Vikings to start Mullens in regular-season finale vs. Lions

The Minnesota Vikings will start Nick Mullens at quarterback on Sunday for their crucial matchup against the Detroit Lions, head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Wednesday.

The 28-year-old started the Vikings' Week 15 contest against the Lions but was benched after throwing four interceptions in the loss. Jaren Hall took over under center and started in Week 16, but the team sat him after halftime in last week's matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

Mullens has thrown for 910 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions in four games.

The Vikings' postseason hopes are still alive, but they'll need plenty of help to get there. A Minnesota win combined with losses by the Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers or New Orleans Saints would give the Vikings a playoff berth.