StribSports Daily Delivery

Star Tribune columnist joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which starts with another grind-it-out win for the Vikings over a bad AFC South opponent. Minnesota hasn't been playing its best lately, but it hasn't mattered. Now the Vikings are 8-2 after a 23-13 win over the Titans. Plus Rand and Reusse get into the Wolves' last-second win, a tour of the new Division III football playoff format and a discussion of Bluesky vs. Twitter.

The Vikings are not playing their best. Fortunately, they are not playing the best teams. And they are now 8-2.

Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, who won again but lost two key players against Montreal on Thursday. Can they stay healthy enough to be a force all season, and is the NHL the toughest league in which to preserve good health? And the Wild might not even be the hottest hockey team in town. That distinction belongs to Gophers men's hockey. 10:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their Daily Delivery debate segment. They share opinions on the Twins' front office shakeup, disagree on the Vikings' most important player and try to identify the Wolves' No. 1 area of concern. 30:00: J.J. McCarthy reportedly bought Joe Mauer's old house; Gophers soccer begins NCAA play.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand returns from a sick day to talk about not one but two Wolves losses to the Blazers. What exactly is going on with this team? Well, we can't blame it all on Mike Conley Jr. It's not just the defense. It's not just what happens on a cold shooting night. But the vibes and chemistry are off, and the Wolves are 6-6 as a result. Plus the Gophers men's basketball team lost to North Texas on Wednesday. 10:00: Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer joins the show to talk about his journey to the Big Ten, his belief in himself and what he has learned this season. 21:00: Gophers football writer Randy Johnson sets up what's at stake in the final two games. 29:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins on a high school team using technology in an interesting way. 35:00: A front office shakeup for the Twins.

Introduction: Vikings fans haven't had to take solace in the misfortune of others this year because the purple are a surprising 7-2. But if they did have to dip into that space, they would find fertile territory between the Bears, Cowboys and Aaron Rodgers, host Michael Rand notes. 7:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a film review and three hot takeaways, including this from Rand: Would the Vikings be pivoting right now to J.J. McCarthy if the rookie QB was healthy? It's a fascinating question in the wake of two consecutive three-turnover games for Sam Darnold. 24:00: More award-winning Vikings poetry. 35:00: Two key departures from the Lynx.

Star Tribune writers Marcus Fuller and Cassidy Hettesheimer join host Michael Rand to break down 10 of the best senior athletes in Minnesota head of signing day this week.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included the local teams playing down to the competition. The Vikings squeezed out a win over the woeful Jaguars despite three Sam Darnold interceptions. The Gophers football team had its four-game winning streak halted at Rutgers. The Wolves continued to look sluggish in a last-second loss to the Heat. And the Wild lost in overtime to Chicago.

