Minnesota’s Week 16 loss forces a major decision…

The Vikings’ Week 16 home loss to the Lions significantly reduced their playoff chances. They had somewhat more than 50% odds going into the game, which were effectively cut in half. It’s also evident after watching them play against a superior opponent that the Vikings are far below the true NFC contenders. Given the Vikings’ injuries and hardships this season, that was to be expected.

The Vikings’ ability to go down swinging is a genuine testament to Kevin O’Connell’s coaching staff. Losing Kirk Cousins for the season with the club 4-4 should have been the end of the road for Minnesota. Instead, the Vikings have managed to stay in every game since he was injured. In every game sans Cousins, Minnesota has either won or lost by one score. The Vikings’ Week 16 loss against the Lions by 6 points was their biggest loss without their starting quarterback.

Minnesota truly put in an excellent effort down the stretch to make the playoffs, but now that they no longer control their own destiny, it may be time to reevaluate their goals for the rest of the season. Even if the Vikings make the playoffs, Sunday shown that they will be unable to compete. They would only play on the road against stronger and more talented opponents. Instead of fighting tooth and nail to avoid that fate, Minnesota should focus on analyzing its squad for next season. It’s time to see if their rookie quarterback can actually play.

The Vikings Need to Find out What Jaren Hall can do with Two Games Remaining

It’s safe to say that Nick Mullens represents the Vikings’ best chance of winning their next two games. After laboring to win the lowly Panthers this week, the Packers are reshuffling, while the Lions may rest their starters in their rematch in Detroit. Both games may not require much in terms of quality quarterback play to win. However, it is evident that Nick Mullens lacks the athletic ability to play at a high level even in spurts. On two occasions on Sunday, his lack of arm power resulted threw interceptions on plays that could have resulted in scores. In addition, if the Vikings decide to keep him as a backup next season, he will cost them $4 million.

Jaren Hall, a fifth-round pick out of BYU, was selected by the Vikings as a potential long-term backup quarterback. In little action this season, Hall has impressed with his quickness and accuracy, as well as his touch downfield. Hall might not have abandoned his job as main backup down the stretch if he hadn’t suffered a concussion at the end of a grueling drive in Atlanta. With Mullens unable to play error-free football, Hall should be given another chance to shine.

Even if Hall isn’t a productive player, the Vikings will know what they have going into the summer. The Vikings may need to locate both a starter and backup quarterback right now.

Justin Jefferson Shines Again in Vikings Week 16 Loss

The Vikings will most certainly regret not signing Justin Jefferson to a deal before the 2023 season. Despite missing a few games due to injuries this season, he has shown to be the top receiver in the league. Sunday’s incredible catch on 3rd and 27 reminded me of his incredible catch in Buffalo last season. Those are grabs that no other receiver in football can make, but Jefferson makes them feel almost automatic. Jefferson nearly single-handedly defeated Detroit despite receiving the ball from a third-string quarterback.

Jefferson’s importance to the Vikings cannot be emphasized. The Vikings are a very different club with Jefferson on the field, and his agency is well aware of this. The price will only rise as Jefferson continues to provide performances like Sunday’s. Even after Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson were injured midway through the game, the Vikings kept the ball rolling. It almost doesn’t matter who the Vikings’ other weapons are if Justin Jefferson is on the field. Whatever the asking price is this summer, Minnesota’s front office will have to meet it.