2025 Minnesota Vikings season
65th season in franchise history
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The 2025 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 65th in the National Football League (NFL), their 10th playing their home games at U.S. Bank Stadium, their 21st under the ownership of Zygi Wilf, their fourth under head coach Kevin O'Connell and their fourth and final under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The Vikings failed to improve on their 14–3 record from 2024 after a Week 7 loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, and guaranteed a worse record the following week after losing to the Los Angeles Chargers. Weak offensive performance and a quarterback carousel led the team to a 4–8 start, their worst since they started 3–8–1 in 2013. They were eliminated from playoff contention after a Chicago Bears win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 15. However, the Vikings did rally to win their final five games to secure a winning record. This is the first season since 2014 that the team had zero players make the Pro Bowl. On January 30, the Vikings announced that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been fired from the team.[1] Overall, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a poor season by throwing just 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and completed just 57.6% (140 for 243) of his passes to go with his 72.6 passer rating. He contributed 15 total touchdowns to 14 turnovers.
| 2025 Minnesota Vikings season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Zygi Wilf |
| General manager | Kwesi Adofo-Mensah |
| Head coach | Kevin O'Connell |
| Home stadium | U.S. Bank Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 9–8 |
| Division place | 3rd NFC North |
| Playoffs | Did not qualify |
| All-Pros | K Will Reichard (1st team) LS Andrew DePaola (2nd team) |
| Pro Bowlers | None |
| Uniform | |
Offseason
Futures contracts
| Position | Player | Date signed | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OT | Trevor Reid | January 9 | [2] |
| NT | Travis Bell | January 15 | [3] |
| CB | Kahlef Hailassie | ||
| OT | Marcellus Johnson | ||
| DB | Reddy Stewart | ||
| QB | Brett Rypien | ||
| RB | Zavier Scott | ||
| LB | Max Tooley | ||
| LB | Gabriel Murphy | ||
| G | Henry Byrd | ||
| OT | Leroy Watson | ||
| WR | Lucky Jackson | ||
| DE | Jonathan Harris | ||
| WR | Thayer Thomas | ||
| CB | Ambry Thomas | January 16 | [3] |
| CB | Nahshon Wright | January 17 | [3] |
| WR | Jeshaun Jones |
Free agents
| Position | Player | Free agency tag |
2025 team | Date signed | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RB | Cam Akers | UFA | New Orleans Saints | June 13 | 1 year | [4] |
| DE | Jonathan Bullard | UFA | New Orleans Saints | July 23 | 1 year, $1.4225 million | [5] |
| S | Camryn Bynum | UFA | Indianapolis Colts | March 12 | 4 years, $60 million | [6] |
| QB | Sam Darnold | UFA | Seattle Seahawks | March 13 | 3 years, $100.5 million | [7] |
| G | Dan Feeney | UFA | Buffalo Bills | August 4 | 1 year | [8] |
| CB | Stephon Gilmore | UFA | ||||
| CB | Shaquill Griffin | UFA | Seattle Seahawks | June 25 | 1 year, $3 million | [9] |
| ILB | Kamu Grugier-Hill | UFA | ||||
| S | Theo Jackson | RFA | Minnesota Vikings | March 7 | 2 years, $12.65 million | [10] |
| RB | Aaron Jones | UFA | Minnesota Vikings | March 11 | 2 years, $20 million | [11] |
| QB | Daniel Jones | UFA | Indianapolis Colts | March 12 | 1 year, $14 million | [12] |
| OLB | Patrick Jones II | UFA | Carolina Panthers | March 10 | 2 years, $20 million | [13] |
| CB | Fabian Moreau | UFA | San Francisco 49ers | August 4 | 1 year, $1.255 million | [14] |
| QB | Nick Mullens | UFA | Jacksonville Jaguars | March 12 | 2 years, $4.5 million | [15] |
| TE | Johnny Mundt | UFA | Jacksonville Jaguars | March 12 | 2 years, $5.5 million | [15] |
| CB | Byron Murphy | UFA | Minnesota Vikings | March 12 | 3 years, $54 million | [16] |
| WR | Brandon Powell | UFA | ||||
| OT | David Quessenberry | UFA | Los Angeles Rams | May 29 | 1 year, $1.33 million | [17] |
| DE | Jalen Redmond | ERFA | Minnesota Vikings | January 16 | 1 year, $960,000 | [18] |
| G | Dalton Risner | UFA | Cincinnati Bengals | August 28 | 1 year, $1.3375 million | [19] |
| OT | Cam Robinson | UFA | Houston Texans | March 25 | 1 year, $12 million | [20] |
| WR | Trent Sherfield | UFA | Denver Broncos | March 13 | 2 years, $6 million | [21] |
| DE | Jerry Tillery | UFA | Kansas City Chiefs | March 19 | 1 year, $1.79 million | [22] |
| OLB | Jihad Ward | UFA | Tennessee Titans | July 24 | 1 year, $1.405 million | [23] |
