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 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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The Minnesota Vikings have been eliminated from the playoffs, marking the fourth time in the last six seasons that they've failed to reach the postseason tournament.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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While a miracle path to the playoffs still exists, the more realistic outcome is that the Minnesota Vikings will miss the playoffs and be picking in the top half of the 2026 NFL Draft. Just how high will they pick?

Nov 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and center Tyler Biadasz (63) in action during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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If Minnesota can't make the playoffs, the next-best thing might be doing their part to help prevent the Cowboys from getting in. Remember, the Green Bay Packers are a legit Super Bowl contender largely because Jerry Jones traded them Micah Parsons.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts with Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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"Nine" was amazing in Minnesota's win over Detroit back in November, but J.J. McCarthy's struggles in the games that followed turned his alter ego, "Nine," into a meme and the laughing stock of the National Football League.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) takes the snap against the Washington Commanders during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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Let's get down to business by looking at Minnesota's week-by-week needs, followed by a more obvious list of ingredients necessary to bake up a playoff miracle.

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Both Darrisaw and Jackson were listed as questionable on Minnesota's final injury report on Friday.

After signing a contract extension, Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is signed for multiple seasons.

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According to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, there's a chance Adofo-Mensah is fired this week if the Vikings don't beat the Commanders on Sunday.

Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) blocking for quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9).

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After missing last week's shutout loss in Seattle, the Vikings appear to be getting left tackle Christian Darrisaw back from injury.

Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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No one says they are considering such a bold move, but video of Adam Schefter discussing it on ESPN on Monday has made its way onto social media and created some noise.

Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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The Vikings may be down and out, but head coach Kevin O'Connell's message is one that sets an expectation for everyone on the roster to remain motivated and continue building what O'Connell started when he was hired in 2022.

Nov 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer (12) throws a pass during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

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Max Brosmer, thrust into the starting role as an undrafted rookie free agent, played one of the worst games in modern history in the Vikings' 26-0 loss to Seattle, according to the grades issued Monday by Pro Football Focus.

Nov 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; The Minnesota Vikings huddle up during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

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Four straight losses have dropped the Vikings to 4-8, but what felt like rock bottom in a 26-0 loss to the Seahawks might've only been a large branch before they crash to the ground.

Joe Nelson

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Told to be himself, J.J. McCarthy defied Kevin O’Connell with Griddy TD

'It was coming in hot': Justin Jefferson mad at himself over dropped TD

McCarthy shines, chemistry issues with Jefferson among 5 takeaways from Dallas

J.J. McCarthy strolls into the end zone while doing the 'Griddy'

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Vikings officially eliminated, will miss playoffs for 4th time in 6 seasons

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How Week 15 needs to break for the Vikings' best possible draft pick

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Vikings have a chance to cripple Cowboys' playoff hopes Sunday night

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Kevin O’Connell may have just killed J.J. McCarthy’s 'Nine' persona

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Vikings' playoff odds sit under 1%, but here's the miracle path still on the table

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All 5 original Vikings O-line starters good to go for battle with Washington

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Could the Vikings-Commanders result decide Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s future?

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Darrisaw injury update is a boost as J.J. McCarthy returns from concussion

Adam Schefter sparks Justin Jefferson trade talk — should Vikings fans worry?

KOC on tough losses, the future of the Vikings — and one superpower he wants

Where Max Brosmer's dud lands among the worst-graded QB games ever

Sinking Vikings could land highest draft pick in more than a decade