The Minnesota Vikings benefited from having veteran QB Sam Darnold exceed expectations by a wide margin in 2024. The former top draft pick of the New York Jets turned himself from a Big Apple into

As the Vikings immediately started the process of turning the page following a 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, Kevin O’Connell made his way toward the 50-yard line to shake hands with his counterpart Dan Campbell.

Darnold played poorly on Sunday night against the Lions. His resilience will determine the Vikings' postseason fate in the coming weeks.

After leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers last week, Darnold was mobbed in the locker room by his teammates and lifted up onto their shoulders. The clip quickly went viral on social media as a sign of the support that Minneosta’s players have for their quarterback.

Sam Darnold was on an unbelievable run with the Minnesota Vikings this season. He led them to a 14-2 record going into the final NFL regular season game and even stirred up conversations about the Vikings keeping him long term and trading J.J. McCarthy to a quarterback-hungry team.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws the ball against the Detroit Lions. After the game, he took accountability and acknowledged his gaffes. “Kicking field goals isn’t going to get it done against that team,” said the 27-year-old Darnold in a report from the Associated Press. “I have to hit those throws.”

Host Michael Rand was joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a look back at the weekend in Minnesota sports, which of course started with the Vikings’ disappointing 31-9 loss in Detroit.

The betting odds for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award have been rising. Can the former USC Trojans leader beat Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow for the honor?

Detroit dominated in the most important game of the regular season, and the difference was a quarterback who looks ready for the challenges ahead.

PM ET on NBC, sportsbooks have issued player props on Sam Darnold. NFC North rivals meet in Week 18 when Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings (14-2)

Minnesota's breakout starting quarterback has a 20-year-old franchise record in his sights entering Week 18 at Detroit.