With 3 weeks to go in the regular season, playoff spots are starting to be snatched up. With the Broncos, Seahawks and Rams being the first teams to clinch a playoff spot, many more will soon follow.
Including the Eagles, whose magic number jumped from 3 all the way to 1 on Sunday following a Raiders blowout and a Cowboys season that’s nearly over, courtesy of “Nine” and the Minnesota Vikings.
And the Eagles first opportunity to punch their ticket into the postseason comes a day earlier this week. With a Saturday night game against the Washington Commanders
The Last Match
January 26th 2025 was the last time these teams saw each other. In an NFC Championship Game division matchup. To end a conversation:
What would happen if Jalen Hurts played all 4 quarters of the Week 16 loss?
A game that saw the Eagles take a quick 14-0 lead that saw Hurts exit due to a concussion just 5 minutes into the game. The final score ended 36-33 after the Eagles defense couldn’t get a stop, and the offense led by Kenny Pickett could barely pick up a first down.
To open the NFC championship game, the Commanders led an 18 play, 54 yard drive that included two 4th down conversions and finished with 3 points. The Eagles answer to that drive? This Saquon Barkley60 yard TD on the Eagles opening play of the game.
What followed was an absolute rout. The Eagles saw a 12 point lead at halftime, before they took things personally and finished the game with a 21 point 4th quarter after forcing two turnovers by the Commanders.
Now, things will look a little different.
Saturday Night
Jayden Daniels has since been shut down for the season. With multiple injuries sidelining him for weeks at a time. Instead, the Eagles will play against their former backup QB Marcus Mariota who has lead his current team to a 1-3 record.
Having been eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago, the Commanders will have nothing to play for but draft position, and attempting to foil the Eagles playoff/seeding hopes.
However with a laundry list of injuries ranging from Laremy Tunsil, and Colson Yankoff listed Out for this week. With names like Trey Amos, Luke McCaffrey, Zach Ertz, Marshon Lattimore and Dorance Armstrong already on injured reserve, the Commanders will be thin at numerous positions. Hoping the Eagles can take advantage of a depleted team that thought they could repeat a 12-5 Cinderella run from only a year ago.
If you thought that the sound of increasing discontent rising from Lincoln Financial Field during Eagles games this season was a Philly first, then you may just be young enough not to have lived through the 1968 Eagles season. Eight years after winning the NFL Championship at Franklin Field — the Eagles were enduring one of their worst campaigns ever with an 0–11 start.
The final game of that miserable campaign (on December 15th) would occur less than 24 hours after a blizzard in the City. When the regular Santa didn’t show up for the halftime Christmas pageant — a young Nick Olivo dressed as Santa was picked from the stands. As he walked out at halftime — Olivo was serenaded with boos and pelted with snowballs from the snow that had accumulated in the seats from the night before. Things would get even worse for the 2–11 Eagles — they would lose that game at home to former Philadelphia wide receiver Bud Grant’s Vikings 24–17.
McCarthy completed just 12 passes against the Packers, totaling 87 yards and two interceptions. He was sacked five times.
This will mark the 23rd game McCarthy has missed in his career due to injury, out of a possible 29.
Brosmer’s first career start will come against perhaps the best defense the Vikings have faced all year. The Seahawks have allowed the seventh-fewest points and sixth-fewest yards in the league. Only three teams have more sacks than Seattle.
Veteran backup Carson Wentz is on injured reserve after starting five games while McCarthy dealt with his own injury earlier in the season. O’Connell said John Wolford will be elevated from the practice squad to back up Brosmer. Desmond Ridder is also on the practice squad.
Rookie guard Donovan Jackson will also miss Sunday’s game, the team said. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw, pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, safeties Theo Jackson and Josh Metellus and defensive tackle Jalen Redmond are all listed as questionable.
Aaron Rodgers has hinted that the 2025 NFL season could be his last, but there have also been hints dropped by the future Hall of Fame quarterback that he could keep playing next year. If he does choose to return, could the Minnesota Vikings be a potential suitor? The Pittsburgh Steelers would also be a likely destination.
Of course, the Vikings were heavily linked to Rodgers during the offseason. Despite the rumors and reported interest from Rodgers in playing for Minnesota, the franchise decided to move forward with second-year signal caller J.J. McCarthy.
In his first season as the starter for the Vikings, McCarthy has struggled. That has led some to speculate that Minnesota could look to bring in a veteran quarterback to be its starter in 2026.
Should that be the case, Rodgers would make sense as a potential short-term option. He could also be a great mentor for McCarthy for a season.
One of Rodgers’ former teammates has spoken out and brought up the Vikings as a possible fit for Rodgers.
Kurt Benkert, a quarterback who played with Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers, made an appearance on the “Up & Adams” show with Kay Adams on Tuesday. He name-dropped Minnesota as a potential Rodgers destination.
“Maybe he goes to Minnesota for his last hurrah, who knows. I think there’s so many quarterback needy times right now. You’re seeing it all across the league. He’s still playing at a really good level. He’s not playing bad by any means. The Vikings would probably love to see Aaron there right now, especially on the deal that he took,” Benkert said.
He continued on, going into more detail about why a fit with the Vikings might make perfect sense for both parties.
“I think it could have looked very similar to what Matthew Stafford is doing. Not to that extent, but an efficient style, really good in the red zone. Justin Jefferson would have eaten a lot more than he is right now. Kevin O’Connell, how he calls plays, he needs a guy like Aaron that’s consistent with his feet, pinpoint accuracy. I think the Vikings are missing that with McCarthy right now.”
Rodgers has played good football during the 2025 season with the Steelers. He has completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
While he is now 41 years old and soon to turn 42, Minnesota could get a good season out of him. Giving him weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison would be dangerous. The Vikings could also help him follow in Brett Favre’s footsteps once again.
It may not be likely that Rodgers will play in Minnesota next season. But, fans should expect to hear the rumors once again when the offseason arrives.
