2016 Minnesota Vikings season
56th season in franchise history
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2016 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 56th in the National Football League (NFL) and their third under head coach Mike Zimmer. After starting the season with five consecutive wins prior to their bye week, the Vikings managed just three victories after the bye and were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 16 with a 38–25 road loss to the Packers.[1] They joined the 1978 Redskins, 1993 Saints, 2003 Vikings, 2009 Broncos, 2009 Giants and 2015 Falcons in missing the playoffs after starting 5–0 or better. The Vikings are the only NFL team to have more than once started 5–0 or better and missed the playoffs.
OwnerZygi Wilf
Head coachMike Zimmer (games 1–12, 14–16)
Mike Priefer (interim, game 13)
Mike Priefer (interim, game 13)
Home stadiumU.S. Bank Stadium
| 2016 Minnesota Vikings season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Zygi Wilf |
| General manager | Rick Spielman |
| Head coach | Mike Zimmer (games 1–12, 14–16) Mike Priefer (interim, game 13) |
| Home stadium | U.S. Bank Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 8–8 |
| Division place | 3rd NFC North |
| Playoffs | Did not qualify |
| All-Pros | 1
|
| Pro Bowlers | |
| Uniform | |
| |
The team's new stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, opened at the start of the season, with a regular season debut victory on September 18 against division rival Green Bay on NBC Sunday Night Football. It was built on the site of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the team's home from 1982 through 2013. The Vikings played at the outdoor TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota in 2014 and 2015. This would be the season the Vikings introduced their color rush jersey, the Minnesota Vikings debuted the Jerseys at home against Dallas.
On August 30, starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a season-ending ACL tear and dislocated knee on a non-contact play during team practice.[2] Originally, it was reported that Bridgewater's injury would keep him out for around a year and a half, and on January 27, 2017, it was reported that it was possible he could also miss the entire 2017 season.[3] The extent of Bridgewater's injury prompted the Vikings to make a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for former number 1 draft pick Sam Bradford, giving up a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2018 Draft in exchange.[4][5] Adrian Peterson's season was also hit by injury after he tore the meniscus in his right knee in the home opener against the Packers.[6][7] On September 22, Peterson underwent successful surgery to repair the meniscus. It was also revealed that the knee had a mild LCL sprain, but it did not need surgery.[8] He was placed on injured reserve on September 23, 2016,[9] and reactivated on December 17,[10] but only made six rushing attempts before leaving the game, ending his season. Peterson left the team at the end of the season, ending his 10-year tenure with the Vikings.
Offseason
2016 draft
| 2016 Minnesota Vikings draft[11] | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draft order | Player name | Position | College | Contract | Notes | ||
| Round | Selection | ||||||
| 1 | 23 | Laquon Treadwell | WR | Ole Miss | 4 years / $9.93 million[12] | ||
| 2 | 54 | Mackensie Alexander | CB | Clemson | 4 years / $4.3 million | ||
| 3 | 86 | Traded to the Miami Dolphins[A] | |||||
| 4 | 121 | Willie Beavers | G | Western Michigan | 4 years / $2.88 million | ||
| 5 | 160 | Kentrell Brothers | LB | Missouri | 4 years / $2.57 million | ||
| 6 | 180 | Moritz Böhringer | WR | None[B] | 4 years / $2.49 million | from 49ers[C] | |
| 186 | Traded to the Miami Dolphins[D] | from Dolphins[A] | |||||
| 188 | David Morgan II | TE | UTSA | 4 years / $2.47 million | from Eagles[E] | ||
| 196 | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles[E] | from Texans via Patriots and Dolphins[D] | |||||
| 198 | Traded to the San Diego Chargers[F] | ||||||
| 7 | 227 | Stephen Weatherly | LB | Vanderbilt | 4 years / $2.42 million | from Ravens via Dolphins[D] | |
| 240 | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles[E] | from Bills[G] | |||||
| 244 | Jayron Kearse | S | Clemson | 4 years / $2.4 million | |||
Draft trades
- The Vikings traded their third-round selection (86th overall) to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Miami's sixth-round selection (186th overall) and 2017 third- and fourth-round selections.[13]
- He played for the Schwäbisch Hall of the German Football League (GFL).