Host Michael Rand breaks down the twists and turns from a win over Jacksonville that shouldn't have been so close.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who keep overcoming slow starts (and overreactions to those slow starts from fans) to win games. A big reason is the sudden three-point prowess of Anthony Edwards, which was on display again in a comeback win over the Bulls on Thursday. 8:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand for a midyear look ahead to 2025. If you thought this year would be future-focused, a 6-2 start has changed that notion. But there are still a lot of big questions facing this franchise in the future. The Vikings are probably going to need to rely on more free agent success next season. 30:00: The Wild keep rolling.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the 11 kickers the Vikings have used since Gary Anderson was last their primary kicker in 2002 and ranks them all from worst to best. The impetus, of course, is that the Vikings will use a 12th kicker, John Parker Romo, with rookie sensation Will Reichard injured. 11:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their Daily Delivery debate segment. On the docket: Pressure on Ben Johnson and the Gophers men's basketball team; whether the Timberwolves will soon need to bench one of their starters; and the Vikings kicking concern. 29:00: A good start for the Gophers and some interesting comments about the Twins from Scott Boras.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the juxtaposition of his social media timeline on Tuesday, which was a lot of election coverage interspersed with the NFL trade deadline in the afternoon and the Wild game at night. The Vikings didn't make any more deals, but they added a kicker and long snapper because of injuries. The Wild, meanwhile, continued to struggle on the power play and lost 5-1 to the Kings. 8:00: Star Tribune Gophers football writer Randy Johnson joins Rand for a breakdown of the red-hot Gophers. They've won four straight, three of them with fourth quarter rallies. Max Brosmer is giving them the best QB play in five years. Will they seek a similar veteran solution in 2025? 21:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins on the early risers at Macalester. 28:00: Baseball revenue and a beginning for Gophers men's basketball.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who delivered three quarters of basketball that had to make everyone happy on Monday night. They cruised to a win over Charlotte, their best players were in control and they even got to play their extra-deep bench. 6:00: Rand has some hot takes for Andrew Krammer before their film review, the first of which caught Krammer by surprise. Plus a look at how the offensive line fared vs. the Colts and how the Vikings made Jordan Addison more of a featured player in their offense. 30:00: Vikings poetry and a simmering feud.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, starting of course with the Vikings' comeback win over the Colts. It wasn't as dramatic as reversing a 33-0 deficit as they did two years ago, but the Vikings again outplayed Indianapolis after the break in taking an important 21-13 victory. The defense was dominant. Sam Darnold was feast or famine. Plus they get into the Gophers football team's fourth straight victory, a surprisingly dominant Wild team, a Loons playoff victory and a middling start for the Timberwolves.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a letter from a fan who has lost interest in baseball and college sports because of the economics of both. Rand gets into franchise valuations across all leagues and where things are heading. 7:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a look at the Wolves' 2-2 start. They are about where they should be, but familiar problems like rebounding and transition defense need to be corrected. Also, what do we make of Mike Conley Jr.'s slow start? 22:00: Star Tribune Wild writer Sarah McLellan joins Rand to talk about one of the hottest teams in Minnesota sports. After a 6-1-2 start that was mostly on the road, the Wild and star Kirill Kaprizov return home for a big game Friday against Tampa Bay. 36:00: Don't count out Aaron Rodgers.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the World Series, which ended Wednesday after the Dodgers rallied for a 7-6 win over the Yankees. Mookie Betts keyed the win with a great hustle play, but the entire series was just a meeting between two high payroll teams in an inequitable system. 8:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their debate segment. Can the Vikings turn their season back around on Sunday? Does MLS need a different overtime format? And what if two games had gone differently for the Gophers football team? 27:00: The WNBA has a problem.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a huge night of live sports. The Timberwolves still can't beat the Mavericks, the Wild won in Marc-Andre Fleury's farewell game in Pittsburgh and Minnesota United earned a shootout victory in its playoff opener. After that, it's a flurry of guests: Randy Johnson on Gophers football, Chip Scoggins on a great high school tale, Chris Carr on high school sports coverage changes at the Star Tribune and Ben Goessling on big Vikings news.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a big Tuesday in Minnesota sports. The Wild and veteran goalie Marc-Andre Fleury get a chance to play Pittsburgh, while the Timberwolves face the Mavericks for the first time since the Western Conference Finals. 5:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down some concerning film. What's up with Jordan Addison? How can the Vikings replace Christian Darrisaw? And what happened to the pass rush against the Rams? 29:00: Jon Marthaler helps set up Minnesota United's best-of-three MLS playoff series. It could very well come down to penalty kicks against Real Salt Lake. 41:00: Are we headed for a World Series sweep?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the big stories over the weekend. The Wolves, Reusse contends, haven't been very impressive in starting with a 2-1 record. More troubling is head coach Chris Finch sticking with a tight rotation that doesn't include any young players through three games. Plus it was a significant day for the Vikings even though they didn't play. Chicago lost on a last-second miracle and Packers QB Jordan Love exiting Green Bay's victory with a groin injury. And after some Gophers football praise, it was time to shine a little light on the Wild and Loons.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings' second loss in a row after a 5-0 start, this time 30-20 to the Rams. The defense again allowed four touchdowns while the offense didn't run enough plays to get into a groove in the second half. A missed call on a facemask dashed any slim hope of a rally, but it was about No. 8 on the list of why the Vikings lost. 9:00: Phil Miller joins Rand for a breakdown of what should be a busy Twins offseason. Their ownership situation is in flux, their TV situation is new and their roster is uncertain. 30:00; The Wolves rallied for a nice win and the Wild kept rolling.