For more on the Minnesota Vikings and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings (4-6) take on the Green Bay Packers (6-3-1) at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin in Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday. There are several ways fans can watch and stream the NFC North matchup.
This is the first time the teams will meet this season. The Vikings have won both of their divisional road matchups so far, but lost to the Chicago Bears at home last weekend. The Packers have played just one game in the NFC North, earning a win over the Detroit Lions at Lambeau in the season opener.
As it has been for much of the season, the major storyline will be the play of J.J. McCarthy. The young quarterback has looked overmatched for most of his time on the field, though he’s shown occasional flashes of brilliance, including a late-game, go-ahead drive near the end of last week’s game. Though the Vikings’ defense has looked formidable of late, if the offense keeps sputtering, it will be hard for them to stay competitive.
The Packers are also looking for some offensive stability. Before last week’s 27-20 road win over the New York Giants, they scored 13 and 7 points, respectively, in back-to-back home games.
Green Bay currently sits second in the NFC North, behind the Bears. The Vikings rank last.
How can you watch the Vikings vs. the Packers on cable?
FOX will carry the game locally. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23.
Where can you stream the Vikings vs. the Packers?
Fans can stream Sunday’s Vikings-Packers game on NFL+.
Vikings vs. Packers history
Minnesota is 59-65-3 all-time against Green Bay. Since head coach Kevin O’Connell took over in 2022, the Vikings are 4-2 against the Packers.
Who is predicted to win: Vikings vs. Packers?
The Packers are 6.5-point favorites to win in Week 12, according to CBS Sports.
What is the Vikings’ schedule for the rest of the 2025 NFL season?
Here’s Minnesota’s path the rest of the way through 2025:
Week 13: Vikings at Seahawks, Nov. 30 at 3:05 p.m. Week 14: Vikings vs. Commanders, Dec. 7 at 12 p.m. Week 15: Vikings at Cowboys, Dec. 14 at 7:20 p.m. (Sunday Night Football) Week 16: Vikings at Giants, Dec. 21 at 12 p.m. Week 17: Vikings vs. Lions, 3:30 p.m. (Christmas Day) Week 18: Vikings vs. Packers, TBD
What is the Packers’ schedule for the rest of the 2025 NFL season?
Here is the rest of Chicago’s 2025 schedule:
Week 13: Packers at Lions, Nov. 27 at 12 p.m. (Thanksgiving) Week 14: Packers vs. Bears, Dec. 7 at 3:25 p.m. Week 15: Packers at Broncos, Dec. 14 at 3:25 p.m. Week 16: Packers at Bears, TBD Week 17: Packers vs. Ravens, TBD Week 18: Packers at Vikings, TBD
All walks of life lined up at St. Paul City School on Tuesday with the same mission: to provide.
“That’s a really big thing, being able to provide,” said Maria Stokes, a St. Paul City School teacher.
Two hundred Thanksgiving meals were distributed to this community by Second Harvest Heartland and the Thielen Foundation.
Vikings Wide Receiver Adam Thielen and his family showed up to meet with everyone receiving food and made this moment memorable.
“It’s important for us to get in the community and a great opportunity to do that around the holidays,” Thielen said.
Each family got a turkey breast and a box filled with 15 fixings. Thielen’s kids got involved, too, giving the food directly to the families. It’s a moment this football dad hopes will leave a lasting impression on his kids.
“Just letting them know how important it is to give back, especially to the communities that have done so much for us, my wife and I, and obviously, for them,” Thielen said.
A large free meal like this goes a long way for mom, Teia Davis.
“That dollar really does make a difference. Saving that extra dollar, a couple dollars, makes a big difference, so I’m grateful,” Davis said.
St. Paul City School staff also got to take home a meal. Stokes hopes she can be a role model to her students by standing in line with them.
“It’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to not be okay,” Stokes said. “So just because they’re going through stuff doesn’t take away that we’re human as well, and we all go through things together.”
The Atlanta Falcons came into Sunday‘s game against the Carolina Panthers ( now 6-5 overall) three games under .500, quite a distance from first-place Tampa Bay, whom the Falcons had already lost to in week one, and on a four-game losing streak. Believe it or not, things have gotten worse.
The Falcons, now 3-7 overall, managed to score just six points in the fourth quarter against the Panthers, resulting in a 30-27 loss. Three of these points came courtesy of a clutch 52-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez late in regulation.
This season, Atlanta is averaging 5.3 points per game during the 10 fourth quarters they have played. With the exception of the 10 points Atlanta scored against the Minnesota Vikings in week two, they haven’t reached the double-figure mark in a fourth quarter this season. Let’s get into the numbers:
The Falcons scored seven points against Tampa in a week-one loss, no points in the fourth quarter at Carolina in a 30-point loss in week three, and just three points against the Washington Commanders in a 34-27 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta was ahead 31-16 after three quarters and only managed a field goal the rest of the way.
In a week six win over the Buffalo Bills, the Falcons scored only three points in the fourth quarter, marking the last game they would win for the next five weeks. Atlanta did not score in the fourth quarter of their 20-10 loss at San Francisco in week seven.
The fourth-quarter scoring picked up a bit when the Falcons scored nine points against New England in a one-point loss on the road, and eight points in an overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin, Germany, last week.
The Atlanta Falcons are averaging 5.3 points per game in the fourth quarter this season. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The first game of the two meetings with the New Orleans Saints, the last-place team in the NFC South and one of the worst in the National Football League, will take place in two weeks on Nov. 23 at the Caesars Superdome (4:25 p.m. kickoff). Fourth-quarter scoring might not be needed to defeat the struggling Saints (2-8 overall),
The team’s saving grace this season, despite the play on the opening drives to start the game and to start the second half on Sunday, has been the Falcons’ defense. On Carolina’s second drive of the game, the Falcons forced a punt following a sack by rookie corner Billy Bowman, Jr. That sack almost knocked Young out of the game as he was slow to get back on his feet afterward. Young had started nine of the Panthers’ 10 games this season.
