6 biggest takeaways from the Vikings loss vs. Lions in Week 13

Statistically, Minnesota should have won this game

When looking at the stats from this game, it’s hard to believe that the Minnesota Vikings came up on the wrong side of the stick considering many of the players were doing exactly what was asked of them against the Lions.

The Vikings won most of the important categories, picking up more first downs (+3),  converting more third downs (+4), gaining more yards (+54), owning time of possession (+6:08), and winning the takeaway battle (+1).

This was all despite a terrible first half that saw Minnesota give up 20 points to Detroit while settling for two field goals. Had the Vikings been able to get anything going in the first two quarters of play aside from those two drives, this could have been a much different game.

Oddly, Minnesota struggles to put a complete game together. They seem to come out firing and cool off or struggle out of the gate and heat up after halftime. Consistency is a luxury the Vikings can’t seem to afford.