Minnesota Vikings DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor brought in 3-of-4 targets for 53 yards in Sunday night's 31-9 road loss to the Detroit Lions. Nailor was the team's second-leading receiver in Week 18 -- falling one yard shy of tying Justin Jefferson for the most on the squad. The Lions' defense was disruptive in this one, keeping Sam Darnold off balance and out of rhythm for the majority of the contest. As such, most of the Vikings offense was held to little or no production as Detroit relentlessly broke up passes and held the team to short gains. The 25-year-old will get another exploitable matchup next weekend in the Wild Card round -- squaring off with the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi stadium. However, he'll be little more than a DFS dart throw for the road tilt.

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers rushed six times for 65 yards in Sunday's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. Akers had a long rush of 58 yards -- breaking free early in the third quarter to bring Minnesota inside the Lions' five-yard line. However, the drive would stall, and they'd turn it over on downs. Otherwise, he gained only seven yards on his other five carries against a Lions defense out to prove a point in the season finale. Backfield mate Aaron Jones was sidelined for a bit in this one, but no injury was reported. If Jones is forced to miss time, the 25-year-old would be the next man up, and projects to command the lion's share of the team's backfield touches. It'd be wise to keep an eye on Jones' practice status this week as the team prepares for a Wild Card bout with the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.

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.