| P | Ryan Wright | RFA | Minnesota Vikings | March 11 | 1 year, $1.75 million | [24] |
Signings
| Position | Player | Free agency tag |
Former team | Date signed | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Bubba Bolden | UFA | Birmingham Stallions (UFL) | March 10 | 1 year, $840,000 | [25] |
| DE | Jonathan Allen | UFA | Washington Commanders | March 12 | 3 years, $51 million | [26] |
| C | Ryan Kelly | UFA | Indianapolis Colts | March 12 | 2 years, $18 million | [27] |
| G | Will Fries | UFA | Indianapolis Colts | March 13 | 5 years, $87.7 million | [27] |
| DE | Javon Hargrave | UFA | San Francisco 49ers | March 13 | 2 years, $30 million | [28] |
| CB | Isaiah Rodgers | UFA | Philadelphia Eagles | March 13 | 2 years, $11.045 million | [27] |
| OT | Justin Skule | UFA | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | March 13 | 1 year, $2 million | [29] |
| CB/ST | Tavierre Thomas | UFA | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | March 13 | 1 year, $2 million | [27] |
| LB | Eric Wilson | UFA | Green Bay Packers | March 14 | 1 year, $2.6 million | [30] |
| CB | Jeff Okudah | UFA | Houston Texans | March 18 | 1 year, $2.35 million | [31] |
| WR | Tim Jones | UFA | Jacksonville Jaguars | March 18 | 1 year, $1.1 million | [32] |
| WR | Rondale Moore | UFA | Atlanta Falcons | March 19 | 1 year, $2 million | [33] |
| QB | Carson Wentz | UFA | Kansas City Chiefs | August 24 | 1 years, $1.4225 million | [34] |
Releases
| Position | Player | New team | Date released | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Garrett Bradbury | New England Patriots | March 17 | [35][36] |
Extensions
| Position | Player | Date signed | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Harrison Smith | March 12 | [37] |
Trades
| Position | Player | Team | Date traded | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | Ed Ingram | Houston Texans | March 13 | MIN receives: 2026 sixth-round pick HOU receives: Ingram |
[38] |
| RB | Jordan Mason | San Francisco 49ers | March 18 | MIN receives: 2025 sixth-round pick, Mason SF receives: 2025 fifth-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick |
[39] |
| QB | Sam Howell | Seattle Seahawks | April 26 | MIN receives: 2025 sixth-round pick, Howell SEA receives: 2025 fifth-round pick | |
| DT | Harrison Phillips | New York Jets | August 21 | MIN receives: 2026 sixth-round pick, 2027 sixth-round pick NYJ receives: 2027 seventh-round pick, Phillips | |
| QB | Sam Howell | Philadelphia Eagles | August 24 | MIN receives: 2026 fifth-round pick, 2027 seventh-round pick PHI receives: 2026 sixth-round pick, Howell | |
| CB | Mekhi Blackmon | Indianapolis Colts | August 25 | MIN receives: 2026 sixth-round pick IND receives: Blackmon | |
| WR | Adam Thielen | Carolina Panthers | August 27 | MIN receives: 2026 seventh-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick, Thielen CAR receives: 2026 fifth-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick |
Draft
Having been eliminated from the playoffs in the wild card round after a 14–3 regular season in 2024, the Vikings had the 24th pick in each round of the 2025 NFL draft. They were scheduled to go into the draft with four selections, their fewest since making five picks in 2009. As well as their original first-round pick, they were also awarded a third-round pick in compensation for the departure of QB Kirk Cousins during the 2024 offseason, and acquired an additional fifth-round pick in a trade that sent DE Za'Darius Smith to the Cleveland Browns; that same deal sent the Vikings' original sixth- and seventh-round picks to the Browns. Their original second-round pick was sent to the Houston Texans in order to acquire another first-round selection in 2024; that pick was then sent to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a package with their original third- and fourth-round selections in the 2025 draft in order to move up again and select OLB Dallas Turner.[40] They also traded picks with the San Francisco 49ers in order to acquire RB Jordan Mason, giving up their original fifth-round selection and a 2026 sixth-round pick for a 2025 sixth-round selection.[39] The Vikings had been expected to receive an additional seventh-round pick in a trade that sent G Jesse Davis to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022,[41] but the conditions of the trade were not met and the pick remained with the Steelers.
Draft trades
- The Vikings traded sixth- and seventh-round selections (200th and 240th overall), and DE Za'Darius Smith to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round selection (139th overall) and a 2024 fifth-round selection (157th overall).[45]