- The Vikings traded linebacker Gerald Hodges to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for San Francisco's sixth-round selection (180th) and center Nick Easton.[14]
- The Vikings traded the sixth-round selection they acquired from the Miami Dolphins (186th overall) back to the Dolphins in exchange for Miami's sixth-round selection and the seventh-round selection they acquired from the Ravens (196th and 227th overall).[15]
- The Vikings traded the sixth-round selection they acquired from Miami and their seventh-round selection (196th and 240th overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Philadelphia's sixth-round selection (188th overall).[16]
- The Vikings traded their sixth-round selection (198th overall) to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for guard Jeremiah Sirles.[17]
- The Vikings traded their 2015 sixth-round selection (187th overall) and quarterback Matt Cassel to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Buffalo's 2016 sixth-round selection (240th overall) and a 2015 fifth-round selection (137th overall).[18]
Roster changes
| Date | Player name | Position | Contract terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 7, 2016 | Andrew Sendejo | S | 4 years / $16 million[19] |
| Adam Thielen | WR | 1 year / $600,000[20] | |
| March 8, 2016 | Audie Cole | LB | 1 year / $760,000[21] |
| March 9, 2016 | Mike Harris | G | 1 year / $1.9 million[22] |
| March 15, 2016 | Rhett Ellison | TE | 1 year / $2.25 million[23] |
| Marcus Sherels | CB | 2 years / $4 million[23] | |
| March 16, 2016 | Matt Asiata | RB | 1 year / $840,000[24] |
| March 18, 2016 | Terence Newman | CB | 1 year / $3 million[23] |
| Justin Trattou | DE | 1 year / $810,000[25] | |
| April 11, 2016 | Chad Greenway | LB | 1 year / $2.75 million[26] |
| April 18, 2016 | Zach Line | FB | 1 year / $1.671 million[27] |
| September 9, 2016 | Joe Berger | C | 1-year extension[28] |
| Date | Player name | Position | Note | New team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 8, 2016 | Mike Wallace | WR | Released[29] | Baltimore Ravens |
| Austin Wentworth | OT | Waived[29] | Retired[30] | |
| March 9, 2016 | Casey Matthews | ILB | UFA | |
| Jason Trusnik | ILB | UFA | ||
| March 14, 2016 | Josh Robinson | CB | UFA | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| March 18, 2016 | Robert Blanton | S | UFA | Buffalo Bills |
| April 13, 2016 | Alex Singleton | LB | Waived | Calgary Stampeders (CFL) |
| May 10, 2016 | Johnny Lowdermilk | S | Waived | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| July 25, 2016 | Phil Loadholt | OT | Waived | Retired |
| August 25, 2016 | Melvin White | CB | Waived | |
| August 30, 2016 | Brad Sorensen | QB | Waived[31][32] | |
| Terrell Sinkfield | WR | |||
| Austin Shepherd | OT | |||
| John Sullivan | C | |||
| Scott Crichton | DL | |||
| Antone Exum | S | |||
| Zach Moore | DE | |||
| September 3, 2016 | C. J. Ham | HB | Waived | |
| Blake Renaud | FB | |||
| Isaac Fruechte | WR | |||
| Moritz Böhringer | WR | |||
| Willie Beavers | OL | |||
| Isame Faciane | OG | |||
| Stephen Weatherly | DE | |||
| Toby Johnson | DT | |||
| Brandon Watts | OLB |
| Date signed | Player name | Position | Previous team | Contract terms | Date released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 7, 2016 | Carter Bykowski | OT | Minnesota Vikings | 1 year / $600,000[38] | August 30, 2016 |
| March 9, 2016 | Kenrick Ellis | DT | 1 year / $810,000[39] | September 3, 2016 | |
| March 11, 2016 | Travis Lewis | LB | Detroit Lions | 1 year / $810,000[22] | June 16, 2016 |
| March 14, 2016 | Michael Griffin | S | Tennessee Titans | 1 year / $3 million[22] | September 3, 2016 |
| March 21, 2016 | Brian Leonhardt | TE | San Francisco 49ers | 1 year / $600,000[40] | August 30, 2016 |
| May 1, 2016 | Keith Baxter | CB | Marshall (NCAA) | Undrafted FA[41] | July 31, 2016 |
| Kyle Carter | TE | Penn State (NCAA) | September 3, 2016 | ||
| Joel Stave | QB | Wisconsin (NCAA) | |||
| Theiren Cockran | DE | Minnesota (NCAA) | August 30, 2016 | ||
| Jake Ganus | ILB | Georgia (NCAA) | September 3, 2016 | ||
| Marken Michel | WR | UMass (NCAA) | August 30, 2016 | ||
| Denzell Perine | OLB | Florida Atlantic (NCAA) | September 2, 2016 | ||
| Jhurell Pressley | RB | New Mexico (NCAA) | September 3, 2016 | ||
| Brandon Ross | RB | Maryland (NCAA) | May 23, 2016 | ||
| May 9, 2016 | Tre Roberson | CB | Illinois State (NCAA) | Undrafted FA[42] | September 13, 2016 |
| Troy Stoudermire | WR | Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL) | [42] | August 30, 2016 | |
| May 23, 2016 | Travis Raciti | DT | Philadelphia Eagles | September 2, 2016 | |
| May 31, 2016 | Bruce Gaston | DT | Chicago Bears | June 16, 2016 | |
| July 27, 2016 | Sean Hickey | OT | New York Jets | [43] | August 30, 2016 |
| Jason Whittingham | LB | Utah (NCAA) | [43] | July 31, 2016 | |
| July 30, 2016 | Claudell Louis | DT | Buffalo Bills | [44] | August 30, 2016 |
| April 13, 2016 | Terrance Plummer | LB | Minnesota Vikings | August 31, 2016 | |
| August 20, 2016 | Kevin Monangai | RB | Philadelphia Eagles | Waived[45] | August 4, 2016 |
| August 20, 2016 | Brad Sorensen | QB | San Diego Chargers | [45][46] | August 30, 2016 |
| August 31, 2016 | Minnesota Vikings | September 2, 2016 | |||
| September 6, 2016 | Carter Bykowski | OT | Minnesota Vikings | Practice squad | September 13, 2016 |
Staff
|
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
|
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
|
Roster
Pro Bowl
Five Vikings were selected for the 2017 Pro Bowl: defensive end Everson Griffen, defensive tackle Linval Joseph, return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and free safety Harrison Smith. Rhodes played in his first Pro Bowl, while Griffen, Patterson and Smith participated in their second; Patterson was the first return specialist in Vikings history to go to two Pro Bowls.[47] Linval Joseph replaced Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.[48]
