluster performance from the previous week, in that the offense had issues coming up with points when the minutes were ticking down in the game. The Vikings were able to put 23 points on the board but could come up with nothing in the last 18 minutes of the ball game - not exactly a trend you want to continue. Nevertheless, Vikings S Harrison Smith picked off Titans QB Will Levis just under 2 minutes remaining and Minnesota was able to run out the clock.
The Vikings were able to score three touchdowns, with each one having something to do with Sam Darnold, who had a much better game than last week. Darnold didn't throw a single pick, but did lose one fumble in a bobbled exchange with Aaron Jones earlier in the game that led to the Titans first score - a field goal. Minnesota's defense played quite well against and overmatched Titans offense still trying to find their legs, this is a good sign of things to come if this can stay this way.

Up Next
Now the Vikings will head to Chicago for their first matchup of the season against their third division rival. The game will kickoff at 12 PM CT at Soldier Field.

​#SKOL

The Vikings emerged victorious yet again on Sunday.
Final: Minnesota Vikings 12 Jacksonville Jaguars 7
Stats:
Minnesota:
QB:
S. Darnold 24/38 241 yds 3 INT 48.2 rtg
RB:
A. Jones 17 car 88 yds 5.2 avg 13 long (2 rec 13 yds)
C. Akers 13 car 38 yds 2.9 avg 11 long
T. Chandler 4 car 18 yds 4.5 avg 8 long
WR:
TJ Hockenson 8 rec 72 yds 9.0 avg 26 long
J. Oliver 4 rec 52 yds 13.0 avg 28 long
J. Jefferson 5 rec 48 yds 9.6 avg 15 long
J. Addison 2 rec 25 yds 12.5 avg 21 long
T. Sherfield Sr 1 rec 11 yds 
J. Nailor 1 rec 11 yds
C. Akers 1 rec 9 yds
DEF:
H. Phillips 1 fumble recovery
B. Cashman 1 sack
I. Pace Jr 1 sack
A. Van Ginkel 1 sack
B. Murphy Jr 1 INT
C. Bynum 1 INT
K:
J. Parker Romo 4/4 FG (45,33,34,29)

Game summary:
Minnesota started this game off on mostly the right foot. The Vikings kicked a field goal on their first possession, which was rookie John Parker Romo's first career field goal. Jacksonville would score on their first possession as well, but it was a touchdown - making it a 7-3 Jaguars lead. Neither team would be able to do much with the ball, other than Sam Darnold throwing three interceptions. Then the 3rd quarter rolled around, and the Vikings were able to squeak in a 33 yard field goal late in the quarter to draw closer. In the 4th, the Vikings would kick two more field goals to win the game. It wasn't without its heroics though. Jacksonville would have the ball twice in the final 4 minutes of the game but backup QB Mac Jones would throw two picks of his own to seal the game in Minnesota's favor.

NFC North Update
The North stays largely the same from last week. After a hot start overall, the Bears are starting to fall back with several losses in recent weeks, and the Lions are starting to look more human after their red-hot start.

Up Next
This week, the Vikings will bring their road trip out to Nashville, Tennessee to play the Titans. Kickoff is on Sunday at 12 PM CT.

​#SKOL

Minnesota snapped their two game losing streak with a comeback win against Indianapolis on Sunday Night Football.

Final: Indianapolis Colts 13 Minnesota Vikings 21
Stats:
Minnesota:
QB:
S. Darnold 28/34 290 yds 3 TD 2 INT 107.1 rtg
RB:
A. Jones 21 car 64 yds 3.0 avg 13 long (4 rec 18 yds)
C. Akers 6 car 46 yds 7.7 avg 13 long
WR:
J. Jefferson 7 rec 137 yds 19.6 avg 41 long (1/1 22 passing yards)
J. Oliver 5 rec 58 yds 11.6 avg 1 TD 14 long
J. Addison 5 rec 42 yds 8.4 avg 1 TD 21 long
TJ Hockenson 3 rec 27 yds 9.0 avg 19 long
DEF:
B. Murphy Jr 1 INT
J. Greenard 2 sacks
J. Ward 1 sack
K:
W. Reichard 0/2 FG 3/3 XP

Game summary:
Minnesota came out of the gate in this game extremely shaky. While they forced a turnover from the Colts, they also committed one of their own on a Darnold pick. Neither team scored in the 1st quarter. In the 2nd, Darnold fumbled and it was returned by the Colts for a touchdown. Minnesota had a couple chances to kick a field goal in the 2nd quarter, but Will Reichard missed his first field goals of his career. It appeared that he was a little bit hobbled and maybe not 100%.
In the second half, Minnesota woke up. The Vikings scored two touchdowns in the 3rd quarter to take the lead. In the 4th quarter, Indy would kick a couple of field goals but Minnesota would score a touchdown and put up a great defensive stand to ice the game.
Minnesota really looked shaky for portions of this game. Its hard to tell if the Vikings were just that much better in the 2nd half or if the Colts are just really bad. Minnesota's defense only allowed 13 points after allowing 30 and 31 points in their two losses, hopefully this is the start of new trend. Sam Darnold looked like he had two very different halves. The first was a reminder that Darnold will never be "the guy" for Minnesota, but the second told us that for now - this is pretty damn good.

NFC North Update:
Now that we finished up Week 9, I figured its time to start talking about the playoff picture and how the division race is shaping up. As everything stands now, Minnesota is second in the NFC North with a 6-2 record and a win over Green Bay. This is good for the 5th seed in the NFC playoffs. NFC North leader Detroit, whom Minnesota lost too a couple weeks ago, is leading the NFC. Washington, who is having a great season thus far and is the conference's second seed as the NFC East leader. Atlanta, led by former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, is the 3rd seed and leading the NFC South. Arizona, who is also having a surprisingly great start to the season, is the 4th seed and leading that middling NFC West division. Behind Minnesota in the wild card race is Philadelphia at the 6 and Green Bay at the 7. 