- The Vikings traded a fifth-round selection (142nd overall) to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a fifth-round selection (172nd overall) and QB Sam Howell.[44]
- The Vikings traded a fifth-round selection (160th overall) and a 2026 sixth-round selection to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a sixth-round selection (187th overall) and RB Jordan Mason.[39]
Staff
|
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
|
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
|
Final roster
Quarterbacks (QB)
Running backs (RB)
Wide receivers (WR)
Tight ends (TE)
|
Offensive linemen (OL)
Defensive linemen (DL)
|
Linebackers (LB)
Defensive backs (DB)
Special teams (ST)
|
Practice squad
Reserve
Rookies in italics 53 active, 11 reserve, 14 practice squad |
Preseason
Schedule
The Vikings' preseason opponents and schedule were announced on May 14, in conjunction with the release of the regular season schedule.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 9 | Houston Texans | W 20–10 | 1–0 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | August 16 | New England Patriots | L 12–20 | 1–1 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | August 22 | at Tennessee Titans | L 13–23 | 1–2 | Nissan Stadium | Recap |
Game summaries
Week 1: vs. Houston Texans
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texans | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Vikings | 3 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 20 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: August 9
- Game time: 3:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,715
- Referee: Brad Allen (122)
- TV announcers (KMSP/NFLN): Paul Allen, Pete Bercich and Ben Leber
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 2: vs. New England Patriots
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriots | 7 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 20 |
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 12 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: August 16
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,705
- Referee: Carl Cheffers (51)
- TV announcers (KMSP): Paul Allen, Pete Bercich and Ben Leber
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 3: at Tennessee Titans
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 3 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 13 |
| Titans | 0 | 14 | 3 | 6 | 23 |
at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
- Date: August 22
- Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Clear, 89 °F (32 °C)
- Game attendance: 60,637
- Referee: Alex Kemp (55)
- TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Charles Davis, Jason McCourty and AJ Ross
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Regular season
Schedule
The Vikings played eight games at home and nine on the road in 2025. In addition to home and away matchups against each of their NFC North divisional rivals, they squared off against each of the teams in the NFC East and AFC North, as well as the teams that also finished in second place in each of the NFC South, NFC West and AFC West.[49]
The NFL announced the International Series matchups for 2025 prior to the rest of the schedule on May 13. The Vikings were named as the road team for two of these games: against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park in Dublin in week 4, and the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London in week 5.[50] The next day, the NFL announced the Vikings would play in a Christmas Day game at home to the Detroit Lions; it was the Vikings' fifth Christmas Day game and their third at home.[51] The remainder of the schedule was announced at 7:00 p.m. CDT on May 14, 2025.[52]
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 8 | at Chicago Bears | W 27–24 | 1–0 | Soldier Field | Recap |
| 2 | September 14 | Atlanta Falcons | L 6–22 | 1–1 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | September 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | W 48–10 | 2–1 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 4 | September 28 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | L 21–24 | 2–2 | Recap | |
| 5 | October 5 | at Cleveland Browns | W 21–17 | 3–2 | Recap | |
| 6 | Bye | |||||
| 7 | October 19 | Philadelphia Eagles | L 22–28 | 3–3 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 8 | October 23 | at Los Angeles Chargers | L 10–37 | 3–4 | SoFi Stadium | Recap |
| 9 | November 2 | at Detroit Lions | W 27–24 | 4–4 | Ford Field | Recap |
