Detroit’s defense sent a ton of six- or seven-man pressures and played mostly man coverage. Can the Rams replicate that in the playoffs?

The Detroit Lions defense held Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold to a 43.9% completion percentage and just 166 yards passing in a 31-9 win.

Dave Helman and Henry McKenna sit down to Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings' expectations going into the NFL playoffs with a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Rams!

Time after time, the Minnesota Vikings had receivers open down the field in Detroit that Sam Darnold didn't connect with on a frustrating night that prevented them from taking the top seed in the NFC.

Here are five takeaways from the Vikings’ 31-9 loss to the Lions. There’s no way around it: In the biggest game of his career to this point, quarterback Sam Darnold was completely consumed by the moment. He seemed rattled from the first time he touched the ball and only completed 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards.

Detroit beat the Vikings, 31-9, at Ford Field to clinch the NFC North and the NFC’s top seed in the playoffs. The Lions finished the regular season 15-2, marking the most wins in franchise history. Here’s a sampling of what’s being said nationally after Detroit won its second consecutive division crown:

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates with wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Tim Patrick (17) and Jameson Williams (9) and tight end Sam LaPorta (87) in the end zone after running for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at Ford Field. / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings face the Detroit Lions this week on Sunday Night Football. The winner takes the NFC's No. 1 seed. Live coverage begins at 7 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.