This team should be able to score more points in the fourth quarter. Falcons receiver Drake London went over 100 yards receiving with his fifth reception of the first half on Sunday. Bijan Robinson had over 90 yards rushing at halftime of the loss to Carolina. It has been the second half of games that have been the issue this season.
The Saints game is followed by a trip to New Jersey to play the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 30. The opportunity for the Falcons to make the playoffs might be dwindling, but getting back to .500 is a realistic possibility. That, however, will start with scoring in the fourth quarter.
After J.J. McCarthy ended another erratic performance with five straight completions that culminated with a 15-yard scoring strike to Jordan Addison, Duvernay delivered the clutch response for the Bears (7-3) after nearly blowing a 13-point lead they took into the fourth quarter.
Santos made up for his 45-yard miss with 8:08 remaining by drilling the winner after a critical 7-yard rush by D’Andre Swift, who had 21 carries for 90 yards, pushed the ball into a safer range.
McCarthy, who played with a wrap on his throwing hand after hurting it on a helmet after a follow-through in the previous game, ended consecutive second-quarter possessions with interceptions and had an alarming amount of off-target passes. He finished 16 for 32 for 150 yards and a 47.7 passer rating in his fifth career start.
Caleb Williams, who was drafted by the Bears nine picks ahead of McCarthy last year and is much further down the development road under new coach Ben Johnson, had one of his least effective games this season while going 16 for 32 for 193 yards and scrambling four times for 26 yards.
But Williams logged yet another turnover-free start, letting the defense handle the more meaningful work. Veteran safety Kevin Byard drifted back in his zone with nose tackle Grady Jarrett applying the pressure and picked off McCarthy’s forced throw without set feet for Justin Jefferson to give the Bears the ball at the Minnesota 25 and set up the first kick for Santos.
Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright (26), left, defends as Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) drops a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis.
Abbie Parr / AP
Then on first down from the Chicago 30, McCarthy threw a fade to the back corner of the end zone for Addison that Nahshon Wright, the former Vikings practice squad player who had an interception return for a touchdown off McCarthy in the season opener, secured with a leaping grab before landing on his back with 35 seconds left before halftime.
After a third-down sack by Andrew Van Ginkel and Myles Price’s 42-yard punt return provided the necessary sparks, the Vikings took over at the 24 early in the fourth quarter and reached the end zone in just two plays without McCarthy doing anything but hand off to Jordan Mason.
The defense kept the Vikings (4-6) in the game the whole way, limiting the Bears to seven of 18 third-down conversions, but the final possession started too deep in their territory to prevent a score.
Rookie Kyle Monangai scored his third rushing touchdown in five games to cap a 15-play, 74-yard drive that put the Bears in front late in the second quarter after three straight punts to start.
Bears: LB T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring) was inactive. Standout CB Jaylon Johnson (groin), who returned to practice this week, missed his eighth straight game.
Vikings: CB Isaiah Rodgers took a big blow from a head-to-head hit in the second quarter. He was checked out for a head injury before returning for the next drive. … OLB Jonathan Greenard (shoulder) missed his first game in two seasons.
The Minnesota Vikings (4-5) take on the Chicago Bears (6-3) at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. There are several ways fans can watch and stream the NFC North matchup.
The two teams squared off in the first week of the regular season, with Minnesota coming out on top, 27-24. It marked the NFL debut of Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes and ran for another during the game.
Since that time, McCarthy has dealt with a sprained right ankle that kept him out for five games, and Minnesota has won only three of their last eight.
“Just trying to work back into that, the feeling of being out there on Sundays and going out there and just killing it, whoever’s in front of me,” Jefferson said. “It’s just going out there with that ‘eff it’ mentality and just going out there and just killing it and not worrying about the plays, not worrying about anything else that I, just like you said, can’t control.”
“We’ve found out a lot about ourselves over the course of the season so far. We’re a different team than we were Week 1, and so is Minnesota,” he said. “We’re running the ball a little bit crisper and cleaner. I think the backs have a better feel for what we’re asking them to do. The O-line is starting to gel. I think Caleb’s got a better understanding of what we’re getting done.”
Chicago will be without a few key players as they try to avenge the Week 1 loss, with cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon on injured reserve. Linebacker T.J. Edwards and safety Jaquan Brisker did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to injuries, according to the team.
Here’s how you can watch Sunday’s matchup between the Vikings and Bears.
How can you watch the Bears vs. the Vikings on cable?
FOX will carry the game locally. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16.
Where can you stream the Bears vs. the Vikings?
Fans can stream Sunday’s Lions-Vikings game on NFL+.
Bears vs. Vikings history
Minnesota is 69-58-2 all-time against Chicago, and has won eight of the last 10 matchups.
Who is predicted to win Bears vs. Vikings?
The Vikings are 2.5-point favorites to win in Week 11, according to CBS Sports.
What is the Vikings’ schedule for the rest of the 2025 NFL season?
Here’s Minnesota’s path the rest of the way through 2025:
Week 12: Vikings at Packers, Nov. 23 at 12 p.m. Week 13: Vikings at Seahawks, Nov. 30 at 3:05 p.m. Week 14: Vikings vs. Commanders, Dec. 7 at 12 p.m. Week 15: Vikings at Cowboys, Dec. 14 at 7:20 p.m. (Sunday Night Football) Week 16: Vikings at Giants, Dec. 21 at 12 p.m. Week 17: Vikings vs. Lions, 3:30 p.m. (Christmas Day) Week 18: Vikings vs. Packers, TBD
What is the Bears’ schedule for the rest of the 2025 NFL season?
