Team Profile
Minnesota Vikings
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2.9% 15thOff DVOA
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24.7% 12thPassing DVOA
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-9.6% 19thRushing DVOA
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-15.4% 2ndDef DVOA
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-12.8% 1stDef Passing DVOA
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-20.2% 5thDef Rushing DVOA
2024 Team Stats
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Points For25.4 10th
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Points Against19.5 4th
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Yards Per Game347.0 12th
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Yards Allowed Per Game336.0 16th
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson brought in 2-of-8 targets for nine yards in his team's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Lions weren't messing around on Sunday night and were a brick wall on defense for the first time in a few weeks. Hockenson was consistently targeted on third down by quarterback Sam Darnold, but Detroit was there time and time again to break up the pass. It's the Iowa alum's worst outing since his return from injury in a game when the Vikings scored their fewest points of the season. Darnold had pressure in his face all night, and the Lions' defensive backfield was equally impressive in their coverage. Unfortunately for Minnesota, they'll prepare for a road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams next Monday night in lieu of a week off and home-field advantage. LA allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to TEs in the regular season, so Hockenson stands a good chance at a productive day during Wild Card Weekend.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones rushed 10 times for 45 yards in Sunday night's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, adding 30 yards through the air on five of six receiving. The 30-year-old was effective when he touched the rock but did not receive his typical allotment of snaps in this one. Jones was utilized heavily on the Vikings' first drive but saw just one more touch in the quarter before taking off for a few possessions. He'd again be frequently featured on their last drive of the first half, but he saw only five more touches for the rest of the game. The broadcast noted that the eighth-year pro had been on the sideline for an extended period, though no injury designation had been made. He'd also take a shot later in the game and was slow to get up, so that and his previous quad ailment are possibly the culprits for his diminished snaps. Seeing the veteran limited at practice this week wouldn't be surprising. Jones will get an extra day of rest as his team now prepares for their road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams next Monday night to cap off wild-card weekend. Minnesota's first practice report will be out on Thursday.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison caught 1-of-6 targets and gained no yards in his team's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. Oof. Addison didn't receive his first target until the Vikings' first drive of the second quarter -- a bubble screen he caught for no gain. The next play was a deep shot to him in the end zone where he had a step on the defender, but quarterback Sam Darnold overthrew him. Otherwise, he and Darnold were not on the same page Sunday night. Detroit's defense was hungry and made a statement with linebacker Alex Anzalone back in the lineup -- keeping the QB out of rhythm and disrupting plays on the back end. With the loss, Minnesota will forego a week off and line up against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium next Monday night. It's another exploitable matchup for the Vikes, so expect them to come out swinging in a win-or-go-home Wild Card clash.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson reeled in 3-of-9 targets for 54 yards in Sunday's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. It's a disappointing outcome for the fantasy stalwart, as he'd been on quite a tear and was entering a favorable spot against his division rivals. However, Detroit's defense clamped down on the Vikings during the season finale, consistently pressuring quarterback Sam Darnold and keeping their offense off-kilter. The loss breaks a nine-game winning streak for Minnesota and drops them down to the fifth seed in the NFC playoff picture. Instead of a week off and home-field advantage throughout the tournament, they'll now travel to SoFi Stadium in the Wild Card round to line up against the Los Angeles Rams. Expect Jefferson to get back on track next Monday night against a Rams squad that allowed the sixth-most yards per game in 2024.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold completed 18-of-41 passes for 166 yards in Sunday night's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. He did not throw a touchdown or interception and added 11 yards on two carries. Week 18 was easily the 27-year-old's worst start of the season, statistically. Darnold's passing output was a season low, and it was the first time since Week 10 that he failed to toss at least one score. Despite being sacked just twice in the meeting, Detroit's front seven was in the signal-caller's face all game, throwing off his timing and forcing him from the pocket. In a game when it mattered most, the Lions' D played incredibly tough -- clinching home-field advantage in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. With the Vikings now occupying the fifth seed in the NFC, they'll square off against the Los Angeles Rams on the road in Wild Card Weekend.