This matchup of former coaching cohorts could come down to whether the Vikings can protect Sam Darnold against the fearsome Rams front.

Before their Wild Card matchup in the playoffs, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell sent a heartfelt message to the Rams and Sean McVay.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared a heartfelt and encouraging message for Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay in light of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The message came just days before their teams faced off in the playoffs.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell did not rule out the possibility of Daniel Jones serving as the primary backup to quarterback Sam Darnold

The Minnesota Vikings are considering a significant shake-up to their quarterback depth chart, one that would put newcomer Daniel Jones in position to play if starter Sam Darnold is injured or ineffective in the playoffs.

Daniel Jones may be climbing up the totem pole in Minnesota at record speed. Speaking with reporters Thursday ahead of Monday’s playoff opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell indicated that Jones could become the team’s backup quarterback behind Sam Darnold.