Drop Out of Playoff Spot With Loss to Rams

3. Vikings defense sets unfavorable record

Minnesota’s defense set an unpleasant record Sunday afternoon.

By allowing a Rams field goal late in the second half, the Vikings have now allowed 78 points in the final two minutes of the first half this season. According to ESPN Stats and Info, that total surpassed the 2018 Bengals as the most points allowed in that timespan in this century.

Another bugaboo for Minnesota on Sunday? The run defense.

The Vikings allowed 161 total yards on the ground to the Rams, which marked the 12th time this season that Minnesota has allowed 100-plus rushing yards on the ground. Los Angeles averaged 4.9 yards per carry.

Sony Michel ran for 131 yards, which was nearly a career high for the Rams running back.

The Vikings also had no answer for Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who had 10 catches for 109 yards.

4. Vikings allow 2nd special teams score

It wasn’t the best performance of the season for Minnesota’s special teams group.

The Vikings allowed their second score of the season on special teams, with this one coming on a punt return. The other was a blocked punt against the Panthers.

Minnesota trailed just 13-10 midway through the third quarter and had just gone three-and-out on offense.

But the wheels fell off when Brandon Powell danced his way down the left sideline for a 61-yard return that made it a double-digit lead for the Rams.

Minnesota also struggled to gain much traction in their own return game.

Kene Nwangwu had a 9-yard kickoff return and Wayne Gallman had a 7-yard return, with both efforts pinning Minnesota inside its own 15-yard line.