2020 Minnesota Vikings season

60th season in franchise history

The 2020 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 60th in the National Football League (NFL), their fifth playing home games at U.S. Bank Stadium and their seventh under head coach Mike Zimmer. This was the Vikings' first time since 2005 that long-time assistant Kevin Stefanski was not part of the Vikings coaching staff, as he left to become the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns on January 12, 2020. After going 1–5 in their first six games for the first time since 2013, the team failed to improve upon their 10–6 record from 2019 after a Week 11 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and failed to match their 10–6 record after a Week 14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention following a week 16 loss to the New Orleans Saints, and ultimately finished 7–9, their first losing season since 2014. The Vikings conceded 475 points during the season, the third-highest total in franchise history, although they also managed to score 430 points, also the third-most in team history.[1]

Offseason

Transactions

Players lost in 2020
Name Position Type 2020 team Contract Ref.
Mackensie Alexander CB UFA Cincinnati Bengals 1 year, $4 million [2]
Kentrell Brothers LB UFA
Stefon Diggs WR Trade Buffalo Bills [3]
Everson Griffen DE UFA Dallas Cowboys 1 year, $6 million [4]
Linval Joseph DT Released Los Angeles Chargers 2 years, $17 million [5]
Jayron Kearse S UFA Detroit Lions 1 year, $2 million [6]
Josh Kline G Released [7]
David Morgan II TE Released [8]
Xavier Rhodes CB Released Indianapolis Colts 1 year, $3.25 million [9]
Andrew Sendejo S UFA Cleveland Browns 1 year, $2.25 million [10]
Marcus Sherels CB UFA
Laquon Treadwell WR UFA Atlanta Falcons 1 year, $910,000 [11][12]
Trae Waynes CB UFA Cincinnati Bengals 3 years, $42 million [13]
Stephen Weatherly DE UFA Carolina Panthers 2 years, $12.5 million [14]
Players signed in 2020
Name Position Type 2019 team Contract Ref.
Ameer Abdullah RB UFA Minnesota Vikings 1 year, $1.0475 million [15]
Dan Bailey K UFA Minnesota Vikings 3 years, $10 million [16]
Britton Colquitt P UFA Minnesota Vikings 3 years, $9 million [17]
Kirk Cousins QB Extension Minnesota Vikings 2 years, $66 million [18]
Dakota Dozier T UFA Minnesota Vikings 1 year, $1 million [19]
DeMarquis Gates LB UFA Houston Roughnecks (XFL) 1 year, $610,000 [20]
C. J. Ham FB Extension Minnesota Vikings 4 years, $12 million [21]
Anthony Harris S UFA (franchise tag) Minnesota Vikings 1 year, $11.441 million [22][23]
Rashod Hill G UFA Minnesota Vikings 1 year, $1.0475 million [24]
Brett Jones C UFA Minnesota Vikings 1 year, $1 million [25]
Sean Mannion QB UFA Minnesota Vikings 1 year, $1.047 million [26]
Michael Pierce DT UFA Baltimore Ravens 3 years, $27 million [27]
Tajae Sharpe WR UFA Tennessee Titans 1 year, $1 million [28]
Eric Wilson LB RFA (second-round tender) Minnesota Vikings 1 year, $3.259 million [29]
Anthony Zettel DE UFA San Francisco 49ers 1 year, $1 million [30]

Draft

The Vikings had a total of 15 selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, a record number since the draft moved to a seven-round format in 1994.[31] Although they had lost their original fifth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in the trade for kicker/punter Kaare Vedvik prior to the 2019 season and their seventh-round pick in the trade that sent wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the 2020 offseason, the Diggs trade gave the Vikings extra picks in the first, fifth and sixth rounds. They also had an extra pick in the seventh round after trading guard Danny Isidora to the Miami Dolphins at the start of the 2019 season, as well as one compensatory pick in the third round and two in the seventh as a result of free agency losses in 2019.

After taking Louisiana State wide receiver Justin Jefferson 22nd overall with the first-round pick they acquired from the Bills,[32] the Vikings traded their original first-round pick (25th overall) to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 31st overall pick, as well as selections in the fourth and fifth rounds;[33] with the 31st overall pick, the Vikings took Texas Christian cornerback Jeff Gladney.[34] The Vikings used their second-round pick on Boise State offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland,[35] then took Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler in the third round,[36] before trading their third-round compensatory pick to the New Orleans Saints for the Saints' remaining picks in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds.[37]

In the fourth round, the Vikings used the picks they acquired from the 49ers and Saints to select South Carolina defensive end D. J. Wonnum and Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch, before taking Oregon linebacker Troy Dye with their original fourth-round pick.[38] The Vikings traded the fifth-round pick they acquired from the Bills to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft, before using their remaining fifth-round selections on Temple Owls cornerback Harrison Hand and Miami wide receiver K. J. Osborn.[39] In the sixth round, the Vikings traded the other pick they acquired from the Bills – along with the seventh-round selection they got from the Dolphins – to the Ravens for another seventh-round pick and a fifth-round pick in 2021 before taking Oregon State offensive tackle Blake Brandel and Michigan safety Josh Metellus.[40] The Vikings then had four remaining picks in the seventh round, which they used on Michigan State Spartans defensive end Kenny Willekes, Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley, Mississippi State safety Brian Cole II and Washburn guard Kyle Hinton.[41]

