NFL season started, it seemed inevitable that, though the Minnesota Vikings had signed quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency, the team would eventually hand over the reins to rookie first-round draft pick J.

FOX Sports' NFL experts tackle several topics, including what's next for the ailing Lions, resurgent Sam Darnold and wily Bill Belichick.

Early in the season, Darnold and the Vikings' success was largely attributed to Kevin O'Connell's offense, and a ferocious defense that stunted both the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans at the beginning of the year.