# 2003 Minnesota Vikings season

The 2003 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 43rd in the National Football League (NFL). They finished second in the NFC North with a 9–7 record, behind the 10–6 Green Bay Packers, but missed the playoffs for a third straight year. Despite gaining 6,294 yards of offense over their 16 games, by far the most in the league, the team managed just 416 points, the sixth-most in the NFL. The Vikings won their first six games of the 2003 season, then lost their next four games, after which they alternated wins and losses for the remainder of the season. The Vikings were officially eliminated from postseason contention with a loss to the Arizona Cardinals on the last play of their final game.
Wide receiver Randy Moss led the NFL with 17 touchdown receptions, the third time in his career that he led the league in that category. After two seasons of inconsistency, rejuvenated quarterback Daunte Culpepper was voted to play in the second Pro Bowl of his career at the end of the season.

## Offseason

| Additions | Subtractions |
| QB Gus Frerotte (Bengals) | QB Todd Bouman (Saints) |
| T Mike Rosenthal (Giants) | DE Lorenzo Bromell (Raiders) |
| LB Chris Claiborne (Lions) | CB Tyrone Carter (Jets) |
| CB Ken Irvin (Saints) | FB Harold Morrow (Ravens) |
| CB Denard Walker (Broncos) | |

### 2003 draft

* Pro Bowler
2003 Minnesota Vikings draft :
| Draft order | Draft order | Player name | Position | College | Notes |
| Round | Overall | Player name | Position | College | Notes |
| 1 | 9 | Kevin Williams | Defensive tackle | Oklahoma State | In lieu of #7 (time expired) |
| 2 | 40 | E. J. Henderson | Linebacker | Maryland | |
| 3 | 71 | Nate Burleson | Wide receiver | Nevada | |
| 4 | 105 | Onterrio Smith | Running back | Oregon | |
| 5 | 142 | Traded to the Cleveland Browns | Traded to the Cleveland Browns | Traded to the Cleveland Browns | |
| 6 | 180 | Eddie Johnson | Punter | Idaho State | |
| 6 | 190 | Mike Nattiel | Linebacker | Florida | From Saints |
| 7 | 221 | Keenan Howry | Wide receiver | Oregon | |
Notes:
* ↑ While attempting to agree a trade, the Vikings time elapsed, allowing the Jacksonville Jaguars to move up and select QB Byron Leftwich. The Carolina Panthers were also able to select OT Jordan Gross before the Vikings ultimately made their selection.
* ↑ The Vikings traded their fifth-round selection (142nd overall) to the Browns in exchange for DT Stalin Colinet.
* ↑ The Vikings traded QB Todd Bouman to the Saints in exchange for a sixth-round selection (190th overall).

## Preseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | August 9 | Jacksonville Jaguars | L 14–16 | 0–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,370 | Recap |
| 2 | August 16 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 16–26 | 0–2 | Arrowhead Stadium | 75,634 | Recap |
| 3 | August 22 | at Oakland Raiders | W 21–6 | 1–2 | Network Associates Coliseum | 37,411 | Recap |
| 4 | August 28 | Arizona Cardinals | L 27–31 | 1–3 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,473 | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 0 | 13 | 0 | 3 | 16 |
| Vikings | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: August 9
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,370
* Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – D'Wayne Bates 13-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Hayden Epstein kick), 2:47. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:40.
Second quarter
JAX – Seth Marler 29-yard field goal, 4:19. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:10.
JAX – Ike Charlton 97-yard fumble return (James Tuthill kick), 0:52. Jaguars 10–7.
JAX – Danny Boyd 32-yard field goal, 0:00. Jaguars 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 12 yards, 0:36.
Third quarter
MIN – Onterrio Smith 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 0:40. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 18 plays, 69 yards, 10:08.
Fourth quarter
JAX – Seth Marler 43-yard field goal, 11:55. Jaguars 16–14. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 3:45.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 10/13, 110 yards
MIN – Shaun Hill – 7/11, 63 yards
Top rushers
JAX – LaBrandon Toefield – 8 rushes, 33 yards
MIN – Onterrio Smith – 12 rushes, 33 yards, TD
Top receivers
JAX – Jimmy Smith – 5 receptions, 70 yards
MIN – Randy Moss – 2 receptions, 25 yards :