Pro Bowler
2020 Minnesota Vikings draft
Draft order Player name Position College Contract Notes
Round Selection
1 22 Justin Jefferson WR LSU 4 years, $13.123 million[42] From Bills[A]
25 Traded to the San Francisco 49ers[B]
31 Jeff Gladney CB TCU 4 years, $10.991 million[45] From 49ers[B]
2 58 Ezra Cleveland OT Boise State 4 years, $5.537 million[42]
3 89 Cameron Dantzler CB Mississippi State 4 years, $4.586 million[45]
105 Traded to the New Orleans Saints[C] Compensatory pick
4 117 D. J. Wonnum DE South Carolina 4 years, $4.046 million[42] From 49ers[B]
130 James Lynch DT Baylor 4 years, $3.985 million[42] From Saints[C]
132 Troy Dye LB Oregon 4 years, $3.974 million[42]
5 155 Traded to the Chicago Bears[D] From Bills[A]
169 Harrison Hand CB Temple 4 years, $3.594 million[45] From Saints[C]
170 Traded to the Baltimore Ravens[E]
176 K. J. Osborn WR Miami (FL) 4 years, $3.563 million[42] From 49ers[B]
6 201 Traded to the Baltimore Ravens[F] From Bills[A]
203 Blake Brandel OT Oregon State 4 years, $3.46 million[42] From Saints[C]
205 Josh Metellus S Michigan 4 years, $3.455 million[45]
7 219 Traded to the Baltimore Ravens[F] From Dolphins[G]
225 Kenny Willekes DE Michigan State 4 years, $3.395 million[45] From Ravens[F]
239 Traded to the Buffalo Bills[A]
244 Nate Stanley QB Iowa 4 years, $3.373 million[48] From Saints[C]
249 Brian Cole II S Mississippi State 4 years, $3.37 million[45] Compensatory pick
253 Kyle Hinton G Washburn 4 years, $3.37 million[42] Compensatory pick

Notes

Draft trades

  1. ^ a b c d The Vikings traded a seventh-round selection (239th overall) and WR Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Buffalo's first-, fifth- and sixth-round selections (22nd, 155th and 201st overall) and 2021 fourth-round selection.[43]
  2. ^ a b c d The Vikings traded a first-round selection (25th overall) to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for San Francisco's first-, fourth- and fifth-round selections (31st, 117th and 176th overall).[44]
  3. ^ a b c d e The Vikings traded a third-round selection (105th overall) to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for New Orleans' fourth-, fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-round selection (130th, 169th, 203rd, and 244th overall).[44]
  4. ^ The Vikings traded a fifth-round selection (155th overall) to the Chicago Bears in exchange for Chicago's fourth-round selection in 2021.[44]
  5. ^ The Vikings traded a fifth-round selection (170th overall) to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for K Kaare Vedvik.[46]
  6. ^ a b c The Vikings traded a sixth- and seventh-round selection (201st and 219th overall) to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for Baltimore's seventh-round selection (225th overall) as well as their fifth-round selection in 2021.[44]
  7. ^ The Vikings traded G Danny Isidora to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Miami's seventh-round selection (219th overall).[47]
2020 Minnesota Vikings undrafted free agents
Name Position College Ref.
Brady Aiello OL Oregon [50]
Jake Bargas TE North Carolina
Dan Chisena WR Penn State
Nevelle Clarke CB UCF
Quartney Davis WR Texas A&M
Myles Dorn CB North Carolina
Jordan Fehr LB Appalachian State
Nakia Griffin-Stewart TE Pittsburgh
Tyler Higby OL Michigan State
Jake Lacina OL Augustana
Blake Lynch LB Baylor
David Moa DT Boise State

Staff

2020 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office

  • Owner/chairman – Zygi Wilf
  • Owner/president – Mark Wilf
  • Owner/vice chairman – Leonard Wilf
  • Owner/executive vice president – Jonathan Wilf
  • Chief operating officer – Andrew Miller
  • General manager – Rick Spielman
  • Vice president of player personnel/assistant general manager – George Paton
  • Executive vice president of football operations – Rob Brzezinski
  • Director of college scouting – Jamaal Stephenson
  • Director of pro scouting – Ryan Monnens
  • Director of analytics – Scott Kuhn
  • Consultant – Bud Grant

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches
  • Co-defensive coordinator/defensive line – Andre Patterson
  • Co-defensive coordinator/linebackers – Adam Zimmer
  • Assistant defensive line – Imarjaye Albury
  • Defensive backs – Daronte Jones
  • Assistant defensive backs – Roy Anderson
  • Senior defensive assistant – Dom Capers
  • Defensive quality control – Nick Rallis

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Head strength and conditioning – Mark Uyeyama
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Derik Keyes
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Chaz Mahle

Final roster

2020 Minnesota Vikings final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists
  • 55 Anthony Barr OLB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 29 Kris Boyd CB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 46 Myles Dorn S (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 21 Mike Hughes CB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 99 Danielle Hunter DE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 43 George Iloka S (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 97 Michael Pierce DT (Opt-out)
  • 71 Riley Reiff T (COVID-19)
  • 82 Kyle Rudolph TE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 59 Cameron Smith MLB (NF-Ill.Tooltip Non-football injury and illness)
  • 79 Kenny Willekes DE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 52 active, 11 inactive, 15 practice squad (+1 exempt)

Preseason

The Vikings' preseason schedule was announced on May 7, but was canceled in late July due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[51]