Here is the rest of Chicago’s 2025 schedule:
Week 12: Bears @ Steelers, Nov. 23 at 12 p.m. Week 13: Bears @ Eagles, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. (Black Friday) Week 14: Bears @ Packers, Dec. 7 at 12 p.m. Week 15: Bears vs. Browns, Dec. 14 at 12 p.m. Week 16: Bears vs. Packers, TBD Week 17: Bears @ San Francisco 49ers, Dec. 28 at 7:20 p.m. (Sunday Night Football) Week 18: Bears vs. Lions, TBD
NOTE: The attached video first aired on Nov. 13, 2025.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is on pace for almost 100 catches and nearly 1,300 yards this season, despite an offense stilted by injuries and poor quarterback play.
Still, the superstar feels like he and the team are underachieving. And after seeing a video on social media of his otherworldly 4th and 18 catch against the Buffalo Bills in 2022, Jefferson says he needs to get back to his “old self.”
“Just trying to work back into that, the feeling of being out there on Sundays and going out there and just killing it, whoever’s in front of me,” Jefferson said. “It’s just going out there with that ‘eff it’ mentality and just going out there and just killing it and not worrying about the plays, not worrying about anything else that I, just like you said, can’t control.”
“I love this job and I love being here with these guys, being here with this organization. So there’s definitely a lot of great things to be grateful for and to be happy about,” he said. “I’m just a ultracompetitor and I hate to lose at the end of the day.”
McCarthy threw two interceptions while targeting Jefferson downfield in Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and missed his nigh-unstoppable wideout on a handful of other throws. Social media critics questioned Jefferson’s effort when he appeared to abandon the pursuit of a Ravens defender after McCarthy’s second pick.
“Of course I’m mad after an interception. You want me to be happy and go chase them down?” Jefferson said. “That’s not really something I want to happen, and of course, the outcome of the game is us losing. I was the one that’s getting thrown the ball and it’s getting picked off. A lot of emotion goes toward that, but at the end of the day, I want to win.”
Despite the growing pains of playing with a young passer, Jefferson said there’s no rift between him and McCarthy, who Jefferson called “a great quarterback.”
“I’m always gonna be that person for J.J. to always lean on to talk to about any of that type of stuff, and I’m always gonna be that person to motivate him to always continue to be better, regardless if he’s my quarterback or not,” Jefferson said. “I like J.J. I love J.J. as a person and as a player. So I will continue to strive for that and I want the best outcome for him.”
Jefferson also admitted some of his vexation comes from the way defenses hyperfixate on him.
“What I’m hearing from other defensive coordinators and other players, the main objective is to keep me out the game as much as possible and let everybody else beat us,” he said.
The Vikings’ offense, though, has no shortage of other weapons — Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason and T.J. Hockenson, for instance — and if success remains elusive, Jefferson’s distemper, as well as that of the fans, could boil over.
“Just wanting a better outcome and, of course, the offense that we have, I feel like we should be playing better than what we are,” Jefferson said.
As he usually does, though, the face of the Vikings’ franchise put the onus on himself.
“As long as that ball is hitting my hands and I’m having a great chance at making the play, then I always feel confident in J.J. throwing me up that rock and letting me make the most of the opportunity,” he said.
After the Eagles barely made it out with a victory in Green Bay Monday Night. It was time to start preparing for another PrimeTime spotlight against the Eagles 3rd NFC North opponent of the year.
The Detroit Lions
Sundays match against Detroit will be the 2nd time the Sirianni/Hurts led Eagles will play the Campbell/Goff Lions. Previously, the Eagles won both matchups that took place at Ford Field. Winning 44-6 in 2021, and 38-35 in 2023.
And while this matchup won’t have nearly as much excitement as the NFC Championship Game that could have been last year. The winner and loser of this game could see a huge impact on playoff seeding within the next 5-6 Weeks.
The Cluttered NFC Race
Luckily for the Eagles. The NFC East is the only division that isn’t filled with multiple contenders, or teams just outside the wildcard bubble. Like the 49ers(6-4), Panthers(5-5) & Vikings(4-5). However, with two games left against NFC North opponents. The Eagles will be able to pull ahead in the division, and from the rest of the NFC.
Already having victories against the Rams(7-2), Buccaneers(6-3) and Packers(5-3-1) currently gives the Eagles the head to head tiebreaker against the current 5th, 4th and 7th seed in the NFC playoff race. While the odds of the Eagles dropping into a wildcard spot are low with a 4 game lead on the NFC East race. It has happened before. Being able to chain together wins during the toughest stretches of the schedule will help the Eagles lock up the division race as fast as possible, while still being in the thick of it for the Bye Week, or as much home field advantage as possible in the playoffs.
Schedule Down The Stretch
Following the Lions this weekend, the Eagles will see a total of three more teams in the current playoff picture, including:
6-3 Bears (Week 13)
7-3 Chargers (Week 15)
6-3 Bills (Week 17)
There will also be a gutsy game against the 3-5-1 Cowboys, who for some reason decided to be buyers at the deadline. Acquiring Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson.
With some more breathing room between playoff opponents, the Eagles will also see the following teams who’s season is approaching an ugly finish:
2-7 Raiders (Week 15)
3-7 Commanders (Week 16 & 18)
Both teams will most likely be playing for a top 5-10 pick come December. The wins might not matter that late for the Eagles depending how the rest of this “gauntlet” unfolds.
With an impressive 7-2 run to start the season. How many wins will it take to clinch the NFC East?
An important part of every Vikings home game is the performance of the national anthem; a lot of thought goes into the decision of who belts their voice to nearly 70,000 fans.
A staple in the anthem rotation for the last three Vikings seasons is Monique Blakey. The St. Paul native was performing in bands locally around the Twin Cities when one day in 2023, she got an unexpected email.
“I thought it was a hoax, not going to lie. I never reached out to them, so I was like, ‘Is this real?’ and I responded in hopes that it was…and it was. They had heard an old video of me singing online,” said Blakey.
The Minnesota Vikings wanted Blakey to perform the national anthem at least once a season. It turned into an opportunity that changed her life.
