MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minnesota Vikings (10-3) etched their first loss in two months against the Carolina Panthers Sunday. The game was never our of reach, but uncharacteristic mistakes, including big penalties and dropped passes from tight end Kyle Rudolph and wide receiver Adam Thielen, made it a tough game to watch.

Both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions secured wins Sunday, which means the Vikings aren't NFC North champions yet.

This sets up an opportunity for the Vikings to become division champions this Sunday in their first home game in four weeks. Minnesota will play a Cincinnati Bengals team (5-8) that was pounded 33-7 at home against the Chicago Bears.