Host Michael Rand spends the bulk of the show with two guests, starting with Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling. As rumors spread that the Vikings were hoping to trade for Rams QB Matthew Stafford -- someone they will face tonight on Thursday Night Football -- Goessling dug into both the viability and the likelihood of such a move. Verdict: Zero chance, according his source, but that doesn't mean the Vikings won't look to add another piece before the trade deadline. 18:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment. They get into their level of concern after the Wolves' opener, a big game for Sam Darnold and how many wins it will take for the Gophers football program to call this a successful season. 37:00: A sweep for Gophers volleyball.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves' 110-103 loss to the Lakers, a lackluster affair from Minnesota that was troubling even if we keep it in perspective. Julius Randle put up decent numbers but was a clumsy fit in the first half. Mike Conley Jr. might have played his worst game in a Wolves uniform. It's just one of 82, but it was not a good one. 10:00: Randy Johnson joins the podcast to break down Big Ten football and set up a big game for the Gophers against Maryland on Saturday. 21:00: Six-man football? Chip Scoggins explains in his Football Across Minnesota feature. 28:00: The Wild keep rolling and the Vikings look to rebound.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand has one wish for Minnesota basketball fans: That they are able to enjoy a grievance-free Timberwolves season. If you are bitterly clinging to a call that didn't go the Wolves' way at the end of Game 2 against Dallas last year while simultaneously feeling grieved about the foul called against the Lynx on Sunday, some perspective might be helpful. 8:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the film after the Vikings' first loss of the season. Minnesota made a lot of big plays but not enough little ones. Sam Darnold missed some throws and the defense was burned for touchdowns on four straight Detroit possessions. 30:00: Vikings poetry always soothes the soul. 44:00: The Wild are rolling, but the schedule gets tougher.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which for the most part was a Sunday full of heartbreak. The Lynx came within a few seconds of their fifth WNBA championship, but a missed layup by Napheesa Collier and a questionable sequence leading to game-tying free throws by New York led to an overtime win for the Liberty. Reusse dismisses the idea of complaining about the referees and instead says the Lynx should have won big had they made a few shots. The Vikings, meanwhile, lost on a last-second field goal to the Lions. It was another game where one play either on offense or defense would have turned the outcome. Minnesota is still 5-1, but the NFC North is suddenly up for grabs. Plus thoughts on the Wolves and Minnesota United.

Host Michael Rand gives his thoughts on the Vikings' 31-29 loss to Detroit which knocked Minnesota from the ranks of the unbeaten teams and sent the NFC North into chaos.

On a special standalone episode of Daily Delivery, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine get you set up for the Wolves season that starts Tuesday against the Lakers. On the agenda: How are the newcomers fitting in? The Wolves had seven players listed among ESPN's top 100. What does that tell us about this year's team? Are they built better for the regular season or for the playoffs? And how do they fit into a crowded Western Conference?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings vs. Lions game Sunday, viewing it through the lens of ESPN's Football Power Index. Though Minnesota is the only undefeated team in the NFC, the index says the 4-1 Lions are the NFL's best team. That defines the stakes for Sunday's showdown at U.S Bank Stadium. Plus the baseball playoffs have been both compelling and frustrating. 12:00: Star Tribune Lynx writer Kent Youngblood joins Rand to set up Friday's critical Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at Target Center. Minnesota is down 2-1 in the series after Wednesday's heartbreaking loss. 19:00: Fantasy football picks return. 27:00: Bring on the NBA season and great expectations for the Wolves.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the tense and ultimately heartbreaking Lynx loss to the Liberty in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday at Target Center. The Lynx led most of the game, but a late New York rally and huge baskets in the final two minutes turned the momentum and outcome in an 80-77 final. Now the Lynx trail 2-1 in the best-of-5 series with Game 4 set for Friday at Target Center. Plus Rand spends a little time on the Wolves' preseason game and two good signs. 11:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly Daily Delivery Debate segment. On the docket: Who would even want to buy the Twins? Is Minnesota United primed for a deep playoff run? And will four NFC North teams make the playoffs? 26:00: The Vikings' injury report is concerning.