Week Date Opponent Venue Result
1 August 14 Houston Texans U.S. Bank Stadium Canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2 August 21 at Cincinnati Bengals Paul Brown Stadium
3 August 30 at Cleveland Browns FirstEnergy Stadium
4 September 3 Seattle Seahawks U.S. Bank Stadium

Regular season

Schedule

The Vikings' 2020 schedule was announced on May 7.[51]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
1 September 13 Green Bay Packers L 34–43 0–1 U.S. Bank Stadium 0 Recap
2 September 20 at Indianapolis Colts L 11–28 0–2 Lucas Oil Stadium 2,500 Recap
3 September 27 Tennessee Titans L 30–31 0–3 U.S. Bank Stadium 250 Recap
4 October 4 at Houston Texans W 31–23 1–3 NRG Stadium 12,102 Recap
5 October 11 at Seattle Seahawks L 26–27 1–4 CenturyLink Field 0 Recap
6 October 18 Atlanta Falcons L 23–40 1–5 U.S. Bank Stadium 0 Recap
7 Bye
8 November 1 at Green Bay Packers W 28–22 2–5 Lambeau Field 0 Recap
9 November 8 Detroit Lions W 34–20 3–5 U.S. Bank Stadium 0 Recap
10 November 16 at Chicago Bears W 19–13 4–5 Soldier Field 0 Recap
11 November 22 Dallas Cowboys L 28–31 4–6 U.S. Bank Stadium 0 Recap
12 November 29 Carolina Panthers W 28–27 5–6 U.S. Bank Stadium 0 Recap
13 December 6 Jacksonville Jaguars W 27–24 (OT) 6–6 U.S. Bank Stadium 0 Recap
14 December 13 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 14–26 6–7 Raymond James Stadium 16,031 Recap
15 December 20 Chicago Bears L 27–33 6–8 U.S. Bank Stadium 0 Recap
16 December 25 at New Orleans Saints L 33–52 6–9 Mercedes-Benz Superdome 3,000 Recap
17 January 3 at Detroit Lions W 37–35 7–9 Ford Field 0 Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 1: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Packers 3 19 71443
Vikings 7 3 02434

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter

  • GB – Mason Crosby 31-yard field goal, 7:27. Packers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 63 yards, 7:33.
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 3:24. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:03.

Second quarter

  • GB – Kirk Cousins sacked in the end zone by Jaire Alexander for a safety, 11:39. Vikings 7–5.
  • GB – Mason Crosby 43-yard field goal, 8:08. Packers 8–7. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 3:31.
  • GB – Davante Adams 24-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 0:39. Packers 15–7. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 5:25.
  • GB – Marquez Valdes-Scantling 45-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 0:14. Packers 22–7. Drive: 2 plays, 45 yards, 0:11.
  • MIN – Dan Bailey 35-yard field goal, 0:00. Packers 22–10. Drive: 3 plays, 58 yards, 0:14.

Third quarter

  • GB – Davante Adams 1-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 0:09. Packers 29–10. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:11.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Adam Thielen 37-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dalvin Cook run), 13:53. Packers 29–18. Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 1:16.
  • GB – Allen Lazard 4-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 10:02. Packers 36–18. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:51.
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 3-yard run (Dalvin Cook run), 7:55. Packers 36–26. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:07.
  • GB – Aaron Jones 5-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 3:19. Packers 43–26. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:36.
  • MIN – Adam Thielen 19-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Kirk Cousins–Adam Thielen pass), 1:21. Packers 43–34. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 1:58.

Top passers

  • GB – Aaron Rodgers – 32/44, 364 yards, 4 TD
  • MIN – Kirk Cousins – 19/25, 259 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • GB – Aaron Jones – 16 rushes, 66 yards, TD
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook – 12 rushes, 50 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • GB – Davante Adams – 14 receptions, 156 yards, 2 TD
  • MIN – Adam Thielen – 6 receptions, 110 yards, 2 TD

This was the Vikings' first loss in their season opener since 2015. The 43 points scored by the Packers was the most the Vikings had conceded in a season opener in franchise history.[52] Wide receiver Adam Thielen scored two touchdowns for the first time since Week 5 of the 2019 season against the New York Giants.[53]

Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 0 0811
Colts 0 15 31028

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: September 20
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CDT/1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 65 °F (18 °C) (retractable roof open)
  • Game attendance: 2,500
  • Referee: Alex Kemp (55)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Tim Brando, Robert Smith and Megan Olivi
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Dan Bailey 21-yard field goal, 9:01. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:59.

Second quarter

  • IND – Jonathan Taylor 5-yard run (Rodrigo Blankenship kick), 11:45. Colts 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 1:29.
  • IND – Kirk Cousins sacked in the endzone by DeForest Buckner for a safety, 4:54. Colts 9–3.
  • IND – Rodrigo Blankenship 28-yard field goal, 1:10. Colts 12–3. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:44.
  • IND – Rodrigo Blankenship 38-yard field goal, 0:24. Colts 15–3. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 0:21.

Third quarter

  • IND – Rodrigo Blankenship 38-yard field goal, 9:27. Colts 18–3. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:26.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Zach Pascal 2-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Rodrigo Blankenship kick), 14:00. Colts 25–3. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 6:25.
  • IND – Rodrigo Blankenship 44-yard field goal, 8:47. Colts 28–3. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 3:43.
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 3-yard run (Dalvin Cook run), 5:20. Colts 28–11. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:27.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Dalvin Cook – 14 rushes, 63 yards, TD
  • IND – Jonathan Taylor – 26 rushes, 101 yards, TD

Top receivers

This loss dropped the Vikings to 0–2 for the first time since 2013. Quarterback Kirk Cousins was intercepted three times on 26 pass attempts that included just 11 completions for 113 yards; he ended up with a passer rating of 15.9.