Preseason
Schedule
The Vikings' preseason opponents and schedule were announced on April 7, 2016.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | NFL.com recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 12 | at Cincinnati Bengals | W 17–16 | 1–0 | Paul Brown Stadium | 50,737 | Recap |
| 2 | August 18 | at Seattle Seahawks | W 18–11 | 2–0 | CenturyLink Field | 68,469 | Recap |
| 3 | August 28 | San Diego Chargers | W 23–10 | 3–0 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,143 | Recap |
| 4 | September 1 | Los Angeles Rams | W 27–25 | 4–0 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,262 | Recap |
Game summaries
Week 1: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 0 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
| Bengals | 0 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 16 |
at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Date: August 12
- Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT/6:30 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Cloudy, 86 °F (30 °C)
- Game attendance: 50,737
- Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 0 | 11 | 0 | 7 | 18 |
| Seahawks | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 11 |
at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
- Date: August 18
- Game time: 9:00 p.m. CDT/7:00 p.m. PDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 83 °F (28 °C)
- Game attendance: 68,469
- Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 3: vs. San Diego Chargers
Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chargers | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Vikings | 6 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 23 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: August 28
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,143
- Referee: John Hussey (35)
- TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Rams
Week 4: Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rams | 7 | 0 | 3 | 15 | 25 |
| Vikings | 0 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 27 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: September 1
- Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,262
- Referee: Bill Vinovich (52)
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Regular season
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | NFL.com recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 11 | at Tennessee Titans | W 25–16 | 1–0 | Nissan Stadium | 63,816 | Recap |
| 2 | September 18 | Green Bay Packers | W 17–14 | 2–0 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,813 | Recap |
| 3 | September 25 | at Carolina Panthers | W 22–10 | 3–0 | Bank of America Stadium | 73,813 | Recap |
| 4 | October 3 | New York Giants | W 24–10 | 4–0 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,690 | Recap |
| 5 | October 9 | Houston Texans | W 31–13 | 5–0 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,683 | Recap |
| 6 | Bye | ||||||
| 7 | October 23 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 10–21 | 5–1 | Lincoln Financial Field | 69,596 | Recap |
| 8 | October 31 | at Chicago Bears | L 10–20 | 5–2 | Soldier Field | 60,422 | Recap |
| 9 | November 6 | Detroit Lions | L 16–22 (OT) | 5–3 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,807 | Recap |
| 10 | November 13 | at Washington Redskins | L 20–26 | 5–4 | FedExField | 78,216 | Recap |
| 11 | November 20 | Arizona Cardinals | W 30–24 | 6–4 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,808 | Recap |
| 12 | November 24 | at Detroit Lions | L 13–16 | 6–5 | Ford Field | 63,793 | Recap |
| 13 | December 1 | Dallas Cowboys | L 15–17 | 6–6 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,860 | Recap |
| 14 | December 11 | at Jacksonville Jaguars | W 25–16 | 7–6 | EverBank Field | 62,701 | Recap |
| 15 | December 18 | Indianapolis Colts | L 6–34 | 7–7 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,820 | Recap |
| 16 | December 24 | at Green Bay Packers | L 25–38 | 7–8 | Lambeau Field | 77,856 | Recap |
| 17 | January 1 | Chicago Bears | W 38–10 | 8–8 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,808 | Recap |
- Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: at Tennessee Titans
Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 0 | 0 | 12 | 13 | 25 |
| Titans | 3 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
- Date: September 11
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 76 °F (24 °C)
- Game attendance: 63,816
- Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
- TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Chris Spielman and Kristina Pink
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Shaun Hill started at quarterback in the team's first game, as Sam Bradford was rested until the second game.
Week 2: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 2: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| Vikings | 0 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: September 18
- Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,813
- Referee: Walt Anderson (66)
- TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sam Bradford made his first start for the Vikings in week 2 against the Packers just 15 days after being traded. Despite not having much time to learn the offense, Bradford outplayed Aaron Rodgers but ended up hurting his left hand in the first half due to a hit by Clay Matthews. Bradford finished the game completing 22-of-31 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns, helping lead the Vikings to their first win in their new stadium.
