Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Neville Gallimore (92) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during their playoff game at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale. The Rams beat the Vikings, 27-9.

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NFL Analysis: These 2 teams were the Minnesota Vikings’ kryptonite this year and we have proof!

Lions and Rams: Vikings' kryptonite?

The Minnesota Vikings experienced a season of extremes in 2024. While they dominated 14 games against the rest of the NFL, they went winless in four matchups against the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams. Here’s a breakdown of how these two teams exposed the Vikings’ vulnerabilities.

How Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams shut down the Vikings’ perfect season

Against every other opponent, the Vikings maintained a perfect record. However, their encounters with the Lions and Rams told a different story:

Week 6: Lost to Detroit, 31-29
Week 7: Lost to the Rams, 30-20
Week 18: Crushed by the Lions, 31-9
Wild-Card Game: Dominated by the Rams, 27-9

The Vikings were outscored 119-67 across these games, revealing glaring weaknesses in their defense and offensive consistency.

Rams defense shuts down Vikings’ high-powered offense

The Rams crafted a masterful game plan for their Wild-Card matchup. Despite boasting the NFL‘s sixth-ranked passing offense, the Vikings managed only 163 passing yards and failed to score more than nine points.

Vikings have lost only 4 games this year…

Week 6 vs. Lions
Week 7 vs. Rams

Week 18 vs. Lions
Wild Card Round vs. Rams

back-to-back losses, twice this season. pic.twitter.com/8yqF5ywCb2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 14, 2025

Sam Darnold’s struggles: He finished the game 4-of-12 against man coverage, with one touchdown, one interception, and a costly fumble. The Rams defense capitalized with relentless pressure, registering nine sacks, including two by defensive backs.
Key moment: A fumble forced by Ahkello Witherspoon, recovered and returned for a touchdown by rookie Jared Verse, delivered an early knockout blow.

The Rams, now with a 10-3 record since their bye week, have relied on their defense to generate turnovers and maintain control.

Sam Darnold’s regression under pressure cost the Vikings dearly

Sam Darnold’s career year unraveled in the final two weeks. After thriving in the regular season with 35 touchdowns and a 106.4 passer rating, he fell apart in games against the Lions and Rams.

Week 18 stats: Darnold took six sacks and threw a critical interception.
Wild-Card stats: Nine sacks, a lost fumble, and just one touchdown.

Sam Darnold checking the value of his contract extension after the last 2 weeks pic.twitter.com/XA3chXXTJX
— GhettoGronk (@TheGhettoGronk) January 14, 2025

Darnold’s hesitance in the pocket and inability to release the ball on time were glaring issues. His performance in the postseason raises serious questions about his future with the team.

Minnesota’s defensive collapse

The Vikings’ defense, which ranked top-five in sacks and takeaways during the regular season, faltered against playoff-caliber teams. The Rams exploited their weaknesses with precision:

Historic: The Minnesota #Vikings are the first 14-win team in NFL history to lose in the wild-card round. pic.twitter.com/FKg4mtrtei
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 15, 2025

Opened the Wild-Card game with a dominant 24-3 halftime lead.
Executed a balanced attack, capitalizing on short fields and quick scoring drives.

Despite a strong third-quarter effort, the Vikings failed to mount a comeback.

Detroit Lions consistently exploited the Vikings’ flaws

The Lions, led by head coach Dan Campbell, exposed Minnesota’s flaws in two brutal matchups. They outclassed the Vikings with aggressive defense and a powerful offense, making a case for being Minnesota’s fiercest NFC North rival.

Campbell’s parting words to Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell—“see you in two weeks”—proved ironic as the Vikings failed to advance. The Lions, meanwhile, continue to build their case as NFC contenders.

What’s next for Minnesota?

The Vikings face critical offseason questions, starting with Sam Darnold. His inability to deliver in high-pressure games raises doubts about a long-term commitment. With rookie J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings, the team may pivot to their quarterback of the future.

The Vikings lost 4 games all season:

Week 7 vs. the Lions
Week 8 vs. the Rams

Week 18 vs. the Lions
Wild Card vs. the Rams
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 14, 2025

The offensive line also needs an overhaul. Multiple starters graded poorly against the Rams, exposing a glaring need for reinforcements in the trenches.

Minnesota’s magical season ended with a thud, but the lessons learned may shape their approach for 2025. If they want to go from regular-season dominators to postseason contenders, they’ll need to address their weaknesses head-on.

(Image: Imagn Images)

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Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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