Takeaways from Week 8 of the 2024 NFL: Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua put the Rams back in the playoff race | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

For people who didn't believe in the Minnesota Vikings, it was only a matter of time. Sooner or later they would start losing – and it would be Sam Darnold's fault. His unlikely start to the 2024 season was a fluke. Order in the universe would be restored.

Well, the Vikings lost for the second straight game on Thursday night in Los Angeles. In an NFC North that has become a buzzsaw, that could be a costly loss.

But Minnesota has much bigger problems than its quarterback.

That's not to say Darnold is innocent of Thursday's loss. After touchdowns on the first two drives, Minnesota went on to score six points. Darnold focused too much on star receiver Justin Jefferson. The wideout had eight receptions for 115 yards. Every other pass catcher on the team was 10 for 125.

Even with a player as great as Jefferson, that won't work in the NFL.

The Vikings also suffered a potentially devastating injury. Minnesota's offensive line has been the epitome of stability this year. But when left tackle Christian Darrisaw left the game, that changed – and so did Darnold.

Darrisaw's knee injury ended his season, a major blow to the Vikings' O-line.

However, the big problem – the proverbial purple elephant with a Viking helmet in the room – is Minnesota's defense.

The Vikings have given up yards by the bushel all season. But Minny was a top-10 defender entering Week 8, primarily in sacks and takeaways.

Aside from a bad throw from Matt Stafford that was blocked, those big plays weren't possible against the Rams – and the result was 30 points and 386 yards of offense. Stafford had more touchdown throws in Week 8 than in Weeks 1-7 combined.

The Vikings have by far the worst defense in the toughest division in the NFL.

And that could keep them out of the postseason.