| 10 | November 9 | Baltimore Ravens | L 19–27 | 4–5 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 11 | November 16 | Chicago Bears | L 17–19 | 4–6 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 12 | November 23 | at Green Bay Packers | L 6–23 | 4–7 | Lambeau Field | Recap |
| 13 | November 30 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 0–26 | 4–8 | Lumen Field | Recap |
| 14 | December 7 | Washington Commanders | W 31–0 | 5–8 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 15 | December 14 | at Dallas Cowboys | W 34–26 | 6–8 | AT&T Stadium | Recap |
| 16 | December 21 | at New York Giants | W 16–13 | 7–8 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 17 | December 25 | Detroit Lions | W 23–10 | 8–8 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 18 | January 4 | Green Bay Packers | W 16–3 | 9–8 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Recap |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: at Chicago Bears
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 0 | 6 | 0 | 21 | 27 |
| Bears | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
- Date: September 8
- Game time: 7:15 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Clear, 68 °F (20 °C)
- Game attendance: 58,742
- Referee: Alan Eck (76)
- TV announcers (ESPN/ABC): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
The Vikings opened up the season on the road against the division rival Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. The Vikings got off to a rocky start in J. J. McCarthy's NFL debut, trailing the Bears 17–6 by the end of the third quarter, which included a pick-six by former Viking Nahshon Wright. However, the Vikings came back and outscored the Bears 21–7 in the fourth quarter to win 27–24. This marked the Vikings' sixth consecutive win against the Bears at Soldier Field, the longest winning streak there in team history.
J. J. McCarthy became the first quarterback in NFL history to score three fourth-quarter touchdowns in an NFL debut, the first Vikings quarterback to throw multiple touchdowns in an NFL debut since Fran Tarkenton did so in the team's inaugural season in 1961, and the first quarterback to overcome a fourth-quarter deficit of at least 10 points in an NFL debut since Steve Young did it with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1985.[53]
Week 2: vs. Atlanta Falcons
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falcons | 6 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 22 |
| Vikings | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: September 14
- Game time: 7:20 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,859
- Referee: Adrian Hill (29)
- TV announcers (NBC): Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth and Melissa Stark
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Week 3: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengals | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Vikings | 14 | 20 | 14 | 0 | 48 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: September 21
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,792
- Referee: Ron Torbert (62)
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Quarterback Carson Wentz made his debut for the Vikings in place of injured starter J. J. McCarthy, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to start for six different teams in six consecutive seasons.[54] With the dominant win, the Vikings improved to 2–1. Cornerback Isiah Rodgers made NFL history by becoming the first player to return an interception for a touchdown, return a fumble for a touchdown, and force two fumbles in a single game, doing it all in the first half. Rodgers also became the first Viking to score multiple defensive touchdowns in franchise history.[55] Additionally, Vikings kicker Will Reichard kicked a 62-yard field goal, setting a franchise record for longest field goal made.[56]
Week 4: at Pittsburgh Steelers
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 3 | 3 | 0 | 15 | 21 |
| Steelers | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 24 |
at Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland
- Date: September 28
- Game time: 2:30 p.m. IST/8:30 a.m. CDT
- Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 61 °F (16 °C)
- Game attendance: 74,512
- Referee: Brad Allen (122)
- TV announcers (KMSP/NFLN): Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver and Jamie Erdahl
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
The Vikings faced the Steelers in the NFL's first regular-season game in Ireland. With the loss, the Vikings fell to 2–2.