Introduction: On a jam-packed edition of the show, host Michael Rand starts with an encouraging game from the Wild punctuated by their first-ever goalie goal by Filip Gustavsson. Plus the Vikings traded for a familiar veteran running back. 8:00: Chip Scoggins joins to talk about his visit with Gophers QB recruit Jackson Kollock, and Randy Johnson follows with a look at the current team led by veteran Max Brosmer. 26:00: Hear from head coach Dawn Plitzuweit and two members of the Gophers women's basketball team about the benefit of experience. Plus the Gophers are attending the pivotal Game 3 of the WNBA Finals tonight at Target Center, where the Lynx need to get off to a better start in order to win.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a look at the emotional toll of the Timberwolves and Knicks trade, which we got a glimpse of with Donte DiVincenzo's return to Madison Square Garden on Sunday. It's going to take a little time for the new Wolves to get acclimated. Plus Rand reads a letter from a listener taking Patrick Reusse to task about Twins fans. 8:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand to dissect players trending up and down at the bye. 27:00: A boost for the Vikings offensive line and more of the same for the Jets.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and host Michael Rand look back at a busy few days in Minnesota sports, starting with Reusse's take on the Twins being for sale. He finds a mediocre fan base in the middle of it all. From there, a bunch of topics are in play: The Lynx coming home tied 1-1 in their WNBA finals series; the Wild having some of the same problems they faced last year already this year; the Wolves having a feisty preseason game in New York; and P.J. Fleck's Gophers suddenly looking to be on an upswing.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Minnesota Lynx, who rallied from 15 points down midway through the fourth quarter to defeat the New York Liberty 95-93 in overtime of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Thursday. They had just a 0.8% chance to win the game at one point, but they persevered to pull off one of the greatest wins in Minnesota sports history. 7:00: The Wild earned a 3-2 win over Columbus in their opener Thursday, the kind of victory they will need more of this season. 11:00: La Velle E. Neal III on Twins ownership, Sam Darnold and Bill Guerin. 29:00: Vikings fans are made at Kirk Herbstreit.

On a true emergency breaking news edition of the podcast, Star Tribune columnist and former longtime Twins beat writer La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand to break down Thursday's stunning news that the Pohlad family is selling the Twins after 40 years of ownership. Why now? What does it mean for the team? And should fans be happy?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Lynx, who open the WNBA Finals tonight at New York. Minnesota won three out of four against the Liberty this season, but New York seems to think those games weren't representative of how this series will go. Can the underdog Lynx win a fifth WNBA title? Plus drama elsewhere in New York, where the Jets fired their coach. Is Aaron Rodgers in the middle of it all? 8:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to preview Minnesota's season. The Wild host Columbus in the opener tonight. Their roster is largely the same as it was last season. They have one too many goalies. Can they figure it all out in time to make the playoffs and keep their best player happy? 29:00: The Wild are in year two of a five-year plan? Really?

On a special edition of the podcast, host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins to talk about Chip's recent series on how Minnesota's best pro athletes prepare on gameday. They'll talk about Harrison Smith swearing by pickle juice, Brock Faber eating the same thing all the time and Wil Trapp taking showers in total darkness. Plus other quirks, tips and strategies from the routines of Napheesa Collier, Pablo Lopez, Rudy Gobert and Kendall Coyne Schofield.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Lynx and their dominant 88-77 victory over Connecticut in Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals on Tuesday. A team that has been underestimated all season is now in the finals. You'll hear from head coach Cheryl Reeve and superstar Napheesa Collier. 10:00: Rand digs into the Twins' new TV deal with Major League Baseball. 17:00: Star Tribune Gophers writer Randy Johnson joins the show to look back at a huge win over USC and to preview Saturday's game at UCLA. 27:00: How much time will Aaron Jones miss?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts a multi-country show with an opening segment from the Dublin airport where he talks about a few travel adventures as well as thoughts on the Twins' TV situation and the big Lynx Game 5 Tuesday at Target Center. 8:00: Rand is joined by Vikings fans and friends from London for final thoughts on the 23-17 victory over the Jets that improved their record to 5-0 on the season. Keith Richotte is first up with a live and on location recording of Vikings poetry, while an 8-year-old steals the show again. 25:00: Podcast bragging rights are given.

