McCarthy led the Vikings to a huge win in Detroit just hours after ESPN's experts said Minnesota's decision to go with McCarthy over Sam Darnold was "horrendous."

The days leading up to the Minnesota Vikings' matchup with the Detroit Lions were tense ones at TCO Performance Center. After

Vikings fans hoping for a splashy Kirk Cousins reunion may want to temper expectations. After a rough cameo with Atlanta and chatter that Minnesota is the only logical landing spot, the Falcons have not shown interest in moving him, and any deal would collide with each team’s need for a reliable veteran behind its starter.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions NFL game from November 2, 2025 on ESPN.

Cousins originally joined the Vikings from Washington in 2019. He made three Pro Bowls with Minnesota. In six years with the Vikings, Cousins had a 50-37-1 record. He completed 67.9% of his passes in the purple and gold.

After a strong first half against the Detroit Lions, Aaron Jones is questionable to return with a shoulder injury.

The Minnesota Vikings could end up dealing wide receiver Jalen Nailor ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, November 4.

The Vikings have the NFL's most difficult remaining schedule, according to ESPN's Football Power Index, and McCarthy saw an opportunity to defy the odds. He did his part Sunday, throwing touchdown passes of 10 yards to Justin Jefferson and 7 yards to T.J ...