The Minnesota Vikings pulled off one of the best regular seasons in franchise history, but were still stuck in the No. 5 seed of the NFC playoff race as the Detroit Lions took the No. 1 seed and NFC North crown.

Quarterback Sam Darnold played a significant role in Minnesota finishing with a 14-3 record in the regular season as they secured the second spot in the NFC North behind only the

Darnold signed with the Vikings ahead of the 2024 season, inking a one-year, $10 million contract with the NFC North squad. Before joining the Vikings, Darnold played three years for the New York Jets, two years for the Carolina Panthers and one with the San Francisco 49ers .

The dynamic 14-3 Minnesota Vikings’ season came to an end on Monday night, not with a bang but a whimper, as they were blown out 27-9 by the Los Angeles Rams. In an instant, one of the best campaigns in Vikings history was snuffed out in the Wild Card round in a rather uncompetitive fashion.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's future with the team was in question after Monday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs.

Sam Darnold could be the most intriguing story of NFL free agency. Where might the Vikings QB land after a breakout season?

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold struggled in a season-ending loss to the Rams, sparking a fanfare on social media.

This ESPN football analyst defends Sam Darnold after Vikings lost to Rams in wild-card game.

They had won nine in a row to improve to 14-2 on the year, and were one win away from clinching the NFC North and the NFC's No. 1 seed ... A lot went wrong for the Vikings on Monday, obviously, but Sam Darnold notably had his second consecutive dud.

The Minnesota quarterback has had a rough couple of weeks, capped with a playoff loss, after a breakout season.

After a career renaissance with the Vikings, Sam Darnold is set to hit free agency. Will he take the starting reins for the Steelers or Giants? Serve as competition for Anthony Richardson on the Colts?

The nine sacks resulted in 82 lost yards, which is now the most in a single game in the NFL playoffs during the Super Bowl era, according to Josh Dubow of The Associated Press. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow previously held the record with the 68 yards lost from sacks during the 2021 divisional round.