Week 3: at Carolina Panthers
Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 2 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 22 |
| Panthers | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: September 25
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Partly cloudy, 80 °F (27 °C)
- Game attendance: 73,813
- Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 4: vs. New York Giants
Week 4: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giants | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Vikings | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: October 3
- Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,690
- Referee: Brad Allen (122)
- TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 5: vs. Houston Texans
Week 5: Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texans | 0 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 13 |
| Vikings | 14 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 31 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: October 9
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,683
- Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
- TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Solomon Wilcots
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 7: at Philadelphia Eagles
Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Eagles | 0 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 21 |
at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Date: October 23
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Clear, 62 °F (17 °C)
- Game attendance: 69,596
- Referee: John Hussey (35)
- TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sam Bradford faces his former team for the first time after he was traded from the Eagles prior to the start of the season. The Vikings streak came to a halt as they lost the game 21–10.
Week 8: at Chicago Bears
Week 8: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Bears | 3 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
- Date: October 31
- Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Cloudy, 58 °F (14 °C)
- Game attendance: 60,422
- Referee: Gene Steratore (114)
- TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 9: vs. Detroit Lions
Week 9: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 3 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 22 |
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 16 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: November 6
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,807
- Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Although it was Stefon Diggs' big day, having caught 13 passes for 80 yards, it wasn't enough as the Vikings dropped 5–3.
Week 10: at Washington Redskins
Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Redskins | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 26 |
at FedExField, Landover, Maryland
- Date: November 13
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Sunny, 58 °F (14 °C)
- Game attendance: 78,216
- Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
- TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Chris Spielman and Kristina Pink
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
This was the last game for Blair Walsh in a Vikings uniform as he was released days after this game.
Week 11: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 11: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinals | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
| Vikings | 7 | 13 | 10 | 0 | 30 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: November 20
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,808
- Referee: Clete Blakeman (34)
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 12: at Detroit Lions
Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 7 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 13 |
| Lions | 7 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
- Date: November 24
- Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST/11:30 a.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 63,793
- Referee: Carl Cheffers (51)
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson and Jay Feely
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 13: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week 13: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 17 |
| Vikings | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 15 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: December 1
- Game time: 7:25 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,860
- Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
- TV announcers (NBC/NFLN/Twitter): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Heather Cox
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Head coach Mike Zimmer missed this game after undergoing emergency eye surgery the night before. Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer served as interim coach for the game.[49]
Week 14: at Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 6 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 25 |
| Jaguars | 0 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 16 |
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 15: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Week 15: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colts | 10 | 17 | 0 | 7 | 34 |
| Vikings | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: December 18
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,820
- Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
- TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Adrian Peterson returned to action and had six carries for 22 yards against the Colts.[10] This was the last game he'd ever play for the Vikings.