Week 5: at Cleveland Browns
NFL International Series
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
| Browns | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
- Date: October 5, 2025
- Game time: 2:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. CDT
- Game weather: Cloudy, 61 °F (16 °C)
- Game attendance: 61,082
- Referee: Scott Novak (1)
- TV announcers (KMSP/NFLN): Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Sara Walsh
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
With the win, the Vikings entered their bye week at 3–2 and improved to 5–0 when playing in London.[citation needed]
Week 7: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagles | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
| Vikings | 3 | 3 | 10 | 6 | 22 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: October 19
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,899
- Referee: Bill Vinovich (52)
- TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
The Vikings' defense struggled, allowing Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to complete 19-of-23 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns, achieving a perfect passer rating. On a 3rd-and-9 with 1:45 remaining, the defense gave up a 45-yard pass from Hurts to wide receiver A. J. Brown, effectively sealing the game. With the loss, the Vikings fell to 3–3.[57]
Week 8: at Los Angeles Chargers
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
| Chargers | 7 | 14 | 3 | 13 | 37 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Date: October 23
- Game time: 5:15 p.m. PDT/7:15 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 68 °F (20 °C) (fixed roof)
- Game attendance: 71,094
- Referee: Clete Blakeman (34)
- TV announcers (KMSP/Prime Video): Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit and Kaylee Hartung
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
With their second straight loss, the Vikings fell to 3–4 and 2–2 against the AFC. Carson Wentz would suffer a season ending shoulder injury during the game.
Week 9: at Detroit Lions
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 14 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 27 |
| Lions | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
- Date: November 2
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 64,642
- Referee: Clay Martin (19)
- TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
J. J. McCarthy made his return after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. The first-year starting quarterback completed 14-of-25 passes for 143 yards, threw two touchdown passes, ran for a rushing score, and sealed the win with a clutch 16-yard completion to Jalen Nailor on third-and-5 from the Vikings’ 28-yard line, securing an upset win against the Lions. The Vikings improved to 4–4, snapped a five-game losing streak against the Lions dating back to 2022, and won their first game in Detroit since Week 17 of the 2020 season.[58]
Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravens | 3 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 27 |
| Vikings | 7 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 19 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: November 9
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,946
- Referee: Shawn Hochuli (83)
- TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston, and Allison Williams
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
The Vikings played an undisciplined game against the Ravens, with J. J. McCarthy throwing two interceptions, Myles Price fumbling deep in their territory, and the team committing eight false-start penalties, all contributing to their loss.[59]
The Vikings recorded their first home loss to the Ravens in franchise history and their first home defeat against a Baltimore team since losing to the Colts in the 1966 season resulting in them finishing 2–2 against the AFC North and 2–3 against the AFC.[60][61]
Week 11: vs. Chicago Bears
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bears | 0 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 19 |
| Vikings | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 17 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: November 16
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,952
- Referee: Brad Rogers (126)
- TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Although the Vikings overcame a 16–3 fourth-quarter deficit and took a one-point lead with 50 seconds remaining, a 56-yard punt return by Bears Devin Duvernay set up Bears kicker Cairo Santos to convert a 48-yard game-winning field goal as time expired, preventing a comeback win by the Vikings.
Week 12: at Green Bay Packers
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Packers | 7 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 23 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Date: November 23
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Cloudy, 43 °F (6 °C)
- Game attendance: 77,991
- Referee: Carl Cheffers (51)
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Davis, Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
The Vikings' offense was dominated in the second half by the Packers' defense, being held to a total of four net yards and committing three turnovers.
