3 winners (and 2 losers) from the Vikings in Week 11 win over the Titans

The Minnesota Vikings kept their momentum going by winning their third straight game and their second of three road games by defeating the Tennessee Titans in Week 11 by the final score of 23-13.

The Vikings needed this win to stay competitive in the NFC North. Despite an excellent 8-2 record, Minnesota still sits in second place in the division and is tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for second place in the NFC.

3 winners (and 2 losers) from the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11

There were several players who stood out in the Vikings' win against the Titans. Let's take a look at three players who thrived and a couple of players who didn't have a great day.

Vikings winner No. 1: Andrew Van Ginkel, edge

There was much concern this offseason about replacing Danielle Hunter's production after he left Minnesota for Houston. One of the Vikings' moves to generate a pass rush this season was signing former Dolphins' pass rusher Andrew Van Ginkel.

As a whole, Van Ginkel is having an excellent season but thrived in Nashville. The edge defender not only led the team in tackles but notched two sacks on Titans QB Will Levis and registered an additional tackle for a loss.

Vikings loser No. 1: Aaron Jones, running back

Although Aaron Jones likely wasn't 100 percent for this game, he struggled to be effective against Tennessee. In 15 carries, he only managed to gain 39 yards on the ground and had one catch for 4 yards, giving him 43 yards on the day.

Struggling to get past the line of scrimmage, Jones' longest run of the day was five yards. He was also involved in a miscue on a pitch from quarterback Sam Darnold that resulted in a lost fumble on Minnesota's first offensive drive of the game and had another fumble later in the game that he was able to get back on top of.

Vikings winner No. 2: Pat Jones II, edge

When talking about the Vikings' pass rush, players like Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and rookie Dallas Turner come to mind. However, more acknowledgement needs to be given for what Pat Jones II has been able to accomplish in a limited role.

On Sunday, Jones had two sacks. His total for the season moves to seven sacks on the season and shows how valuable he can be in a rotational role for Minnesota. He was also tied for second on the team in tackles and had a total of five hits on Will Levis in the game.

Vikings loser No. 2: Jalen Nailor, wide receiver

There were a couple of opportunities for Jalen Nailor to step up and make some plays for Minnesota in this game, but things didn't quite work out well for him. There were some plays he would like to have back.

Nailor was targeted twice by Sam Darnold in the game but did not register a reception. One of those throws had the potential to be a touchdown, but the young receiver failed to haul in the catch that could have put the nail in the coffin for the game.

Vikings winner No. 3: Harrison Smith, safety

The announcers for this game showed respect for Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith. On a couple of occasions, they referred to him as a future Hall of Fame player and that could be in the cards for the 35-year-old defensive back.

Against the Titans, Smith had the interception that essentially secured the game for the purple and gold, but he also had three tackles and another pass breakup in the game to add to his impressive resume.

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