Michael Rand and Patrick Reusse talk about the big weekend in sports. Rand is in London for the Vikings' win over the Jets while Reusse has all the insights from back in Minnesota.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand runs through a bunch of season-ending correspondence from Twins fans, finding some key themes. They largely are angry about ownership and specific in-game decisions. Some of them are willing to let their displeasure be known with their wallets. And yet some are grateful to have baseball in Minnesota. 13:00: Star Tribune writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a more thorough breakdown of the now official trade of Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks. 35:00: Sports editor Ryan Kostecka joins Rand for their weekly fantasy football segment. Rand has had the upper hand the last two weeks, but there's always another chance. 45:00: Kirk Cousins is enjoying Kirk-tober.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a big question about the Vikings. How were all of our predictions (at least so far) wrong about them? Statistical models and the eye test suggested this was maybe a seven-win team. So far, they're 4-0. Rand asked Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell what he saw in this team that the rest of us were missing, and the answer gets to the heart of their success. 10:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for the weekly Daily Delivery Debate segment. They get into three big topics: Was Twins owner Joe Pohlad's message strong enough after a disappointing end to the season? Are the Lynx going to get past Connecticut? And who got the best of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade? 32:00: Minnesota United is back in the MLS playoffs.

Introduction: It must be October because there is a lot to talk about right now. The biggest local live story was the Lynx, and host Michael Rand started with their 77-70 must-have victory over Connecticut in Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals on Tuesday. The series goes back to Connecticut tied 1-1 and feels destined to go the full five games. Rand also took note of a report that the Twins fired hitting coach David Popkins. Was the hitting coach really to blame for this year’s collapse? 9:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the show to talk about the botched off-side call on the onside kick Saturday and how the Gophers move forward from here. 19:00: Jon Marthaler on Minnesota United, which is peaking at the right time as the playoffs get near. 30:00: Chip Scoggins on Randy Shaver. 37:00: Too soon on those playoff graphics, NFL.

Introduction: In a packed episode, host Michael Rand starts with what could have been an awkward Timberwolves media day but instead was one that provided some clarity and closure on the Karl-Anthony Towns era. Players were able to talk about the weekend's blockbuster trade, with veteran Mike Conley Jr. offering key perspective. Plus the Big Ten admitted it made a mistake on Saturday and immediately changed how it officiates on-side kicks. Too bad it can't change the outcome for the Gophers. 9:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand to review the film and engage in three hot takeaways from Sunday's win over the Packers. Sam Darnold for MVP? It's not out of the question. 25:00: Vikings poetry, four of them to match the team's 4-0 record. 36:00: Remembering Pete Rose.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at one of the newsiest weekends in Minnesota sports that either of them can recall. On top of the Vikings improving to 4-0 with a win over the Packers at Lambeau Field, we had the end of the Twins' 2024 collapse, the Gophers losing in controversial fashion at Michigan and the Lynx dropping Game 1 of their series against Connecticut. But they started with the unexpected news: Karl-Anthony Towns, a nine-year mainstay for the Timberwolves, was traded to the Knicks right before the start of training camp. Reusse and Rand both like the move more than KAT fans might.

