3 factors that could keep the Vikings out of the playoffs in 2023
By Nik Edlund
![Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2650,h_1490,x_0,y_238/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/63/01hgsbfcdkgf375hymp7.jpg)
1. Turnovers
The Vikings have been turnover machines pretty much all season long. They started the season off 0-3, and a big reason why was their inability to hang on to the football. They were fumbling, letting passes bounce off their hands, or simply throwing the ball to the other team.
Those areas got cleaned up during the team's improbable five-game winning streak. They were protecting the football and winning the turnover battle and it showed in the win/loss column.
However, their fortunes turned a few weeks ago. Josh Dobbs has been the biggest culprit, turning the ball over six times in the last two games. Alexander Mattison has also had some costly fumbles that have put the team in some really bad spots.
The defense has bailed the offense out multiple times this season but hasn't been able to do enough to squeak out a win when the margin is so far in the black. They are getting worn out late in games, having to be on the field so much, and the offense is to blame.
The Vikings aren't going to beat anyone if they continue to cough up the football or throw it to the other team. They have to get this figured out, or they'll be cleaning out their lockers on January 8th, instead of preparing for their Wild Card round opponent.