#### Week 2: at Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 7 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
| Chiefs | 3 | 13 | 3 | 7 | 26 |
at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
* Date: August 16
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Clear, 100 °F (38 °C)
* Game attendance: 75,634
* Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
KC – Morten Andersen 38-yard field goal, 11:58. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 3:02.
MIN – Onterrio Smith 1-yard run (Todd France kick), 8:15. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards, 1:46.
Second quarter
KC – Morten Andersen 21-yard field goal, 11:31. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 5:29.
KC – Marc Boerigter 59-yard pass from Trent Green (Morten Andersen kick), 8:38. Chiefs 13–7. Drive: 2 plays, 76 yards, 0:34.
MIN – Aaron Elling 48-yard field goal, 1:07. Chiefs 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 1:57.
KC – Morten Andersen 42-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 16–10. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 1:07.
Third quarter
KC – José Cortez 46-yard field goal, 2:27. Chiefs 19–10. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:07.
Fourth quarter
KC – Dwayne Blakley 12-yard pass from Todd Collins (José Cortez kick), 10:48. Chiefs 26–10. Drive: 2 plays, 47 yards, 0:50.
MIN – Nate Burleson 1-yard pass from Shaun Hill (pass failed), 4:18. Chiefs 26–16. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:01.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 8/13, 68 yards
KC – Trent Green – 7/13, 152 yards, TD
Top rushers
MIN – Doug Chapman – 6 rushes, 34 yards
KC – Derrick Blaylock – 6 rushes, 48 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Nate Burleson – 6 receptions, 56 yards, TD
KC – Marc Boerigter – 2 receptions, 85 yards, TD :

#### Week 3: at Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
| Raiders | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
at Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, California
* Date: August 22
* Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: Clear, 73 °F (23 °C)
* Game attendance: 37,411
* Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 5-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 4:41. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:35.
Second quarter
OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 20-yard field goal, 14:11. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 48 yards, 5:30.
MIN – Randy Moss 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 0:24. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 2:28.
Third quarter
MIN – Onterrio Smith 5-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 10:03. Vikings 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 3:38.
OAK – Joe O'Donnell 33-yard field goal, 0:15. Vikings 21–6. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:12.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 13/22, 141 yards, 2 TD
OAK – Rich Gannon – 9/18, 107 yards
Top rushers
MIN – John Avery – 13 rushes, 52 yards
OAK – Ronney Jenkins – 6 rushes, 44 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 36 yards, 2 TD
OAK – Teyo Johnson – 2 receptions, 55 yards :

#### Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cardinals | 3 | 7 | 14 | 7 | 31 |
| Vikings | 3 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 27 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: August 28
* Game time: 7:05 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,473
* Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
ARI – Bill Gramática 47-yard field goal, 8:10. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 38 yards, 6:50.
MIN – Aaron Elling 52-yard field goal, 2:29. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 38 yards, 5:41.
Second quarter
MIN – Nate Burleson 27-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 11:07. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 2:56.
ARI – Damien Anderson 69-yard run (Bill Gramática kick), 10:51. Tied 10–10. Drive: 1 play, 69 yards, 0:16.
MIN – Aaron Elling 28-yard field goal, 0:50. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:03.
Third quarter
MIN – Sean Berton 4-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 11:32. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:28.
ARI – Preston Parsons 11-yard run (Tim Duncan kick), 8:48. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:44.
ARI – Bryant Johnson 20-yard pass from Preston Parsons (Bill Gramática kick), 1:27. Cardinals 24–20. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 4:00.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Larry Ned 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 12:03. Vikings 27–24. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:24.
ARI – Preston Parsons 1-yard run (Tim Duncan kick), 7:35. Cardinals 31–27. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:28.
Top passers
ARI – Preston Parsons – 13/16, 156 yards, TD
MIN – Gus Frerotte – 10/15, 166 yards, TD
Top rushers
ARI – Damien Anderson – 5 rushes, 119 yards, TD
MIN – John Avery – 4 rushes, 12 yards
Top receivers
ARI – Bryant Johnson – 5 receptions, 65 yards, TD
MIN – Kenny Clark – 4 receptions, 47 yards :