Week 3: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 3: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Titans 6 3 16631
Vikings 7 10 7630

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter

  • TEN – Stephen Gostkowski 39-yard field goal, 11:44. Titans 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 3:16.
  • TEN – Stephen Gostkowski 31-yard field goal, 6:01. Titans 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:52.
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 39-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 2:43. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:18.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Adam Thielen 16-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 8:56. Vikings 14–6. Drive: 10 plays, 88 yards, 5:52.
  • TEN – Stephen Gostkowski 30-yard field goal, 3:18. Vikings 14–9. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 5:38.
  • MIN – Dan Bailey 41-yard field goal, 1:41. Vikings 17–9. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 1:37.

Third quarter

  • TEN – Stephen Gostkowski 51-yard field goal, 8:57. Vikings 17–12. Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 1:18.
  • MIN – Justin Jefferson 71-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 8:04. Vikings 24–12. Drive: 2 plays, 73 yards, 0:53.
  • TEN – Derrick Henry 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:53. Vikings 24–19. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:11.
  • TEN – Derrick Henry 1-yard run (pass failed), 1:22. Titans 25–24. Drive: 3 plays, 65 yards, 1:17.

Fourth players

  • MIN – Kyle Rudolph 3-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (pass failed), 10:17. Vikings 30–25. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 6:05.
  • TEN – Stephen Gostkowski 54-yard field goal, 6:31. Vikings 30–28. Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 3:46.
  • TEN – Stephen Gostkowski 55-yard field goal, 1:44. Titans 31–30. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 1:58.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 4: at Houston Texans

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 10 7731
Texans 0 6 10723

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 5-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 5:05. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 4:13.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Dan Bailey 31-yard field goal, 12:41. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 3:26.
  • HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 50-yard field goal, 8:46. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 3:55.
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 7-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 1:53. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:53.
  • HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 28-yard field goal, 0:27. Vikings 17–6. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 1:26.

Third quarter

  • HOU – Will Fuller 24-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 9:47. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:02.
  • HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 25-yard field goal, 5:30. Vikings 17–16. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:54.
  • MIN – Adam Thielen 9-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 0:41. Vikings 24–16. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:49.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Alexander Mattison 4-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 10:50. Vikings 31–16. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 3:20.
  • HOU – Kenny Stills 24-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 5:52. Vikings 31–23. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 4:58.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Dalvin Cook – 27 rushes, 130 yards, 2 TD
  • HOU – David Johnson – 16 rushes, 63 yards

Top receivers

Week 5: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 5: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 6 6726
Seahawks 0 0 21627

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 8-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 8:48. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 6:12.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Dan Bailey 52-yard field goal, 8:33. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 17 plays, 64 yards, 10:13.
  • MIN – Dan Bailey 46-yard field goal, 0:10. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 1:37.

Third quarter

  • SEA – Will Dissly 19-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 9:55. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 4 plays, 58 yards, 1:42.
  • SEA – DK Metcalf 13-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 8:19. Seahawks 14–13. Drive: 2 plays, 15 yards, 0:39.
  • SEA – Chris Carson 29-yard run (Jason Myers kick), 8:02. Seahawks 21–13. Drive: 1 play, 29 yards, 0:07.
  • MIN – Adam Thielen 3-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (run failed), 3:39. Seahawks 21–19. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 4:23.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Adam Thielen 6-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 7:08. Vikings 26–21. Drive: 15 plays, 97 yards, 8:11.
  • SEA – DK Metcalf 6-yard pass from Russell Wilson (pass failed), 0:15. Seahawks 27–26. Drive: 13 plays, 94 yards, 1:42.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Alexander Mattison – 20 rushes, 112 yards
  • SEA – Russell Wilson – 5 rushes, 58 yards

Top receivers

Week 6: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 6: Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 10 10 101040
Vikings 0 0 71623

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter

  • ATL – Julio Jones 20-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 12:02. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 2:41.
  • ATL – Younghoe Koo 50-yard field goal, 3:02. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 6:51.

Second quarter

  • ATL – Calvin Ridley 8-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 1:54. Falcons 17–0. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 3:52.
  • ATL – Younghoe Koo 21-yard field goal, 0:01. Falcons 20–0. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 1:05.

Third quarter

  • ATL – Younghoe Koo 47-yard field goal, 10:45. Falcons 23–0. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 4:15.
  • MIN – Justin Jefferson 11-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 6:25. Falcons 23–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:20.
  • ATL – Julio Jones 40-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 2:01. Falcons 30–7. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 4:24.

Fourth quarter

  • ATL – Younghoe Koo 43-yard field goal, 7:07. Falcons 33–7. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 3:33.
  • MIN – Adam Thielen 2-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Kirk Cousins-Irv Smith Jr. pass), 3:58. Falcons 33–15. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:09.
  • ATL – Hayden Hurst 35-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 2:11. Falcons 40–15. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 1:47.
  • MIN – Justin Jefferson 49-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Kirk Cousins-Justin Jefferson pass), 1:26. Falcons 40–23. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:45.

