MINNEAPOLIS — The Vikings' playoff hopes hang by a thread after a 30-23 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Rams (11-4) clinched a spot in the postseason with the win, while the Vikings, at 7-8, will fall out of playoff position with their loss combined with the Eagles' likely win over the Giants.
The Vikings never led, though they once again played a one-score game. They intercepted Matthew Stafford three times, two by Anthony Barr, but they could not capitalize as their offense continued its recent struggles.
The offense was without running back Dalvin Cook, who is on the COVID-19 list, and though Adam Thielen returned from an ankle injury, he was limited.
Justin Jefferson achieved a piece of NFL history by surpassing Odell Beckham Jr.'s record for most receiving yards in his first two seasons.
But it was Beckham's fourth-quarter touchdown giving the Rams a 27-13 lead that the Vikings could ultimately not overcome.
The Rams also got a 61-yard punt return for a touchdown from Brandon Powell in the third quarter after the Vikings had closed to within 13-10.
