10 quick thoughts on the Vikings loss to the Rams in Week 16

Even more quick thoughts from Minnesota’s loss to Los Angeles

Stafford struggles in familiar venue: As a former member of the Detroit Lions, U.S. Bank Stadium is not a foreign building to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Despite his familiarity with Minnesota’s home field, Stafford had a day to forget.

The Los Angeles quarterback completed just 56.8 percent of his passes on Sunday for just 197 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. It was the first time Stafford has thrown for less than 240 yards in a game all season long.

Thielen has a frustrating day: Questionable before the start of the game with an injured ankle, it looked like Adam Thielen was going to be able to make an impact for the Vikings on Sunday. But then he re-injured his ankle in the first half and it kept him off of the field for pretty much the rest of the matchup.

Thielen’s ankle will definitely be something to keep an eye on during the upcoming week as Minnesota’s offense is much better whenever he’s on the field.

Playoff chances hanging on by a thread: With Sunday’s loss to the Rams, the Vikings now have a 12 percent chance to make the playoffs this season according to FiveThirtyEight. Minnesota basically needs to win the final two games on their schedule and hope for some help in order to get a spot in the postseason.

Vikings on the road next week: Things aren’t about to get any easier for the Vikings as they will make their annual trip to Lambeau Field next week to take on the Green Bay Packers in primetime. Minnesota was able to defeat the Packers back in Week 11 and the Vikings will need to get another win over Green Bay next Sunday if they want to stay alive in the NFC playoff race.