Top passers

  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 30/40, 371 yards, 4 TD
  • MIN – Kirk Cousins – 24/36, 343 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 8: at Green Bay Packers

Week 8: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 14028
Packers 7 7 0822

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy and windy, 34 °F (1 °C)
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Referee: Alex Kemp (55)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Daryl Johnston and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • GB – Davante Adams 1-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 6:53. Packers 14–7. Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards, 8:54.
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 0:31. Tied 14–14. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 6:22.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 10:00. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 5:00.
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 50-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 5:52. Vikings 28–14. Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 2:06.

Fourth quarter

  • GB – Davante Adams 7-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Jamaal Williams run), 2:42. Vikings 28–22. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 3:05.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • MIN – Dalvin Cook – 2 receptions, 63 yards, TD
  • GB – Robert Tonyan – 5 receptions, 79 yards

Week 9: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 9: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Lions 0 10 01020
Vikings 13 7 7734

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 8
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman (34)
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 5-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 10:39. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 2:32.
  • MIN – Irv Smith Jr. 9-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (kick failed, wide right), 1:26. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:41.

Second quarter

  • DET – Matt Prater 23-yard field goal, 8:21. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 15 plays, 70 yards, 8:05.
  • DET – Marvin Jones 15-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 1:19. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:52.
  • MIN – Ameer Abdullah 22-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 0:15. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 1:04.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Irv Smith Jr. 1-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 7:50. Vikings 27–10. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 4:09.

Fourth quarter

  • DET – Matt Prater 45-yard field goal, 11:02. Vikings 27–13. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 3:33.
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 70-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 10:42. Vikings 34–13. Drive: 1 play, 70 yards, 0:20.
  • DET – T. J. Hockenson 2-yard pass from Chase Daniel (Matt Prater kick), 6:55. Vikings 34–20. Drive: 1 play, 2 yards, 0:03.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 10: at Chicago Bears

Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 0 6619
Bears 3 3 7013

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: November 16
  • Game time: 7:15 pm. CST
  • Game weather: Clear, 44 °F (7 °C)
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Referee: Scott Novak (1)
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Lisa Salters and John Parry
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Adam Thielen 17-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 6:29. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 3:05.
  • CHI – Cairo Santos 23-yard field goal, 0:32. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 70 yards, 5:57.

Second quarter

  • CHI – Cairo Santos 42-yard field goal, 0:49. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 1:02.

Third quarter

  • CHI – Cordarrelle Patterson 104-yard kickoff return (Cairo Santos kick), 14:46. Bears 13–7.
  • MIN – Dan Bailey 37-yard field goal, 10:50. Bears 13–10. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:54.
  • MIN – Dan Bailey 43-yard field goal, 1:52. Tied 13–13. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:20.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Adam Thielen 6-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (pass failed), 10:06. Vikings 19–13. Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 4:43.

Top passers

  • MIN – Kirk Cousins – 25/36, 292 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • CHI – Nick Foles – 15/26, 106 yards, INT

Top rushers

  • MIN – Dalvin Cook – 30 rushes, 96 yards
  • CHI – Cordarrelle Patterson – 12 rushes, 30 yards

Top receivers

Week 11: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 11: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 6 10 01531
Vikings 7 0 71428

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 22
  • Game time: 3:25 pm. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich (52)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Shannon Spake
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 6-yard pass from Andy Dalton (kick blocked), 9:26. Cowboys 6–0. Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 1:31.
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 2:11. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 7:15.

Second quarter

  • DAL – CeeDee Lamb 4-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Greg Zuerlein kick), 4:55. Cowboys 13–7. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 5:01.
  • DAL – Greg Zuerlein 19-yard field goal, 0:02. Cowboys 16–7. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 0:47.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Adam Thielen 2-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 9:50. Cowboys 16–14. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:10.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Adam Thielen 3-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 14:57. Vikings 21–16. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 6:47.
  • DAL – Tony Pollard 42-yard run (CeeDee Lamb run), 12:02. Cowboys 24–21. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:55.
  • MIN – Justin Jefferson 39-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 9:37. Vikings 28–24. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:25.
  • DAL – Dalton Schultz 2-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Greg Zuerlein kick), 1:37. Cowboys 31–28. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 2:23.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 12: Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Panthers 0 7 14627
Vikings 7 3 01828

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Referee: Brad Rogers (126)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Shannon Spake
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • CAR – Robby Anderson 41-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Joey Slye kick), 1:52. Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 5:33.
  • MIN – Dan Bailey 53-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 41 yards, 1:52.

Third quarter

  • CAR – Jeremy Chinn 17-yard fumble return (Joey Slye kick), 14:01. Panthers 14–10.
  • CAR – Jeremy Chinn 28-yard fumble return (Joey Slye kick), 13:51. Panthers 21–10.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Dan Bailey 25-yard field goal, 14:47. Panthers 21–13. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 5:34.
  • CAR – Joey Slye 40-yard field goal, 11:31. Panthers 24–13. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 3:16.
  • MIN – Justin Jefferson 10-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Kirk Cousins–Bisi Johnson pass), 5:31. Panthers 24–21. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:00.
  • CAR – Joey Slye 21-yard field goal, 1:51. Panthers 27–21. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:19.
  • MIN – Chad Beebe 10-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 0:46. Vikings 28–27. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 1:05.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • CAR – Mike Davis – 15 rushes, 55 yards
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook – 18 rushes, 61 yards

Top receivers

Week 13: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 13: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Jaguars 9 0 78024
Vikings 0 6 135327

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Referee: Land Clark (130)
  • TV announcers (CBS): Beth Mowins and Jay Feely
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • JAX – Laviska Shenault 28-yard pass from Mike Glennon (kick failed, wide right), 12:33. Jaguars 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:27.
  • JAX – Chase McLaughlin 22-yard field goal, 6:04. Jaguars 9–0. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 5:07.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Adam Thielen 3-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (kick failed, wide left), 2:50. Jaguars 9–6. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 4:50.

