Sam Darnold struggles in Vikings’ playoff loss to Rams

Sam Darnold’s great season did not have a great ending.

A historic season from Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings came to a close with a whimper Monday night. In a wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, Darnold struggled throughout the evening, turning the ball over twice, missing numerous open receivers, and taking several avoidable sacks. Minnesota fell behind early and never came close to the Rams, falling by a final score of 27-9.

It was a disappointing end to what had been a strong season for Darnold. After starting his career with six disappointing seasons and largely being written off, Darnold experienced a career resurgence in 2024. In his first season in Minnesota, he threw for a career high 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, while leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record.

Ultimately, however, it was all for naught. When the lights were the brightest, Darnold reverted back to the “seeing ghosts” ways of his time with the New York Jets.

Now, as Minnesota enters the offseason, questions look about Darnold’s future. The Vikings spent their first round pick last spring on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed the entire season with a torn meniscus. Do they bring back Darnold—who is set to hit free agency—or turn the keys over to McCarthy and let him look elsewhere?

It will be a tough decision for the Vikings to that could determine the direction of Minnesota’s franchise for years to come. For now, however, they are left to dwell on a season that came to an abrupt and disappointing end.