The NFL trade deadline hits at 3 p.m. CT Tuesday, and the Minnesota Vikings could be a buyer after putting themselves firmly in the playoff race with a 27-24 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings have been dealing with a variety of issues on both sides of the ball. However, their special teams unit has been one of the bright spots on the team throughout 2025. Whether it is Will Reichard and his field goal efficiency, or Ryan Wright flipping the field for the defense with his punts, it has all been working for them.

Even the most callous Minnesota Vikings fan would have reason to believe that J.J. McCarthy would build off his comeback performance in Chicago.

The Detroit Lions were dealt a shocking defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings Sunday. Coming off a bye week, the Lions looked sluggish in all aspects of the game and could make enough plays down the stretch. The result was a 27-24 defeat, dropping them to 5-3 on the season.

The Lions also struggled in the running game. The Vikings give quarterbacks fits with their varied blitz packages, but teams have been able to run against them. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, though, managed 65 yards on 20 carries with a long of 11 yards.

In his first game in six weeks, J.J. McCarthy and his healthy ankle led the Minnesota Vikings to a 27-24 win over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. McCarthy threw for 143 yards, two touchdowns and ran for another as the Vikings are now 4-4.

They jury remained very much out on McCarthy prior to his Week 2 ankle injury. Sunday was a big step in the right direction for the second-year Vikings quarterback.