Third quarter

  • JAX – Joe Schobert 43-yard interception return (Chase McLaughlin kick), 14:50. Jaguars 16–6.
  • MIN – C. J. Ham 12-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 11:08. Jaguars 16–13. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:42.
  • MIN – Justin Jefferson 20-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (kick failed, wide right), 3:27. Vikings 19–16. Drive: 8 plays, 90 yards, 3:50.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Mike Glennon sacked in the end zone by Ifeadi Odenigbo for a safety, 14:11. Vikings 21–16.
  • MIN – Dan Bailey 48-yard field goal, 3:50. Vikings 24–16. Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 1:39.
  • JAX – James Robinson 1-yard run (Mike Glennon–Collin Johnson pass), 1:08. Tied 24–24. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 2:42.

Overtime

  • MIN – Dan Bailey 23-yard field goal, 1:49. Vikings 27–24. Drive: 11 plays, 41 yards, 5:24.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • JAX – James Robinson – 18 rushes, 78 yards, TD
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook – 32 rushes, 120 yards

Top receivers

Week 14: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 6 8014
Buccaneers 0 17 6326

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 13
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CST/1:00 p.m. (EST)
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 78 °F (26 °C)
  • Game attendance: 16,031
  • Referee: Brad Allen (122)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 1-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 14:17. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 14 plays, 84 yards, 8:15.
  • TB – Scotty Miller 48-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 7:41. Buccaneers 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 1:49.
  • TB – Ronald Jones II 1-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 0:44. Buccaneers 14–6. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 3:53.
  • TB – Ryan Succop 18-yard field goal, 0:00. Buccaneers 17–6. Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 0:21.

Third quarter

  • TB – Rob Gronkowski 2-yard pass from Tom Brady (kick failed, wide right), 10:09. Buccaneers 23–6. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:51.
  • MIN – Irv Smith Jr. 14-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Kirk Cousins–Justin Jefferson pass), 1:36. Buccaneers 23–14. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 8:33.

Fourth quarter

  • TB – Ryan Succop 48-yard field goal, 5:16. Buccaneers 26–14. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 3:44.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • MIN – Irv Smith Jr. – 4 receptions, 63 yards, TD
  • TB – Mike Evans – 3 receptions, 56 yards

Week 15: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 15: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bears 10 10 7633
Vikings 7 3 10727

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 20
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Referee: Shawn Smith (14)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Greg Jennings and Jen Hale
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • CHI – Darnell Mooney 8-yard pass from Mitchell Trubisky (Cairo Santos kick), 9:01. Bears 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 2:07.
  • MIN – Adam Thielen 3-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 4:46. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:15.
  • CHI – Cairo Santos 42-yard field goal, 1:16. Bears 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 3:30.

Second quarter

  • CHI – David Montgomery 1-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 6:46. Bears 17–7. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 7:19.
  • CHI – Cairo Santos 35-yard field goal, 3:34. Bears 20–7. Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 2:13.
  • MIN – Dan Bailey 24-yard field goal, 0:26. Bears 20–10. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 3:08.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 10:54. Bears 20–17. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:06.
  • CHI – David Montgomery 14-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 5:30. Bears 27–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:24.
  • MIN – Dan Bailey 22-yard field goal, 2:38. Bears 27–20. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 2:52.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI – Cairo Santos 48-yard field goal, 13:33. Bears 30–20. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 4:05.
  • MIN – Tyler Conklin 20-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 8:05. Bears 30–27. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:28.
  • CHI – Cairo Santos 42-yard field goal, 0:56. Bears 33–27. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 0:58.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • CHI – David Montgomery – 32 rushes, 146 yards, 2 TD
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook – 24 rushes, 132 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 16: at New Orleans Saints

Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 13633
Saints 14 10 72152

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: December 25
  • Game time: 3:30 pm. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 3,000
  • Referee: Adrian Hill (29)
  • TV announcers (Fox/NFLN/Amazon Prime Video): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • NO – Alvin Kamara 40-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 12:11. Saints 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:49.
  • MIN – Dalvin Cook 15-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 8:46. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:25.
  • NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 5:10. Saints 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:36.

Second quarter

  • NO – Wil Lutz 30-yard field goal, 14:12. Saints 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 4:36.
  • MIN – Mike Boone 4-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 10:14. Saints 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:58.
  • NO – Alvin Kamara 5-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 0:38. Saints 24–14. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 2:37.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Irv Smith Jr. 2-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (kick failed, wide left), 9:41. Saints 24–20. Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 1:12.
  • NO – Alvin Kamara 6-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 4:38. Saints 31–20. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 5:03.
  • MIN – Irv Smith Jr. 4-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 0:22. Saints 31–27. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:16.

Fourth quarter

  • NO – Alvin Kamara 7-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 12:01. Saints 38–27. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:21.
  • NO – Taysom Hill 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 4:00. Saints 45–27. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 6:22.
  • MIN – Adam Thielen 1-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (pass failed), 2:10. Saints 45–33. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 1:50.
  • NO – Alvin Kamara 3-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 1:50. Saints 52–33. Drive: 3 plays, 48 yards, 0:20.

