The next time Minnesota stopped the Lions came with 27 seconds to play. Darnold took a knee, ending the game and sending the Vikings to face old rival Matthew Stafford on Monday night. They are the NFL’s first 14-win wild-card team.

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.

Big things are expected from Sam Darnold in this one as the former USC star looks to keep his foot on the gas amid what has been an incredible season for him. Making the trip to Detroit with Darnold is his girlfriend, Katie Hoofnagle, who took to Instagram to flex her outfit before kick-off.

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?

The Lions’ relentless defense left Sam Darnold scrambling in his most challenging game this season, highlighting vulnerabilities in Minnesota’s offensive line and strategy.

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

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is in line for a significant raise after his Pro Bowl-caliber season.

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)

How to buy Kings of the North posterStart the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. The secondary celebrated after a defining performance helped lift the Lions to a 31-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18 to clinch the NFC's No.

Minnesota is 14-2 on the year, same as the Lions, entering the two teams’ winner-take-the-NFC game on Sunday night in Detroit. They haven’t lost since falling in back-to-back games to the Lions and Rams in late October as they’ve doubled their win total from last year even after losing their expected starting quarteback to injury in the preseason.

But McCarthy suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the preseason, and free agent signing Sam Darnold has led the Vikings to a surprising 14-2 record with a chance to win the NFC North and the conference’s No. 1 overall seed on Sunday with a win over the Detroit Lions.