Minnesota’s upcoming schedule ranks easier than the Lions, Bears, and Packers, keeping the door open for a late-season push.

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to build upon their huge win against the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon when they host the Baltimore Ravens. This is going to be a huge game for the Vikings, as they are currently 4-4 on the season,

Week 9 saw a huge NFC North matchup between the Lions and the Vikings, while the Packers faced the Carolina Panthers, and the Bears took on the Cincinnati Bengals. Minnesota entered the game 3-4 and was on the road, taking on Detroit. The Vikings were clicking on all cylinders and came away with a huge 27-24 win.

During the spring, the Vikings were one of a handful of teams linked to Samuel. Minnesota ended up re-signing Byron Murphy, while bringing in free agent corners Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah.

The Detroit Lions were stunned by J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 9 NFC North showdown at Ford Field. Here are the highlights.

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy took a hit from Lions linebacker Jack Campbell that could be subject to an NFL fine.

"I think Dan (Campbell) said it in there, I don’t know if he said it to you guys, but a little adversity at this point in the season isn’t always the worst thing for you."

Why, you ask? Well, the Minnesota Vikings are now firmly in the mix. The club went into Ford Field and took down the Detroit Lions, 27-24. On top of simply notching a divisional win, the key development in this game and what makes the victory hold bigger ramifications for the second half was the return of J.J. McCarthy.

The Minnesota Vikings have been warned that while JJ McCarthy is back, he may not be as good as some thought in a win over the Lions.