Injury Report:
Today a couple of injuries were announced. Rookie kicker Will Reichard did indeed suffer a more serious injury and the Vikings have since placed him on Injured Reserve. John Parker Romo has been signed to replace Reichard while he is out. 
LS Andrew DePaola also has suffered a more serious injury and went on Injured Reserve today. Jack McQuaide has been signed to replace DePaola.

Up Next:
This week, the Vikings will hit the road for the beginning of a 3 game trip away from US Bank Stadium. They will play in Jacksonville this week with kickoff at 12 PM CT.

​#SKOL

The Vikings went toe-to-toe with the defending NFC North champion Lions on Sunday.
Final: Detroit Lions 31  Minnesota Vikings 29
Stats:
Minnesota:
QB:
S. Darnold 22/27 259 yds 1 TD 1 INT 103.5 rtg
RB:
A. Jones 14 car 93 yds 6.6 avg 1 TD 34 long (3 rec 23 yds)
WR:
J. Jefferson 7 rec 81 yds 11.6 avg 1 TD 25 long
J. Nailor 4 rec 76 yds 19.0 avg 33 long
J. Addison 3 rec 66 yds 22.0 avg 51 long
J. Mundt 4 rec 8 yds 2.0 avg 3 long
J. Oliver 1 rec 5 yds 
K:
W. Reichard 3/3 FG (57,42,48) 2/2 XP
DEF:
I. Pace Jr 1 fumble recovery (returned for TD), 1 sack
A. Van Ginkel 2 sacks
J. Greenard 1 sack

Game summary:
Minnesota got off to a great start. The Vikings benefitted from the Lions stupidly deciding to go for 4th and 7 at their own 38 on the first drive. Minnesota would score two plays later on a run from Aaron Jones. They would kick a field goal later on. But the second quarter would be won by Detroit, scoring 21 points to take the lead into halftime. The Vikings would largely control the second half, scoring first to bring the game to a 4 point deficit. After another Detroit TD, the Vikings would kick two field goals. Minnesota would also get a scoop and score TD off of Jared Goff to take the lead. But too much time was left on the clock, and Detroit would kick a 44 yard field goal to win the game.

Injury Update
Minnesota got back quite a few players this week. 
TE TJ Hockenson practiced over the bye, and while he didn't play on Sunday - it is sounding like he will play against the Rams this week. 

Up Next
The Vikings will hit the road this week to visit the Rams on Thursday Night Football. Kickoff is at 7:15 PM CT in LA. For those in Minnesota, the game will be available on the local FOX station. For everyone else, the game will be available from Prime Video and Twitch.

​#skol

The Minnesota Vikings emerged victorious again from London, defeating the New York Jets.
Final: New York Jets 17 Minnesota Vikings 20
Stats:
Minnesota:
QB:
S. Darnold 14/31 179 yds 5.8 avg 1 INT 50.3 rtg (1 fumble lost)
RB:
T. Chandler 14 car 30 yds 2.1 avg 5 long (2 rec 9 yds)
A. Jones 7 car 29 yds 4.1 avg 9 long (1 rec 24 yds)
CJ Ham 2 car 10 yds 5.0 avg 1 TD 8 long
M. Gaskin 2 car 2 yds 1.0 avg 2 long (1 rec 11 yds)
WR:
J. Jefferson 6 rec 92 yds 15.3 avg 27 long
J. Addison 3 rec 36 yds 12.0 avg 26 long
J. Mundt 2 rec 31 yds 15.5 avg 20 long
DEF:
H. Smith 1 sack
I. Pace Jr. 1 sack
H. Phillips 1 sack
A. Van Ginkel 1 INT (returned for a 63-yard touchdown)
S. Gilmore 1 INT
C. Bynum 1 INT
K:
W. Reichard 3/3 (54, 53, 41) FG 2/2 XP

Game summary:
Minnesota had an interesting game. The setting in London wasn't great, with rain coming down earlier in the day - the turf was fairly slippery. Both teams started kinda flat for most of the 1st quarter. The Vikings had been able to kick a 54 yard field goal but not much progress was being gained. Then, Aaron Rodgers threw his first pick of the day - to Andrew Van Ginkel who proceeded to run the ball back for a pick-six, Minnesota's first touchdown on the day. In the 2nd quarter, neither team was able to get much done until the Vikings were able to punch in a touchdown via fullback CJ Ham. It was Ham's first touchdown in several years. The Jets finally woke up before halftime and punched in their first TD of the day.
In the 2nd half, neither was very productive. Sam Darnold through his only interception of the day as well. New York was able to get close enough to the endzone for a 32 yard field goal. In the 4th quarter, Minnesota also kicked another field goal. New York continued their momentum from last drive and went down and scored a touchdown. The Vikings proceeded to drive and kick a field goal to make the game a touchdown game. The Jets were driving and threatening to make Minnesota loss-less no more. But Stephon Gilmore had other ideas and picked off Aaron Rodgers again! This ended the game with the Vikings victorious. 

Injury Update
QB Sam Darnold briefly left the game with an injury in the 3rd quarter, with Nick Mullens taking his place. He returned in short order.
RB Aaron Jones left the game in the 1st quarter with a hip injury and did not return. It is unclear how severe this injury is.

Up Next
Now the Vikings will come home to Minnesota for their bye week. They will resume action in Week 7 when they host Detroit on Sunday at 12 PM CT.

​#SKOL