The Vikings’ nine-game winning streak ended abruptly on Sunday night in Detroit.
Despite reaching the red zone four times, they couldn’t score a touchdown and surrendered the game’s last 21 points, resulting in a 31-9 defeat. This loss drops them to the No. 5 seed in the NFC, sending them to Los Angeles next Monday. The Lions, who clinched the top spot, forced the Vikings into a matchup with the only other team that beat them this year.
The Rams defeated the Vikings 30-20 at home in Week Eight, just days after the Lions edged them out 31-29 in Minnesota. To prevent an early exit from what seemed like a promising season, the Vikings must correct their mistakes from Sunday. Head coach Kevin O’Connell emphasized postgame that improvements must happen without losing sight of what earned them 14 wins.
“This loss doesn’t redefine who we are,” O’Connell stated. “Winning nine straight doesn’t mean one setback should derail us. But improvement is essential, especially after strong December performances — sometimes adversity hits, and you need to respond. I believe our foundation ensures we will.”
The Vikings can expect opponents to replicate the Lions’ approach that unsettled Sam Darnold and the offense. O’Connell stressed the importance of “improving right away.” Success could bring them back to Detroit for another chance at the Lions.