Top passers

  • MIN – Kirk Cousins – 27/41, 291 yards, 3 TD
  • NO – Drew Brees – 19/26, 311 yards, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • MIN – Dalvin Cook – 15 rushes, 73 yards, TD
  • NO – Alvin Kamara – 22 rushes, 155 yards, 6 TD

Top receivers

  • MIN – Adam Thielen – 8 receptions, 97 yards, TD
  • NO – Emmanuel Sanders – 4 receptions, 83 yards

With the loss, Minnesota was eliminated from the playoffs, clinching their first losing season since 2014 and only the second under head coach Mike Zimmer.

Week 17: at Detroit Lions

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 14 10637
Lions 6 10 13635

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: January 3, 2021
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CST/1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Referee: Adrian Hill (29)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Davis, Robert Smith and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • DET – Marvin Jones 43-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (kick failed, wide left), 4:45. Lions 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 90 yards, 3:36.
  • MIN – Alexander Mattison 28-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 0:34. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:11.

Second quarter

  • DET – Quintez Cephus 20-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 13:19. Lions 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:15.
  • MIN – Ameer Abdullah 4-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 8:51. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 4:28.
  • DET – Matt Prater 54-yard field goal, 7:13. Lions 16–14. Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 1:38.
  • MIN – Chad Beebe 40-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 0:04. Vikings 21–16. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 0:51.

Third quarter

  • DET – Marvin Jones 26-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 14:09. Lions 23–21. Drive: 2 plays, 33 yards, 0:51.
  • MIN – Alexander Mattison 2-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 11:35. Vikings 28–23. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:34.
  • MIN – Dan Bailey 23-yard field goal, 7:55. Vikings 31–23. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 1:46.
  • DET – Adrian Peterson 2-yard run (pass failed), 3:02. Vikings 31–29. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:53.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Kirk Cousins 1-yard run (kick failed), 10:32. Vikings 37–29. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:30.
  • DET – D'Andre Swift 2-yard run (pass failed), 4:26. Vikings 37–35. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 6:06.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • MIN – Justin Jefferson – 9 receptions, 133 yards
  • DET – Marvin Jones – 8 receptions, 180 yards, 2 TD

Standings

Division

NFC North
  • view
  • talk
  • edit
 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) Green Bay Packers 13 3 0 .813 5–1 10–2 509 369 W6
(7) Chicago Bears 8 8 0 .500 2–4 6–6 372 370 L1
Minnesota Vikings 7 9 0 .438 4–2 5–7 430 475 W1
Detroit Lions 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 377 519 L4

Conference

NFC
  • v
  • t
  • e
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1 Green Bay Packers North 13 3 0 .813 5–1 10–2 .428 .387 W6
2[a] New Orleans Saints South 12 4 0 .750 6–0 10–2 .459 .406 W2
3[a] Seattle Seahawks West 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 .447 .404 W4
4 Washington Football Team East 7 9 0 .438 4–2 5–7 .459 .388 W1
Wild cards
5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 11 5 0 .688 4–2 8–4 .488 .392 W4
6 Los Angeles Rams West 10 6 0 .625 3–3 9–3 .494 .484 W1
7[b] Chicago Bears North 8 8 0 .500 2–4 6–6 .488 .336 L1
Did not qualify for the postseason
8[b] Arizona Cardinals West 8 8 0 .500 2–4 6–6 .475 .441 L2
9 Minnesota Vikings North 7 9 0 .438 4–2 5–7 .504 .366 W1
10[c] San Francisco 49ers West 6 10 0 .375 3–3 4–8 .549 .448 L1
11[c][d] New York Giants East 6 10 0 .375 4–2 5–7 .502 .427 W1
12[d] Dallas Cowboys East 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 .471 .333 L1
13[e] Carolina Panthers South 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 .531 .388 L1
14[e] Detroit Lions North 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 .508 .350 L4
15 Philadelphia Eagles East 4 11 1 .281 2–4 4–8 .537 .469 L3
16 Atlanta Falcons South 4 12 0 .250 1–5 2–10 .551 .391 L5
Tiebreakers[f]
  1. ^ a b New Orleans finished ahead of Seattle based on conference record.
  2. ^ a b Chicago finished and clinched the 7th and final playoff spot ahead of Arizona based on better win percentage in common games (against Detroit, the NY Giants, Carolina, and the LA Rams, Chicago finished 3–2, while Arizona finished 1–4).
  3. ^ a b San Francisco finished ahead of the NY Giants based on head-to-head victory. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Dallas (see below).
  4. ^ a b NY Giants won tiebreaker over Dallas based on division record.
  5. ^ a b Carolina finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head victory.
  6. ^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

Statistics

Team leaders

Category Player(s) Total
Passing yards Kirk Cousins 4,265
Passing touchdowns Kirk Cousins 35
Rushing yards Dalvin Cook 1,557
Rushing touchdowns Dalvin Cook 16 (tie)
Receptions Justin Jefferson 88 *
Receiving yards Justin Jefferson 1,400 **
Receiving touchdowns Adam Thielen 14
Points Dalvin Cook 108
Kickoff return yards Ameer Abdullah 352
Punt return yards Chad Beebe 42
Tackles Eric Wilson 122
Sacks Yannick Ngakoue 5.0
Interceptions Harrison Smith 5
Forced fumbles Yannick Ngakoue 2
Bold = League leader
* = Franchise Rookie Record
** = NFL Rookie Record

Source: Minnesota Vikings' official website[54]

