Detroit took down the Vikings 31-9 and claimed the NFC's bye, which sent Minnesota (as a 14-win team) to Los Angeles for a wild-card game against the Rams that they lost 27-9. That winner-take-all game between the Vikings and Lions sparked plenty of debate on whether wild-card teams with better records should have to play on the road in their first playoff game.

Here are five storylines to follow as the Vikings open training camp this week at TCO Performance Center. There were flashes of brilliance from McCarthy in the spring; he impressed on the field with his arm talent, and off the field with his magnetic personality at the podium. Will he be able to keep the momentum going in the summer?