Ranking the five plays that cost the Vikings a shot at the playoffs

A common refrain from head coach Kevin O’Connell as he gave the autopsy of this season was highlighting how small moments make a big difference. He seemed to be driving himself crazy while reflecting on some of the inflection points. “It’s easy to say when we get into December, and we’re playing for a chance to get into the playoffs,” O’Connell said. “We’ve got to understand it might be this play in September, October or November that ultimately determines our ability to have the best path to get in.” There were a few games on the schedule that the Vikings simply have to live with because they weren’t competitive. The blowout losses...