The Minnesota Vikings put together a complete game against the Detroit Lions in Week 9 to get a big division win. Sadly, they followed up that effort with a mistake-filled debacle in Week 10 that led to an eight-point loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Vikings continually shot themselves in the foot in this game, eliminating any hope of getting a win against the Ravens. The 19-27 game might have had a different outcome if the team had been disciplined and played solid football.
The loss moves Minnesota to 4-5 on the season and keeps them in the basement of the NFC North. It is frustrating to watch a team that should be much better than the product they show on the field, especially at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Which Minnesota Vikings players played well and which ones struggled in the loss to the Ravens? Let's take a look at five players who made a big impact on the game.
Who were the winners and losers from the Minnesota Vikings during their Week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens?
Vikings loser No. 1: Myles Price, special teams
Myles Price has been excellent as a return specialist this season, but he had his worst game this year against the Ravens on Sunday. Normally, his teammates had let him down by getting penalties, but this week was Price himself making the errors.
On kick returns, Price handled six kickoffs and averaged only 25.5 yards per return. Things were even worse on punt returns, where he had three opportunities and managed to gain only five yards. In addition, he was credited with two fumbles, losing one.
Vikings winner No. 1: Jalen Nailor, wide receiver
When the top two receiving options are having a rough day, someone needs to step up. For the Vikings, that player was Jalen Nailor. He caught five of the six passes thrown his direction for a game-high and career-high 124 yards and a touchdown.
Vikings loser No. 2: The entire Minnesota Vikings offense
The defense wasn't perfect for Minnesota, but they managed to hold their own. On the other hand, the offense continued to put themselves in poor situations. The Vikings were called for EIGHT false starts. At home. Add in two interceptions and two turnovers on downs, and that's a recipe for a loss, no matter what a defense does.
Vikings winner No. 2: Will Reichard, kicker
No matter how poorly the Vikings seem to play, kicker Will Richard continues to be a dependable point-scoring machine as long as no wires are in the way. This week, he made both of his field goal attempts (one from 49 yards out) and connected on his extra point try.
Vikings loser No. 3: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver
It's unfortunate to label Justin Jefferson a loser, but he had a day he would likely want to forget. The superstar wide receiver was targeted 12 times in this game and managed to catch only four of those. For him, 37 yards is a huge disappointment, especially when his longest reception went for only 11 yards.