Vikings Eliminated by Rams in NFC Wild Card

Sam Darnold's playoff debut was a disaster for the Minnesota Vikings, who lost 27-9 to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Round, ending their season. Darnold struggled under pressure, matching an NFL record by being sacked nine times, and was responsible for two turnovers, including a fumble returned for a touchdown. He completed 25 of 39 passes for 245 yards with one touchdown and an interception, admitting he did not perform well enough. Criticism from fans and commentators was fierce, with many suggesting that his poor performance could cost him significantly in the upcoming free agency. Coach Kevin O'Connell acknowledged the team's overall shortcomings, emphasizing the need for improvement. Darnold's future remains uncertain as he heads into free agency after a season that started promisingly but ended disappointingly in crucial games.