There is an acceptance that Minnesota can keep Darnold and McCarthy together beyond this season. I think that’s an expectation if the Vikings have a strong showing in the playoffs.

Detroit currently holds the division lead due to a head-to-head divisional tiebreaker over Minnesota, but that could still change drastically. The Vikings have an opportunity to seize the top spot in the division — and in the conference — with wins over the final two games of the season.