“Wow, it has completely transcended me into another stratosphere,” said Blakey.
Performing at U.S. Bank Stadium opened doors for her professionally.
“It has always ended up with someone out in the crowd hearing me, and reaching out to me, and giving me other opportunities just off that anthem,” said Blakey, which is exactly what the Vikings hope to do when selecting their anthem singers.
Lauren Pinter is part of the Vikings’ game and entertainment team that selects these artists.
“In the Twin Cities, and Minnesota as a whole, there actually is a very diverse talent pool. So it’s fun to be able to help these artists and performers be on a bigger stage,” said Pinter.
Other locals they’ve tapped the talents of are Minnesotans who competed on The Voice, including Cameron Wright and Frankie Torres
For theme games, like the Legends game, Pinter and her team chose former Vikings defensive tackle Esera Tuaolo to perform the anthem, while showcasing his Samoan heritage.
“We’re really proud to have [Esera] as a Vikings legend,” said Pinter.
When Blakey sings, it’s a goose-bump-giving performance for fans, but it’s always her kids she hopes to make the most proud.
“Seeing me connect with the people and seeing people be moved by me singing the anthem, always makes them say, ‘that’s my mom,’” said Blakey.
This blog contains links from which we may earn a commission.Credit: NFL Network-Facebook
Carson Wentz arrived in Philadelphia with big expectations, giving the Eagles fans hope.
Unfortunately, then came the injuries and setbacks that stole the momentum.
It’s a story that feels more human than headline-glamour, and Philly still has mixed feelings.
The Promising Rise
Drafted as the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Wentz showed promise. But it was in 2017 that things really kicked into gear, and by the time he got hurt near season’s end, he’d thrown for 3,296 yards with 33 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions in just 13 games. His passer rating was 101.9 in that stretch. He also rushed for 299 yards that season.
Credit: NFL Network-Facebook
That stretch had everyone talking. He had the kind of spark that made fans believe he could be special. And when you look at what defines the greats, like steady leadership and the ability to make a team feel, it’s easy to see why some thought Wentz might join top NFL quarterbacks of all time. For a brief stretch, he looked like he was heading straight there.
…And Then The Fall
One play in Los Angeles changed everything. An awkward step, an ACL tear, and suddenly his season was done. Nick Foles took over. They won the Super Bowl, and Wentz had to watch the celebration from the sideline.
Injuries have followed him ever since. Back, knee, head. All at different times. He played only 11 games in 2018, and the numbers were fine, but the rhythm was gone, as was the explosiveness.
In 2019, he posted more than 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, but still, it simply wasn’t the same as he was pressing. By 2020, the confidence had cracked. The throws that once looked automatic were suddenly forced or late.
He bounced from Philadelphia to Indianapolis to Washington. Each stop brought the same story: flashes of talent, followed by inconsistency.
NFL executives started using a brutal word – “broken.”
They said he looked fine in practice, but when the games started, everything had to be perfect around him. If it wasn’t, his mechanics unraveled. He’d freeze up, double-clutch, miss the open read. He wasn’t the same athlete anymore, either, with the pocket becoming a cage.
The Verdict
By late 2023, the league had made up its mind, and analysts compared his situation to Sam Bradford, who was talented, got paid well, but was out of the league before 35.
And yet, people who’ve worked with him still like him. They describe him as earnest, coachable, and even kind. He tried to fix things, tried to make it work. But sometimes, football doesn’t give you another shot.
Why It Unraveled
The physical damage was part of it. But the mental toll might’ve been worse. Wentz never seemed to fully trust his body again. That led to hesitation. Hesitation led to mistakes. And mistakes, in the NFL, cost you your job.
The Eagles moved on. The Colts moved on. Washington did too.
More recently (2025), he signed with the Minnesota Vikings, seeing action after younger QBs were injured and revealing that he’s now more of a stopgap option than a long-term franchise leader.
Why Philly Fans Still Feel Something
If you’re a Philadelphia fan, you saw Wentz do something rare. He gave hope and made big throws. He helped the team earn an 11-2 record in games he started in that 2017 run, then got hurt, and the team won the Super Bowl with the backup. A lot of complicated feelings: gratitude, frustration… and sadness for what might have been.
The human side matters. Wentz wasn’t perfect; he made bad throws and had games where he struggled. But he also overcame injuries, came back, and tried to lead. Loved his team. The “could’ve-been” element resonates.
Ideally, What Could He Have Been?
Had Wentz stayed healthy, kept improving, and maybe adapted his game, he might have joined the ranks of the top-tier quarterbacks – those are QBs who remain elite 8-10 years, evolve when defenses evolve, maintain leadership.
The missing piece in Wentz’s story is the “sustained” part. One season isn’t enough. Injuries interrupted the rhythm. Changes in team staff, receivers, and the offensive line all added turbulence.
The Takeaway
So here’s what I came away with: Wentz achieved a level that gave hope. But he didn’t stay there. That doesn’t mean he failed. He still had a good career, made plays, and was a starting QB for many years. But he didn’t reach the “special” level that the very best QBs show.
And for Philly fans, it’s okay to feel both pride and disappointment. He gave you the thrill of imagining a franchise quarterback. You bought into that. Then reality hit. And life moved on.
In a world where so many QBs never even get close to what Wentz did in 2017, his story is one of both promise and caution. A reminder that in the NFL, being very good isn’t enough if you want to be legendary. Being durable, being consistent, being the guy on the late-night drives in January, that’s where the legends live. Wentz almost got there. He had that moment. But he didn’t live there.
And maybe that’s okay. Because sometimes the most human quarterback stories aren’t about records or Hall-of-Fame résumés. They’re about the rise, the fall, the “what if,” and how fans remember it.
A key field goal block late in the Minnesota Vikings’ stunning upset of the Detroit Lions earned Levi Drake Rodriguez an NFL award.
