![Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook held up two fingers to signify his second touchdown of the game after his 21 yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. ] JEFF WHEELER � jeff.wheeler@startribune.com The Minnesota Vikings beat the Miami Dolphins 41-17 in an NFL football game Sunday afternoon, December 16, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/NXA4RUA7B24YC4LNKUXURXK4IY.jpg?&w=1080)
This is a rapid reaction post filed at the end of the game. My column will be in the morning paper and online at StarTribune.com
For all of their problems, for all of the upheaval surrounding their firing of an offensive coordinator in December, the Vikings are in remarkably good shape, if making the playoffs is your goal.
With their 41-17 victory over Miami on Sunday, they likely will need only a victory against a battered Detroit team next Sunday to make the playoffs.
While they scored 41 points on Sunday against the NFL's 28th-ranked defense, it was the Vikings' defense that dominated once the game got close. After scoring touchdowns on their first three drives, the Vikings' offense went into a lull.
When Kalen Ballage ran 75 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter, this apparent blowout was at 21-17, Vikings.
The Dolphins wouldn't score again. The Vikings would finish with nine sacks for 71 yards, helping them overcome Kirk Cousins' latest pick-six.
Dalvin Cook would finish with 19 carries for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
Mike Zimmer wanted the Vikings to run the ball. It helps when those runs work right away.
