Justin Jefferson reveals Vikings’ biggest downside during last NFL season

Kevin O’Connell provided steady leadership from the sideline for a Minnesota Vikings team that fought until the very end of last NFL season. Despite their strong performance and 14 regular-season wins, the increasingly competitive NFC North meant the team didn’t secure certain playoff advantages—something star wide receiver Justin Jefferson openly disagreed with.

Finishing second in their division—just behind the Detroit Lions—forced the Vikings into a Wild Card matchup against a tough opponent: the Los Angeles Rams. The downside for Minnesota? Having to travel to Inglewood to face them at SoFi Stadium.

According to Jefferson’s recent comments to the media, the wide receiver believes that a team with a strong number of regular-season wins shouldn’t have to play on the road in the early stages of the playoffs.

“With the season that we had last year, to go and play away, it definitely was a little different,” he said in an interview with Yahoo Sports. “It definitely needs to go into consideration and something that we need to figure out because having 14 wins . . . normally doesn’t go to play away in the playoffs.”

A.J. Green III #27 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes the football against Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings during the NFL playoff game at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Vikings 27-9

“We definitely had the opportunity to play home field with the last game in Detroit, but even losing that we still felt like we should’ve had home-field advantage,” Jefferson also added. “But even not having home-field advantage is never an excuse. It’s something we had to deal with and we wish we would’ve had home field but it is what it is.”

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Renewed energy in Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings are ushering in a new era at quarterback. With Sam Darnold moving on, the spotlight now shines brightly on J.J. McCarthy. All eyes are fixed on the young signal-caller as he steps into this crucial role, entrusted with guiding a talented offense.

The pressing question in Minneapolis, and across the league, is whether he can lead the Vikings to finally claim the NFC North title from the formidable Detroit Lions. This division has become an intense battleground, with the Green Bay Packers also consistently proving to be a tough competitor.

Minnesota’s divisional success this season will largely hinge on the QB’s rapid development and the seasoned leadership surrounding him, as they aim to navigate one of the league’s most challenging divisions.

For the Vikings and their passionate fan base, the ultimate aspiration of a Super Bowl appearance is a constant presence. With a refreshed roster and a promising young talent at the helm, optimism abounds. While the journey to championship glory is always arduous, a strong performance from J.J. McCarthy, combined with a cohesive team effort, could propel Minnesota deep into the NFL playoffs and potentially realize that long-sought Super Bowl dream.