The league announced Wednesday Rodriguez is the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
His block came midway through the fourth quarter, with the Vikings leading the Lions 24-17. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers returned the blocked kick to the Lions’ 26-yard line, and with about 3 1/2 minutes left, Will Reichard extended the Vikings’ lead to 27-17, ultimately providing the winning margin.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell called the block a “critical, critical play in the game.”
Rodriguez, a 2024 seventh-round draft pick, played a season-low 11 defensive snaps in Detroit, but made his presence felt in that phase, too. He logged his first career sack, taking down Lions quarterback Jared Goff for a six-yard loss in the first quarter.
Save for a pair of key penalties, the Vikings’ special teams unit had a good day overall in Detroit. Reichard was 3/3 on field goals and 2/2 on extra points. Myles Price had a 61-yard kickoff return early, and returned another for a touchdown in the third quarter, though it was called back by penalty.
The Vikings, now 4-4, take on the Baltimore Ravens at home on Sunday in quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s fourth career start.
The NFL Office of Gameday Accountability will collect two significant fines from Minnesota Vikings defenders for their on-field actions during the team’s defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers on “Thursday Night Football.”
During the first quarter, edge-rusher Dallas Turner “launched” while making a stop. The league penalized him for unnecessary roughness and fined Turner $19,907 for the offense.
In the following period, linebacker Blake Cashman used his helmet illegally as part of a play. NFL officials hit him with an unnecessary roughness penalty totaling $23,186. It was Cashman’s second game back since he suffered a hamstring strain during the season-opener against the Chicago Bears.
Minnesota next takes the field on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be back in the starting lineup after Carson Wentz underwent surgery to repair an injury to his non-throwing shoulder.
McCarthy played just two games to begin the season before he sustained a high-ankle sprain, which knocked him out for the next six weeks (five games). As a still highly inexperienced quarterback at the NFL level, the timing of the 22-year-old QB’s return is not ideal for the Vikings (3-4).
“The Vikings, to this point in the season, had the easiest schedule in the NFL. The Vikings going forward have the hardest schedule in the NFL,” said Danny Heifetz of The Ringer on the October 22 edition of The Bill Simmons Podcast. “So McCarthy comes back, he’s gonna get rocked. He’s clearly not ready for the NFL, and the Vikings are a win-now team.”
Minnesota plays Detroit twice, the Green Bay Packers twice, the Chicago Bears once and the Seattle Seahawks once over the final 10 games of the campaign.
The Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday. There are several ways fans can watch and stream Sunday’s game.
Safety Kerby Joseph, who missed Week 7’s game with a knee injury, has been ruled out for Sunday’s tilt, according to the team’s injury report. Starting tackle Taylor Decker is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is expected to start under center for the first time since suffering an ankle sprain on Sept. 14. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz will have season-ending surgery for a left shoulder injury he suffered on Oct. 5.
The Vikings will likely have a boost on defense with the expected return of edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel. The Pro Bowler hasn’t played since Week 3 due to a neck injury. Van Ginkel is listed on the team’s injury report as questionable, though he’s been a full participant in practice this week and head coach Kevin O’Connell said he expects him to play.
Here’s how you can watch Sunday’s matchup between the Lions and Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit.
How can you watch the Lions vs. the Vikings on cable?
FOX will carry the game locally. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 2.
Where can you stream the Lions vs. the Vikings?
Fans can stream Sunday’s Lions-Vikings game on NFL+.
Lions vs. Vikings history
Minnesota has largely dominated the all-time series, holding an 80-45-2 edge. However, Detroit has won five straight, including a 31-9 contest back on Jan. 5.
The Vikings won eight straight in the series between 2017 and 2021.
What is the Lions’ schedule for the rest of the 2025 NFL season?
Here is the rest of Detroit’s 2025 schedule:
Week 10: Lions at Washington Commanders, Nov. 9 at 4:25 p.m. Week 11: Lions at Philadelphia Eagles, Nov. 16 at 8:20 p.m. (Sunday Night Football) Week 12: Lions vs. New York Giants, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. Week 13: Lions vs. Green Bay Packers, Nov. 27 at 1 p.m. (Thanksgiving) Week 14: Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys, Dec. 4 at 8:15 p.m. (Thursday Night Football) Week 15: Lions at Los Angeles Rams, Dec. 14 at 4:25 p.m. Week 16: Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Dec. 21 at 4:25 p.m. Week 17: Lions at Vikings, 4:30 p.m. (Christmas Day) Week 18: Lions at Bears, TBD
What is the Vikings’ schedule for the rest of the 2025 NFL season?
Here’s Minnesota’s path the rest of the way through 2025:
Week 10: Vikings vs. Ravens, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. Week 11: Vikings vs. Bears, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. Week 12: Vikings at Packers, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. Week 13: Vikings at Seahawks, Nov. 30 at 4:05 p.m. Week 14: Vikings vs. Commanders, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. Week 15: Vikings at Cowboys, Dec. 14 at 8:20 p.m. (Sunday Night Football) Week 16: Vikings at Giants, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. Week 17: Vikings vs. Lions, 4:30 p.m. (Christmas Day) Week 18: Vikings vs. Packers, TBD
Andrew Van Ginkel was coming off the best season of his career, picked for the Pro Bowl for the first time after a promising debut with the Minnesota Vikings that featured 11½ sacks and two interception returns for touchdowns from his edge rusher position for a 14-win team.
Then came the neck problem that kept him out of a significant portion of training camp. After working his way back to play in the opener at Chicago on Sept. 8, Van Ginkel landed on his head that night to trigger a concussion that also aggravated the initial injury. He sat out the following week, returned with two sacks in just eight snaps during the blowout of Cincinnati on Sept. 21 and found himself in the training room again with a concerning recurrence of the neck trouble.
