Vikings top Eagles in NFC title game rematch

The Minnesota Vikings survived a late comeback bid from the Philadelphia Eagles to earn a 23-21 victory in the NFC Championship game rematch.

Kirk Cousins threw for 301 yards and one touchdown in the win, delivering a number of incredible passes under pressure.

With the Eagles trailing 20-6 early in the fourth quarter, Carson Wentz hit running back Wendell Smallwood for a 12-yard touchdown. Head coach Doug Pederson surprisingly went for two, and converted, cutting the lead to six.

Minnesota kicked a field goal with just 2:51 remaining, extending the lead to nine. Philadelphia scored a touchdown on its next drive, making the game 23-21, but could not convert the onside kick attempt.

Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen combined for 17 catches, 207 receiving yards, and one touchdown against a leaky Eagles secondary. Thielen became the first player since the 1970 merger to start a season with at least 100 receiving yards through five games.

Wentz threw for 311 yards and two scores, though his offensive line and running game were ineffective in the loss. Tight end Zach Ertz led the team with 10 receptions, 110 yards, and a touchdown.

The Eagles drop to 2-3 and will battle the New York Giants on the road Thursday. The 2-2-1 Vikings host the Arizona Cardinals next week.

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