They will be the first team to play back-to-back weeks in different countries outside the United States. The Vikings will face off against the Steelers in the first-ever NFL regular season game in Dublin on Stepember 28, then play the Browns in London the following weekend. It could be a tough travel schedule for the Vikings, though the Jaguars have played back-to-back international games in recent years. Those games were in the same country, however. The Vikings-Steelers game could be intriguing if Aaron Rodgers is under center for Pittsburgh after trying and failing to generate interest for his services in Minnesota this offseason.

Jefferson appeared visibly frustrated on the sideline in the second half after failing to coral any of the three targets thrown his way after the break, potentially a sign of a lack of trust in quarterback Sam Darnold. That is of particular intrigue considering the franchise reportedly loves J.J. McCarthy and Darnold’s contract terminates this year, something that could lead to a change at signal caller heading into the new league year in Minnesota. Jefferson’s stellar 2024 season ends with 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns, narrowly edged in the receptions department by triple crown-winning wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

Lions cornerback Amik Robertson was in Jefferson’s back pocket throughout the game, notably holding the alpha wide receiver without a catch after halftime on his way to a disappointing outing. The loss sends the Vikings to the No. 5 seed and to a road date with the Rams in the Wildcard Round, one of only two teams to defeat the Vikings this season (the Lions beat them twice). Jefferson did have 115 yards in that game, meaning fantasy gamers in playoff leagues can likely target Jefferson with confidence.