The Minnesota Vikings faced a dramatic shift in fortunes, transitioning from a Super Bowl contender with a strong regular season to an early playoff exit after a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Sam Darnold, initially shining with a Pro Bowl-worthy season in 2024, struggled during crucial moments in 2025, leading to speculation around his future with the team.

Darnold's performance saw a stark contrast from the previous year, as he recorded a significant decline in his stats and faced immense pressure during playoff games. His failures during these key matchups have raised questions about his viability as a long-term starter for the Vikings, complicating the team's plans for the quarterback position moving forward.