Week 16: at Green Bay Packers
Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 3 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 25 |
| Packers | 14 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 38 |
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
With the loss, the Vikings dropped to 7–8 and were officially eliminated from postseason contention. The loss also made the Vikings the first team to twice start 5–0 or better, and on both occasions miss the playoffs (they also missed the playoffs in 2003 after starting 6–0).
Week 17: vs. Chicago Bears
Week 17: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bears | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Vikings | 7 | 17 | 0 | 14 | 38 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: January 1, 2017
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,808
- Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
- TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, David Diehl and Kristina Pink
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standings
Division
| NFC North | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
| (4) Green Bay Packers | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–1 | 8–4 | 432 | 388 | W6 |
| (6) Detroit Lions | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 3–3 | 7–5 | 346 | 358 | L3 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 2–4 | 5–7 | 327 | 307 | W1 |
| Chicago Bears | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 2–4 | 3–9 | 279 | 399 | L4 |
Conference
| # | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division leaders | |||||||||||
| 1 | Dallas Cowboys | East | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 3–3 | 9–3 | .471 | .440 | L1 |
| 2 | Atlanta Falcons | South | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 5–1 | 9–3 | .480 | .452 | W4 |
| 3 | Seattle Seahawks | West | 10 | 5 | 1 | .656 | 3–2–1 | 6–5–1 | .441 | .425 | W1 |
| 4 | Green Bay Packers | North | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–1 | 8–4 | .508 | .453 | W6 |
| Wild Cards | |||||||||||
| 5 | New York Giants | East | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 4–2 | 8–4 | .486 | .455 | W1 |
| 6[a] | Detroit Lions | North | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .475 | .392 | L3 |
| Did not qualify for the postseason | |||||||||||
| 7[a] | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .492 | .434 | W1 |
| 8 | Washington Redskins | East | 8 | 7 | 1 | .531 | 3–3 | 6–6 | .516 | .430 | L1 |
| 9 | Minnesota Vikings | North | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 2–4 | 5–7 | .492 | .457 | W1 |
| 10 | Arizona Cardinals | West | 7 | 8 | 1 | .469 | 4–1–1 | 6–5–1 | .463 | .366 | W2 |
| 11[b] | New Orleans Saints | South | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 6–6 | .523 | .393 | L1 |
| 12[b] | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 5–7 | .559 | .518 | W2 |
| 13 | Carolina Panthers | South | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 1–5 | 5–7 | .518 | .354 | L2 |
| 14 | Los Angeles Rams | West | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 2–4 | 3–9 | .504 | .500 | L7 |
| 15 | Chicago Bears | North | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 2–4 | 3–9 | .521 | .396 | L4 |
| 16 | San Francisco 49ers | West | 2 | 14 | 0 | .125 | 2–4 | 2–10 | .504 | .250 | L1 |
| Tiebreakers[c] | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Statistics
Team leaders
| Category | Player(s) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Passing yards | Sam Bradford | 3,877 |
| Passing touchdowns | Sam Bradford | 20 |
| Rushing yards | Jerick McKinnon | 539 |
| Rushing touchdowns | Matt Asiata | 6 |
| Receptions | Stefon Diggs | 84 |
| Receiving yards | Adam Thielen | 967 |
| Receiving touchdowns | Kyle Rudolph | 7 |
| Points | Kai Forbath | 56 |
| Kickoff return yards | Cordarrelle Patterson | 792 |
| Punt return yards | Marcus Sherels | 292 |
| Tackles | Eric Kendricks | 109 |
| Sacks | Danielle Hunter | 12.5 |
| Interceptions | Xavier Rhodes | 5 |
| Forced fumbles | Linval Joseph Brian Robison | 3 |
Source: Minnesota Vikings' official website[50]
League rankings
| Category | Total yards | Yards per game | NFL rank (out of 32) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passing offense | 3,836 | 239.8 | 18th |
| Rushing offense | 1,205 | 75.3 | 32nd |
| Total offense | 5,041 | 315.1 | 28th |
| Passing defense | 3,327 | 207.9 | 3rd |
| Rushing defense | 1,711 | 106.9 | 20th |
| Total defense | 5,038 | 314.9 | 3rd |
Source: NFL.com.[51]