6 biggest takeaways from the Vikings loss to the Lions in Week 16

The Minnesota Vikings had an opportunity to defeat a division foe in Week 16, but failed to get the job done on Christmas Eve against a tough Detroit Lions squad. The 24-31 loss stung a bit for fans hoping to see the team turn things around.

After winning only one of their last five games, the Vikings are starting to look like a team that isn't destined to make much noise this season. A 7-8 record means that Minnesota needs to win both remaining games to be over 0.500 on the season.

Losing is never fun. And losing to a division rival on your home field is even more crushing. But what was there to learn from this loss to the Lions in Week 16 and what can these observations mean for the Minnesota Vikings going forward?

Minnesota Vikings takeaway No. 1

Give that man all the money.

During the broadcast, commentator Jonathan Vilma said multiple times that Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the NFL. Most Minnesota Vikings fans won't disagree with him and the young receiver made a huge impact against the Lions.

Jefferson only caught six passes against a Detroit defense that focused on limiting his production, but he turned those six catches into 141 yards and a touchdown despite everyone watching the game knowing that the Vikings wanted to get the ball to him.

The contract extension that Jefferson signs with the Minnesota Vikings will be massive, but for a game-changing pass-catcher like him, it is an investment that the team should be more than willing to make.