Joe Nelson

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A general view inside the stadium during player introductions before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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For only the third time in franchise history, the Minnesota Vikings will not, barring any replacement selections, have a player in the Pro Bowl.

Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) reacts after a tackle against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

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After a delicious weekend, the Minnesota Vikings will have an opportunity to eliminate the Detroit Lions, or possibly the Green Bay Packers, from playoff contention.

Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) makes a catch against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

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While J.J. McCarthy's hand injury will consume most of the attention following the Vikings' 16-13 win over the Giants, there were plenty of other talking points that deserve attention. Here are some of them...

Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) drops back to pass against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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The health of J.J. McCarthy is once again in the spotlight after he was crushed by an unblocked Brian Burns, leading to a strip sack that former Gophers safety Tyler Nubin scooped up and returned for a Giants touchdown.

Vikings players exit the plane after landing in New York late Saturday night.

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It was nearly 11 p.m. EST on Saturday when the Vikings' team plane touched down in Newark, New Jersey, the result of a mechanical issue that forced pilots to turn the original team flight back to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Minnesota Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw (71).

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Christian Darrisaw's season is over. The Vikings announced that their star left tackle will be placed on injured reserve and miss the last three games of the season, giving him a chance to hit the offseason running and begin the 2026 season healthy.

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) tackles Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025.

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If the Vikings can't get into the playoffs, then the next-best thing might be doing their part to prevent the Packers or Lions from making it as well. How sweet would it be for the Vikings to dump the Lions on Christmas Day, or put a dagger in Green Bay.

Justin Jefferson against the Detroit Lions during Week 9 of the 2025 season.

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Will J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson find a rhythm while Minnesota's offense stays hot?

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (1) is helped off the field by trainers after a touchdown during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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After three starters on the offensive line didn't practice on Wednesday due to injuries, two of them were back on the field in a limited capacity during Thursday's Minnesota Vikings practice.

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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After two wins against struggling defenses, McCarthy explains why he feels more comfortable.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray watches his team from the sidelines as they play the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025.

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The J.J. McCarthy Experience has been wild, with every stud or dud performance creating massive swings in the narrative.

Jun 7, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Snoop Dogg performs prior to the game between Edmonton Elks and BC Lions at BC Place Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

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There's going to be some fo-shizzle and nizzle in the North when Snoop Dogg headlines the halftime show of the Christmas Day Vikings-Lions game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Joe Nelson

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Vikings are once again victims of the NFL's flawed playoff format

Vikings-Packers play at noon with Minnesota's draft position at stake

Kelly's season over, Hockenson among Vikings out for Xmas battle with Detroit

J.J. McCarthy will not play Thursday against Detroit, has hairline fracture in hand

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The Vikings revisit a Pro Bowl rarity last seen in 2014 and 1983

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Perfect weekend sets Vikings up to dagger Detroit, possibly Green Bay

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Vintage Jefferson among 5 top takeaways from Vikings' win over Giants

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J.J. McCarthy ruled out with injury after big hit, replaced by Max Brosmer

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Travel chaos keeps Vikings penned on planes and buses for nearly 11 hours

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Vikings end Christian Darrisaw's season after 'dialogue and good discussion'

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How Vikings factor in playoff madness if Packers and Lions lose in Week 16

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Vikings score predictions for Week 16 road finale against Giants

Vikings see movement on Thursday injury report ahead of Giants clash

J.J. McCarthy is seeing the field better, and here's what he says changed

Kyler Murray-Vikings rumors go silent after 2 good weeks from J.J. McCarthy?

Vikings-Lions Christmas Day game to feature 'Snoop's Holiday Halftime Party'