Week 13: at Seattle Seahawks
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seahawks | 0 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 26 |
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
This was the team's first time facing their former quarterback from last year, Sam Darnold, since he signed with the Seahawks in free agency. Max Brosmer got his first NFL start at quarterback due to J. J. McCarthy being in concussion protocol.[62] However, Brosmer struggled mightily, throwing four interceptions against the Seattle defense (including one that was returned 85 yards for a pick-six) and a passer rating of 32.8, the worst by a Vikings starter in a game since Spergon Wynn posted a 23.2 passer rating in a 19–3 loss to the Ravens in their final game of their 2001 season. In the end, the Vikings would fail to score a single point, resulting in their first shutout loss since losing 34–0 to the Green Bay Packers in 2007.[63][64]
Week 14: vs. Washington Commanders
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commanders | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vikings | 7 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 31 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: December 7
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,810
- Referee: Brad Allen (122)
- TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Drew Brees and Kristina Pink
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
The Vikings recorded their first shutout win since defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 3–0 during the 2023 season. They also became the first team since the 1992 Broncos to be shut out and then shut out an opponent in back-to-back weeks.[65]
Week 15: at Dallas Cowboys
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 7 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 34 |
| Cowboys | 7 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 26 |
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Hours before kickoff, the Vikings were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention as a result of the Chicago Bears' win over the Cleveland Browns.[66] The Vikings went on to beat the Cowboys 34–26, securing consecutive victories for the first time in the season to improve to 6–8.
Week 16: at New York Giants
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 3 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 16 |
| Giants | 0 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 13 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Date: December 21
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Fair, 46 °F (8 °C)
- Game attendance: 76,515
- Referee: Alex Moore (49)
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Megan Olivi
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
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With their sixth straight regular season win over the Giants, the Vikings improved to 7–8 and finished 3–1 against the NFC East and 5–4 on the road.
Week 17: vs. Detroit Lions
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 0 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
| Vikings | 7 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 23 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: December 25
- Game time: 3:30 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,874
- Referee: Shawn Smith (14)
- TV announcers (WCCO, WWJ, Netflix): Noah Eagle, Drew Brees, AJ Ross and Dianna Russini
Exclusive to CBS affiliates in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Detroit areas. Out of market, game broadcast on Netflix. - Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
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Although quarterback Max Brosmer struggled, completing 9-of-16 passes for just three net passing yards, the Lions’ six turnovers and a game-deciding play in which Jordan Addison ran 65 yards for a game-sealing touchdown secured a Vikings victory. With their fourth straight win, the Vikings improved to 8–8 (3–2 against the NFC North) and eliminated the Lions from playoff contention. This was their first sweep against Detroit since 2020.
The most recent time the Vikings forced six or more turnovers without committing one was in 1975, when they recorded eight takeaways in a 38–0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.[67]
Week 18: vs. Green Bay Packers
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Vikings | 3 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 16 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: January 4
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 66,606
- Referee: John Hussey (35)
- TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta and Aditi Kinkhabwala
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
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With the win, the Vikings finished their season at 9–8 (4–2 against the NFC North) and 4–4 at home.
