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Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 31-29 loss to the Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium, where an early lead wasn't enough to hold off a red-hot Lions offense. What missed chances were there on offense? What did Justin Jefferson have to say afterward? How much did the defense miss Blake Cashman's presence in the middle, where Jared Goff seemingly had his way?

Star Tribune writers Andrew Krammer and Ben Goessling open the mailbag and answer your questions about the Vikings nearing the NFL trade deadline, a stuffed animal throwback to 2016, the Lions offense, rookie Dallas Turner's role, linebacker Blake Cashman's expected absence, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (5-0) and Lions (4-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium, where another chapter in Jared Goff vs. Brian Flores will unfold. But first: will either running back Aaron Jones or linebacker Blake Cashman be playing? What do they do if neither can play? And will there be a change coming on the offensive line at some point?

Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider's Matthew Coller during the Vikings' bye week to discuss the recent win against the Jets, quarterback Sam Darnold's struggles, running back Aaron Jones' importance, the defense's dominance, and a trip down memory lane to revisit the two most recent 5-0 starts in franchise history.

The Star Tribune's Ben Goessling, Chip Scoggins and Michael Rand check in from London, where the Vikings rode an impressive defensive effort to a 23-17 win over Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.

At 5-0, the Vikings are off to their best start since 2016. But they also showed some offensive cracks after losing Aaron Jones to a first-half injury. Quarterback Sam Darnold had his worst game in purple, and the punt team committed multiple game-turning penalties. The Vikings made enough plays, including three critical interceptions of Rodgers, to come away with the victory in front of a very pro-purple crowd in London.

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about Sam Darnold's level of difficulty, muffed punt returns, Ring of Honor candidates, incorrect officiating calls, the Vikings as favorites, and which player will end the year as the team's second leading receiver?

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game in London, where the Vikings (4-0) will face familiar foe Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets (2-2). Just how worried should the Vikings be about a 40-year-old Rodgers? What are some notable numbers that put this 4-0 start into context? How does this compare to other hot starts in franchise history?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 31-29 win at Lambeau Field, where a 28-0 lead slowly evaporated over the course of the second half. How did Kevin O'Connell's confidence in Sam Darnold help them put this one away? Why did the Packers offense suddenly come to life in the fourth quarter? Just how much did Aaron Jones enjoy this win against his former team?

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about the "Darnissance," reasonable expectations for this season, Sam Darnold and the franchise tag, Jordan Addison's impact and receiver depth, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game at Lambeau Field, where running back Aaron Jones returns in purple and the undefeated Vikings (3-0) can put an exclamation point on their place atop the NFC North against the Packers (2-1). How does the Packers quarterback situation add a wrinkle to the week's preparation? Who are our favorite ex-Packers in Minnesota over the years? How is this Vikings defense set up to weather the attrition of an NFL season? And what do they think will happen on Sunday?