Van Ginkel hasn’t played since, the epitome of this rough start for the entire Vikings team. The experience of watching from the sideline while a defense that was one of the most disruptive and productive in the NFL over the last two years skidded off track was just as painful.
“It’s brutal. There’s nothing worse,” said Van Ginkel, who had not missed a game in six years since he was a rookie with Miami. “This is why we play the game, to get out there and earn the respect of our teammates and our coaches and all the fans that watch. It’s been eating at me. I can’t wait to get back on the field.”
His time appears to have arrived. Van Ginkel was a full participant in practice this week. While he was listed as questionable on the final injury report on Friday, coach Kevin O’Connell said he expects Van Ginkel to play at Detroit on Sunday.
“I feel really good with where I’m at. I’ve been able to practice in a limited role the past couple of weeks and been able to ramp it up,” Van Ginkel said after practice on Wednesday. “Just being able to get back on the field and get some team reps in has been a great progression.”
As well as fellow edge rusher Jonathan Greenard has played this season, he can’t do it all, and 2024 first-round draft pick Dallas Turner has not filled Van Ginkel’s void the way the Vikings hoped he would.
For all his pass-rushing prowess, Van Ginkel also ought to help fortifying the edge of the defense against the run that has been startingly vulnerable this season. The Vikings could also use a reappearance of his superpower.
Van Ginkel’s touchdowns last year came off quick-twitch interceptions of screen pass attempts by Daniel Jones (New York Giants) and Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets), and he was oh-so-close to a few more later in the season.
“He’s just got a real good feel for the sets where those types of plays come in, with the players that those types of plays go to,” defensive coordinator Brian Flores said earlier. “He’s certainly in a small circle of guys who have that feel and that knack, and that’s why you put him out there. That’s a big part of today’s NFL game, getting the ball out quick.”
For a player whose value is built around quickness, the deliberate pace of recovery and treatment for this injury has required plenty of patience.
“It’s been a long process. I’ve been careful with how I’ve been able to handle this and going through the motions of progressing well so I can get back on the field and help this team win,” Van Ginkel said. “That’s kind of why we’re taking the steps that we’ve been taking, so I can be confident and be prepared to go out there without thinking about anything, just going out there and playing football.”
The Vikings ruled out fullback C.J. Ham (hand) for the second straight game. He missed the first four games with a knee injury. Another key part of the run blocking crew, tight end Josh Oliver (foot) will be inactive along with third cornerback Jeff Okudah (concussion).
Starting offensive tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill were both listed as questionable to play on Sunday, but O’Connell said Friday he’s feeling good about their availability.
Note: The above video first aired on Oct. 9, 2025.
For both Max Brosmer and Drake Lindsey, the first day they met at the University of Minnesota marked the beginning of a new chapter.
“I was like, ‘this kid’s huge. I wish I was that big,’” Brosmer said. “That was back when (Lindsey) weighed 250.”
Brosmer, four years older and Minnesota’s starting quarterback in 2024, quickly became a mentor to Lindsey, a true freshman, as they navigated the Golden Gophers QB room together.
“He earned my respect really quick because he was always in the building,” Lindsey said, now the Gophers’ starting QB. “Once you earn that respect, you’re gonna listen to somebody that’s older than you and that’s had success. It kind of felt like we were both in a new place together at the same time. Which also really helped. We were both learning things about Minnesota together.”
Now, 22 months since that first Gophers report day. Brosmer has moved on. He impressed the Minnesota Vikings so much in training camp that he made the team as an undrafted free agent.
“When I saw he was going to the Vikings it was obviously a blessing because you have one of your close friends back in the city,” Lindsey said. “I had 100% faith the whole time because I’ve seen him work. I’ve seen his consistency, day in and day out. So, there was no doubt in my mind. Ultimately, it’s just really cool the situation he’s in now and just happy for him.”
On a fall Monday night, the pair signed autographs at a Minneapolis restaurant, the friendship continuing. The mentorship never stopped. Brosmer requests the Gophers film from Lindsey every week.
“There’s gonna be mistakes. There’s gonna be some amazing plays. And everything in between,” said Brosmer. “I just do my best to pick through the film with a fine-tooth comb. As long as I’m doing my job with the Vikings, I have a few minutes to do what I can with Drake.”
“I really do try and talk to him as much as I can,” said Lindsey. “Just because of the friendship we have but also, he’s super, super smart. And that’s something I’ll always try to keep feeding off of because you always try to find one thing that can get you better throughout the week that maybe you can apply to your game on Sunday, and for him on Sunday.”
Brosmer has captured the attention of a specific subset of Minnesota football die-hards that root for both the professional and collegiate. With the quarterback injuries the Vikings have had, it’s common to see his supporters on social media lobbying for many more snaps in purple. But is Brosmer aware of this?
“To be honest, not to the extent that you’re speaking on,” Brosmer answered as Lindsey laughed to his right. “I do my best to get off social media throughout the year. It’s more of an offseason thing. So maybe I’ll go back after the season and ‘oh this is pretty funny.’”
Two quarterbacks who have come a long way — and are still just a few miles apart.
“Sometimes I’ll text Drake, ‘hey, what coverage do you think this is?’” said Brosmer. “Test him with stuff that I’m seeing. So eventually down the road, he can be like ‘oh, I saw that text three years ago, I know exactly what defense that is.’”
The Minnesota Vikings were all-in on developing quarterback J.J. McCarthy this season, after his rookie year was lost to injury, with the belief they could insulate him from some of the natural struggles of inexperience by surrounding him with a stacked veteran team and a savvy coaching staff.
After a bumpy start put some holes in the plan, the blueprint all but disintegrated in a blowout to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday. Not only have the players and schemes on offense and defense failed to deliver, but they’ve had all of two games during which to test McCarthy.
“I told our team, ‘This is where we’re going to find out what we’re all about,’” coach Kevin O’Connell said after the 37-10 defeat that was the second worst in his four seasons.