League rankings

Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank
(out of 32)
Passing offense 2,059 228.8 22nd
Rushing offense 1,382 153.6 5th
Total offense 3,441 382.4 9th
Passing defense 2,411 267.9 27th
Rushing defense 1,041 115.7 15th
Total defense 3,452 383.6 24th

Source: NFL.com[55]

Pro Bowl

Two Vikings players—running back Dalvin Cook and rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson—were selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl,[56] the team's lowest contribution to the event since 2014, when they had no Pro Bowlers. Cook received the most votes among NFC running backs to go to his second Pro Bowl (after his rookie season in 2017),[57] and only Russell Wilson received more votes out of any position in the NFC team, while Jefferson was the Vikings' first rookie wide receiver to be selected since Percy Harvin in 2009.[58]

References

  1. ^ "Minnesota Vikings Franchise Encyclopedia - Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  2. ^ Clark, Dave (March 19, 2020). "Reactions: Mackensie Alexander joins Cincinnati Bengals as slot corner, per reports". Cincinnati.com. Gannett. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  3. ^ Bergman, Jeremy (March 16, 2020). "Bills acquire WR Stefon Diggs from Vikings in trade". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  4. ^ Gordon, Grant (August 12, 2020). "Cowboys signing former Vikings DE Everson Griffen". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  5. ^ Miller, Jeff (March 18, 2020). "Chargers agree to terms with veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  6. ^ Maakaron, John (March 19, 2020). "Newly Acquired S Jayron Kearse May Face NFL Suspension". SI.com. Maven. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  7. ^ Ragatz, Will (March 18, 2020). "Vikings Release Right Guard Josh Kline". SI.com. Maven. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  8. ^ Ragatz, Will (March 13, 2020). "Vikings Release David Morgan, Could Bring Him Back Pending Injury Status". SI.com. Maven. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  9. ^ Hickey, Kevin (April 2, 2020). "Details emerge on contract for Colts CB Xavier Rhodes". Colts Wire. USA Today Sports Digital Properties. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  10. ^ Smith, Michael David (March 20, 2020). "Browns sign Andrew Sendejo". ProFootballTalk. NBC Universal. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  11. ^ Dajani, Jordan (March 22, 2020). "Falcons agree to terms with Laquon Treadwell, former first-round pick of Vikings". CBSSports.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  12. ^ Urben, Matt (April 1, 2020). "Examining the contracts of WR Laquon Treadwell, LB LaRoy Reynolds". Falcons Wire. USA Today Sports Digital Properties. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  13. ^ Dragon, Tyler (March 18, 2020). "Source: Cincinnati Bengals to sign cornerback Trae Waynes". Cincinnati.com. Gannett. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  14. ^ Krammer, Andrew (March 16, 2020). "Former Vikings DE Stephen Weatherly agrees to sign with Panthers". StarTribune. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  15. ^ Tomasson, Chris (March 27, 2020). "Vikings re-sign Ameer Abdullah, agree to terms with Dakota Dozier". TwinCities.com. MediaNews Group. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  16. ^ Krammer, Andrew (March 19, 2020). "Kicker Dan Bailey agrees to three-year contract extension with Vikings". StarTribune. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  17. ^ Tomasson, Chris (March 16, 2020). "Vikings agree to contract extension with punter Britton Colquitt". TwinCities.com. MediaNews Group. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  18. ^ Walker, Patrik (March 16, 2020). "Kirk Cousins agrees to multiyear extension with Vikings, who get cap relief with the move". CBSSports.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  19. ^ Tomasson, Chris (March 27, 2020). "Vikings to re-sign guard Dakota Dozier to one-year, $1 million deal". TwinCities.com. MediaNews Group. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  20. ^ Ragatz, Will (March 24, 2020). "Vikings Sign Former XFL, Ole Miss Linebacker DeMarquis Gates". SI.com. Maven. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  21. ^ Tomasson, Chris (March 16, 2020). "Vikings, C.J. Ham agree to four-year, $12 million extension". TwinCities.com. MediaNews Group. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  22. ^ Shook, Nick (March 16, 2020). "Vikings use franchise tag to keep Anthony Harris". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  23. ^ Gordon, Grant (May 17, 2020). "Vikings S Anthony Harris signs franchise tender". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  24. ^ Florio, Mike (March 20, 2020). "Rashod Hill chooses to stay with the Vikings". ProFootballTalk. NBC Universal. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  25. ^ Williams, Charean (March 26, 2020). "Brett Jones re-signs with Vikings after Cowboys show interest". ProFootballTalk. NBC Universal. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  26. ^ Gantt, Darin (March 18, 2020). "Vikings bring back Sean Mannion". ProFootballTalk. NBC Universal. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  27. ^ Williams, Charean (March 18, 2020). "Vikings agree to three-year, $27 million deal with Michael Pierce". ProFootballTalk. NBC Universal. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  28. ^ Alper, Josh (March 25, 2020). "Vikings sign Tajae Sharpe". ProFootballTalk. NBC Universal. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  29. ^ Alper, Josh (May 8, 2020). "Eric Wilson signs Vikings RFA tender". ProFootballTalk. NBC Universal. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  30. ^ Alper, Josh (March 25, 2020). "Anthony Zettel signs with Vikings". ProFootballTalk. NBC Universal. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  31. ^ Peters, Craig; Smith, Eric; Young, Lindsey (April 25, 2020). "3 Factors That Prompted Vikings to Break NFL Draft 7-Round Record". Vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  32. ^ Young, Lindsey (April 23, 2020). "Vikings Select LSU WR Justin Jefferson with 22nd Overall Pick". Vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
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