Standings
Division
| NFC North | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
| (2) Chicago Bears | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 2–4 | 7–5 | 441 | 415 | L2 |
| (7) Green Bay Packers | 9 | 7 | 1 | .559 | 4–2 | 7–4–1 | 391 | 360 | L4 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 4–2 | 7–5 | 344 | 333 | W5 |
| Detroit Lions | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 2–4 | 6–6 | 481 | 413 | W1 |
Conference
| Seed | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division leaders | |||||||||||
| 1 | Seattle Seahawks | West | 14 | 3 | 0 | .824 | 4–2 | 9–3 | .498 | .471 | W7 |
| 2[a] | Chicago Bears | North | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 2–4 | 7–5 | .458 | .406 | L2 |
| 3[a] | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 3–3 | 8–4 | .476 | .455 | L1 |
| 4[b] | Carolina Panthers | South | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 3–3 | 6–6 | .522 | .463 | L2 |
| Wild cards | |||||||||||
| 5[c] | Los Angeles Rams | West | 12 | 5 | 0 | .706 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .526 | .485 | W1 |
| 6[c] | San Francisco 49ers | West | 12 | 5 | 0 | .706 | 4–2 | 9–3 | .498 | .417 | L1 |
| 7 | Green Bay Packers | North | 9 | 7 | 1 | .559 | 4–2 | 7–4–1 | .483 | .431 | L4 |
| Did not qualify for the postseason | |||||||||||
| 8[d] | Minnesota Vikings | North | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .514 | .431 | W5 |
| 9[d] | Detroit Lions | North | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 2–4 | 6–6 | .490 | .428 | W1 |
| 10[b][e] | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 3–3 | 6–6 | .529 | .485 | W1 |
| 11[b][e] | Atlanta Falcons | South | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .495 | .449 | W4 |
| 12 | Dallas Cowboys | East | 7 | 9 | 1 | .441 | 4–2 | 4–7–1 | .438 | .311 | L1 |
| 13 | New Orleans Saints | South | 6 | 11 | 0 | .353 | 3–3 | 4–8 | .495 | .333 | L1 |
| 14 | Washington Commanders | East | 5 | 12 | 0 | .294 | 3–3 | 3–9 | .507 | .388 | W1 |
| 15 | New York Giants | East | 4 | 13 | 0 | .235 | 2–4 | 2–10 | .524 | .478 | W2 |
| 16 | Arizona Cardinals | West | 3 | 14 | 0 | .176 | 0–6 | 3–9 | .571 | .422 | L9 |
- Chicago finished ahead of Philadelphia based on head-to-head victory.
- Carolina finished ahead of Tampa Bay and Atlanta based on head-to-head record (Carolina 3–1 to Tampa Bay 2–2 and Atlanta 1–3).
- LA Rams finished ahead of San Francisco based on common games (LA Rams 9–3 to San Francisco 8–4 against: Arizona, Atlanta, Carolina, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Tennessee).
- Minnesota finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head sweep.
- Tampa Bay finished ahead of Atlanta based on common games (Tampa Bay 6–6 to Atlanta 5–7 against: Arizona, Buffalo, Carolina, LA Rams, Miami, New England, New Orleans, NY Jets, San Francisco and Seattle).
Statistics
Team leaders
| Category | Player(s) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Passing yards | J. J. McCarthy | 1,632 |
| Passing touchdowns | J. J. McCarthy | 11 |
| Rushing yards | Jordan Mason | 758 |
| Rushing touchdowns | Jordan Mason | 6 |
| Receptions | Justin Jefferson | 84 |
| Receiving yards | Justin Jefferson | 1,048 |
| Receiving touchdowns | Jalen Nailor Josh Oliver | 4 |
| Points | Will Reichard | 130 |
| Kickoff return yards | Myles Price | 1,479 |
| Punt return yards | Myles Price | 298 |
| Tackles | Blake Cashman | 144 |
| Sacks | Dallas Turner | 8.0 |
| Interceptions | Josh Metellus Byron Murphy Harrison Smith | 2 |
| Forced fumbles | Dallas Turner Eric Wilson | 4 |
Source: Pro-Football-Reference.com[68]
League rankings
| Category | Total yards | Yards per game | NFL rank (out of 32) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passing offense | 2,834 | 166.7 | 29th |
| Rushing offense | 1,841 | 108.3 | 23rd |
| Total offense | 4,675 | 275.0 | 28th |
| Passing defense | 2,694 | 158.5 | 2nd |
| Rushing defense | 2,110 | 124.1 | 21st |
| Total defense | 4,804 | 282.6 | 3rd |