The Vikings were dealt a tough blow when McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the draft last year, needed meniscus surgery on his right knee before making it to the regular season. The high sprain of his right ankle he finished his second game with has been even more devastating, considering the way Sam Darnold mostly flourished in 2024 and Carson Wentz has mostly flopped in 2024.
After going 2-3 with Wentz, who played through a non-throwing shoulder injury that took plenty of hard hits during an increasingly painful night, McCarthy is line to return next week. With the Vikings (3-4) currently in 12th place in the NFC, and last by two losses in their daunting division, even remarkable progress by McCarthy over the last 10 games might not be enough to get them in the playoffs.
Wentz had the misfortune of playing most of the game without stalwart tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill because of knee injuries, not to mention center Ryan Kelly, who’s hardly been available. On the other side, the free agent spending spree on defensive tackles in their 30s, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, has not paid dividends. And the lack of production from recent drafts has left them without enough depth at cornerback, not to mention other positions.
“That’s all a team effort,” wide receiver Justin Jefferson said, “and we’re just not doing enough.”
What’s working
There’s not much for the Vikings to feel good about. Rookie Myles Price had a 27-yard average on five kickoff returns, continuing to show an aggressiveness and a burst that appears to be close to breaking him free for a score. Fittingly, he had a 46-yard runback to open the game and a 42-yard return in the third quarter, both of which were wiped out by holding penalties on rookie Tyler Batty.
What needs help
The defense against the run has been the most frequent and damaging issue this season. Just four days after Flores loaded up to keep 2024 rushing champ Saquon Barkley at bay and keep a spy on nimble Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Vikings were trampled by second-year bruiser Kimani Vidal. Justin Herbert scrambled seven times himself for a backbreaking 62 yards, as the Chargers became the second team to top the 200-yard mark on the Vikings this season. They held 10 different opponents to 86 rushing yards or fewer last season.
Stock up
Winning performances were in short supply, but edge rusher Jonathan Greenard — matched up against the fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft, Joe Alt — was in the backfield often. He had six tackles, three for loss, and one sack with two hits on Herbert. Defensive tackle Jalen Redmond also stood out, playing 86% of the snaps, by far the most of all the interior linemen.
Stock down
OLB Dallas Turner. The 2024 first-round draft pick has been forced into a critical role with Pro Bowl pick Andrew Van Ginkel missing five of the first seven games to injury, and the consistency and production haven’t been there for a player the Vikings traded up to get last year. Turner has not yet shown he can be a reliable run-stopper, and he has just 1½ sacks. Turner also took a 15-yard penalty for a helmet-first hit on Herbert in the first quarter that gave the Chargers a first-and-goal.
Injury report
After fielding their most complete lineup of the season last Sunday against Philadelphia, the Vikings took a concerning step back with their overall health, thanks in part to the grueling four-day turnaround for the trip to Los Angeles. Darrisaw left after two series, and O’Neill couldn’t make it at all. Kelly (concussion) must miss at least one more game, but there’s no telling when or if he’ll return. Fullback C.J. Ham (hand) was inactive on Thursday along with Van Ginkel (neck). The return of running back Aaron Jones from a four-game absence was one positive.
Now the Vikings have three extra days of recovery for a potential boost prior to their Nov. 2 game at Detroit, with McCarthy likely to lead the list of returners. New injuries that popped up against the Chargers were to Greenard (ankle) and tight end Josh Oliver (foot), whose departure in the first quarter was a hindrance to getting the running game going before the score got out of hand with another key blocker Ham already out.
Key number
0-6 — The Vikings have lost all six night road games they’ve played in four years under O’Connell, including three on Thursdays. O’Connell is 4-11 overall at night, including the loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the playoffs last season. The Vikings have dropped four straight in prime time by a combined score of 117-34. But this pattern predated O’Connell. Over the past 20 years, encompassing four coaching staffs, the Vikings are 9-28 on the road at night and 24-42 overall. They’re 1-9 all time on Thursdays on the road, last winning in 1978.
Up next
The Lions (5-2) will be more rested than the Vikings, coming off their bye week. Minnesota has lost to Detroit five times in a row, the longest skid since their first five matchups from 1961-63. The Vikings have also dropped four straight games in Detroit.
Even through offensive inconsistencies. An Offensive Coordinator nobody seems confident in, and a run game that seems to be non-existent. The Eagles have a wide receiver looking to put up career high numbers if he can keep pace for 10 more games.
Racking Up The Yards
After putting up 183 receiving yards against the Vikings on Sunday. Devonta Smith set a new career high for most yards in a game. Surpassing his previous total of 169 which came against the Commanders in 2022.
With a total of 504 receiving yards through 7 games in the 2025 campaign. Smith currently sits at 9th across the league in receiving yards, sitting just behind Christian McCaffrey’s 516 and above Drake London’s 469.
But will Smith be able to keep pace?
The Eagles offense has shown struggles for 7 weeks and has yet to play a full four quarters. Are all of their woes to be blamed on the offensive lines play? Or are the problems stemming from an inexperienced play caller?
10 Games To Go
With 10 games left in the season, Smith is currently on pace for a total of 1,224 receiving yards. Potentially surpassing his previous high of 1,196 yards which he achieved in the 2022 season.
On top of being able to set a new high for receiving yards, Smith is on pace for 92 receptions on the year. Just 3 shy of his 95 reception total, also from the 2022 season.
Both are achievable if the Eagles offense is able to continue putting up performances similar to Week 7. Has Kevin Patullo finally found a rhythm that doesn’t stall the offense during pivotal drives? Or did the Eagles talent on offense manage to over power the Vikings defense?
This Sunday, the Eagles take on the Giants in their first Kelly Green game of the season. With a laundry list of players on the Thursday injury report, will they be walking in to another trap against Jaxson Dart & Cam Skattebo? Or did the Eagles learn their lesson after a 34-17 loss to send them to 4-2 two weeks ago.