Special Delivery! Takeaways from a big win at Lambeau for 4-0 Vikings

Introduction: Host Michael Rand devotes two segments to the Twins, who are on the brink of elimination after another frustrating chain of events Thursday. The Royals and Tigers both had late-inning heroics to win their games, while the Twins missed several chances and fell 8-6 in 13 innings to the woeful Marlins. 9:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a big-picture look at the Twins. There's plenty of blame to go around, but for Scoggins it starts with ownership. If the Pohlad family isn't going to invest more in the team, is it time to think about selling? 19:00: Star Tribune sports editor Ryan Kostecka joins for a look at this week's fantasy football matchups. Rand beat him in their head-to-head sleeper pick competition a week ago, but it's always on to the next one. 32:00: The Vikings and Packers rivalry is always best when it's a little spicy and both teams are good.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Lynx, Twins and Gophers volleyball. All three had big victories of varying degrees on Wednesday. The Lynx advanced in the playoffs by sweeping Phoenix, perhaps ending Diana Taurasi's career in the process. Napheesa Collier tied a WNBA playoff record with 42 points and set a league playoff record with 80 points in the two games. The Twins, meanwhile, gathered themselves for a night and handed the Marlins their 100th loss of the year. Can Minnesota gain ground on Thursday? And the Gophers earned a thrilling five-set win over Wisconsin. 13:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly Daily Delivery Debate segment. In focus: Concerns about the Twins in 2025 and beyond, shifting expectations for the Vikings and Brett Favre. 32:00: Favre and Tommy Kramer were diagnosed this week with serious conditions linked to football. Kramer's message on X is one that demands our attention.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who continue to stagger down the stretch of an increasingly lost season. On Tuesday they fell 4-1 to the 99-loss Marlins and now sit two games behind Kansas City and Detroit in the wild card race with five games to play. They don't seem to have any answers, and fans are toggling between anger and apathy. 12:00: Star Tribune Gophers football writer Randy Johnson joins Rand off of a rough outcome against Iowa. Up 14-7 at halftime, the Gophers ultimately fell 31-14. Now they have to play at Michigan, another team that could expose their flimsy run defense. 22:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins checks in with his Football Across Minnesota feature. 28:00: A Packers dilemma against the Vikings, and the thing the Lynx must do tonight.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who continue to frustrate fans as they head into the final week of the season. Two listeners vented via email -- one about the Twins' roster moves and another about their lack of power recently -- and Rand responded. Plus a bleak outlook for Gophers football as P.J. Fleck's team looks to move on from the Iowa loss. 9:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down film from Sunday's 34-7 victory. Along the way, Rand has three very spicy hot takeaways -- including a declaration about running back Aaron Jones that Krammer couldn't quite stomach. 30:00: Vikings poetry is becoming a love-fest. 45:00: Jayden Daniels is the real deal.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which encompassed both extreme highs and lows. The highs: The Vikings moved to 3-0 with a 34-7 trouncing of the Texans. Minnesota is playing like one of the best teams in the NFL, which even the optimistic Reusse has to admit is even a surprise. It's time to start believing in this team, and the same can be said of the Lynx. They got a good test from Phoenix but prevailed to take Game 1 of their playoff series on Sunday. The lows: The Twins were swept in a disastrous doubleheader and sit on the outside of the playoff race looking in with six games left. And the Gophers football team turned a 14-7 halftime lead into a lopsided loss to rival Iowa.

Host Michael Rand hopped on a live postgame breakdown after the Vikings' 34-7 victory Sunday.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with three different notions of 50/50 clubs. The Twins have slid back to a coin flip chance to reach the playoffs and are now tied with Detroit in the wild card race after another walk-off loss Thursday. The Vikings have changed perceptions and risen up to a coin flip chance to be a playoff team. And Shohei Ohtani achieved a remarkable, never-been-done feat -- 50 homers and 50 steals in a season -- with a remarkable game Thursday. 9:00: Star Tribune WNBA writer Kent Youngblood joins Rand in advance of the playoffs. The Lynx finished the regular season 30-10, wildly overachieving compared to external expectations. The postseason starts Sunday. Can the Lynx win their fifth championship? 28:00: Fantasy football picks with Star Tribune sports editor Ryan Kostecka. 39:00: The sadness of Bryce Young.