The Minnesota Vikings have endured one heck of a season, and it's still not over. Week 14 brought the Washington Commanders to U.S. Bank Stadium for a matchup of two teams that were powerhouses last year, but couldn't repeat that success in 2025.
For the Vikings, the remainder of this season is all about the growth and development of young quarterback J.J. McCarthy. His struggles earlier this season have many fans down on the former University of Michigan passer, but he still has time to turn things around.
Minnesota got the job done on Sunday, making a statement in their 31-0 win over the Commanders. When the team wins, all the other issues seem to take a back seat. That is true even though the purple and gold are extreme long shots to participate in the postseason.
There was a lot to like in the game against the Washington Commanders, but there were also some performances that left much to be desired. Let's talk about the winners and losers from Sunday's matchup.
Minnesota Vikings Winners and Losers from the team's Week 14 win over the Washington Commanders
Vikings Winner No. 1
J.J. McCarthy - QB
Many Minnesota Vikings fans were ready to write J.J. McCarthy off after his disappointing play earlier this season. However, he was solid against the Commanders. The young quarterback completed 16 of his 23 passing attempts for 163 yards and three touchdowns.
However, the most notable thing from this game is that McCarthy did not have a turnover. No interceptions. No fumbles. This is the kind of play that Minnesota needs from its first-round pick in 2024, and hopefully it can continue.
Vikings Loser No. 1
Jonathan Greenard - Edge
Jonathan Greenard didn't necessarily have a bad game, but the Vikings' edge rusher was held to only two tackles on Sunday with no sacks or hits on Washington's quarterbacks.
Minnesota is loaded on the edge with other talented players who can pick up the slack if a player has an off-day, and that's exactly what happened.
Vikings Winner No. 2
Josh Oliver - TE
When listing the offensive weapons on the Vikings' roster, it would take a little while for fans to mention tight end Josh Oliver.
Primarily known for his ability as a blocker, the 28-year-old tight end caught two passes, but they were both touchdowns. Two catches on two targets for two touchdowns and 24 yards. That's efficient football.
Vikings Loser No. 2
Justin Jefferson - WR
Getting Justin Jefferson involved in the offense can be a major challenge when defenses key in on him on every play. It's not that J.J. McCarthy didn't look to his top receiver, but the attention that Jefferson drew made things easier for Minnesota's quarterback to complete passes to other targets, particularly his tight ends.
Jefferson caught two of the four passes thrown his way for 11 yards. The Vikings superstar didn't seem frustrated, since he was seen looking happy on the sideline during the rout of the Commanders.
Vikings Winner No. 3
Andrew Van Ginkel - Edge
He didn't lead the team in tackles or sacks, but edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel left his stamp on this game when he intercepted a pass and returned it for 40 yards to continue the beatdown of the Commanders.
He tied for fourth in tackles on the Vikings with four, but it was that splash play that had fans on their feet.