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | September 7 | at Green Bay Packers | W 30–25 | 1–0 | Lambeau Field | 70,505 | Recap |
| 2 | September 14 | Chicago Bears | W 24–13 | 2–0 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,144 | Recap |
| 3 | September 21 | at Detroit Lions | W 23–13 | 3–0 | Ford Field | 60,865 | Recap |
| 4 | September 28 | San Francisco 49ers | W 35–7 | 4–0 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,111 | Recap |
| 5 | October 5 | at Atlanta Falcons | W 39–26 | 5–0 | Georgia Dome | 70,427 | Recap |
| 6 | Bye week | Bye week | Bye week | Bye week | Bye week | Bye week | Bye week |
| 7 | October 19 | Denver Broncos | W 28–20 | 6–0 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,381 | Recap |
| 8 | October 26 | New York Giants | L 17–29 | 6–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,114 | Recap |
| 9 | November 2 | Green Bay Packers | L 27–30 | 6–2 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,482 | Recap |
| 10 | November 9 | at San Diego Chargers | L 28–42 | 6–3 | Qualcomm Stadium | 64,738 | Recap |
| 11 | November 16 | at Oakland Raiders | L 18–28 | 6–4 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum | 56,653 | Recap |
| 12 | November 23 | Detroit Lions | W 24–14 | 7–4 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,946 | Recap |
| 13 | November 30 | at St. Louis Rams | L 17–48 | 7–5 | Edward Jones Dome | 66,134 | Recap |
| 14 | December 7 | Seattle Seahawks | W 34–7 | 8–5 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,968 | Recap |
| 15 | December 14 | at Chicago Bears | L 10–13 | 8–6 | Soldier Field | 61,804 | Recap |
| 16 | December 20 | Kansas City Chiefs | W 45–20 | 9–6 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,291 | Recap |
| 17 | December 28 | at Arizona Cardinals | L 17–18 | 9–7 | Sun Devil Stadium | 52,734 | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: at Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 10 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 30 |
| Packers | 0 | 3 | 8 | 14 | 25 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
* Date: September 7
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Mostly sunny, 71 °F (22 °C)
* Game attendance: 70,505
* Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – John Avery 11-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 9:28. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:32.
MIN – Aaron Elling 22-yard field goal, 1:52. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 4:34.
Second quarter
GB – Ryan Longwell 27-yard field goal, 11:02. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:12.
MIN – D'Wayne Bates 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 5:34. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 5:28.
MIN – Aaron Elling 46-yard field goal, 0:04. Vikings 20–3. Drive: 2 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.
Third quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 13-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 8:47. Vikings 27–3. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:09.
GB – Ahman Green 8-yard run (Brett Favre–Bubba Franks pass), 1:30. Vikings 27–11. Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 7:17.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Aaron Elling 34-yard field goal, 10:07. Vikings 30–11. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 6:23.
GB – Ahman Green 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:27. Vikings 30–18. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 3:40.
GB – Javon Walker 24-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:55. Vikings 30–25. Drive: 3 plays, 41 yards, 0:29.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 15/30, 195 yards, 3 TD
GB – Brett Favre – 25/41, 248 yards, TD, 4 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Moe Williams – 22 rushes, 80 yards
GB – Ahman Green – 15 rushes, 53 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 9 receptions, 150 yards, TD
GB – Javon Walker – 5 receptions, 84 yards, TD :

#### Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bears | 3 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
| Vikings | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: September 14
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,144
* Referee: Mike Carey (94)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 13:57. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 56 yards, 1:03.
CHI – Paul Edinger 42-yard field goal, 10:35. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards, 3:22.
Second quarter
MIN – Aaron Elling 23-yard field goal, 11:18. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 3:23.
MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 1:55. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 7:12.
CHI – David Terrell 14-yard pass from Kordell Stewart (Paul Edinger kick), 0:39. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 1:16.
Third quarter
CHI – Paul Edinger 43-yard field goal, 4:43. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 4:53.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 11-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 2:56. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 16 plays, 93 yards, 9:42.
Top passers
CHI – Kordell Stewart – 13/21, 137 yards, TD
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 20/26, 214 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
CHI – Anthony Thomas – 10 rushes, 53 yards
MIN – Moe Williams – 21 rushes, 108 yards, TD
Top receivers
CHI – Dez White – 3 receptions, 67 yards
MIN – Kelly Campbell – 2 receptions, 53 yards :

#### Week 3: at Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 23 |
| Lions | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: September 21
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT/1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 60,865
* Referee: Tom White (123)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Shawn Bryson 5-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 11:00. Lions 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 4:00.
DET – Jason Hanson 27-yard field goal, 0:52. Lions 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 2:52.
Second quarter
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 14-yard run (kick aborted), 12:02. Lions 10–6. Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards, 0:57.
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 2-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 4:57. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 98 yards, 2:51.
MIN – Aaron Elling 21-yard field goal, 0:05. Vikings 16–10. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 0:38.
Third quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 37-yard field goal, 10:21. Vikings 16–13. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 4:21.
MIN – Kelly Campbell 72-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 7:52. Vikings 23–13. Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, 2:29.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays.
Top passers
MIN – Gus Frerotte – 8/19, 184 yards, TD, INT
DET – Joey Harrington – 24/42, 235 yards, 3 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Moe Williams – 13 rushes, 95 yards
DET – Shawn Bryson – 17 rushes, 49 yards, TD
Top receivers
MIN – Kelly Campbell – 2 receptions, 85 yards, TD
DET – Bill Schroeder – 4 receptions, 54 yards :

#### Week 4: vs. San Francisco 49ers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Vikings | 14 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 35 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: September 28
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,111
* Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 15-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 9:53. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 5:07.
MIN – Onterrio Smith 5-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 2:46. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 3:52.
Second quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 35-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 4:39. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 5:52.
MIN – Nate Burleson 22-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 0:56. Vikings 28–0. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 0:56.
Third quarter
No scoring plays.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 59-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 14:52. Vikings 35–0. Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:34.
SF – Tai Streets 37-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Owen Pochman kick), 7:37. Vikings 35–7. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:16.
Top passers
SF – Tim Rattay – 12/18, 146 yards, TD
MIN – Gus Frerotte – 16/21, 267 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
SF – Kevan Barlow – 11 rushes, 72 yards
MIN – Onterrio Smith – 10 rushes, 43 yards, TD
Top receivers
SF – Tai Streets – 4 receptions, 81 yards, TD
MIN – Randy Moss – 8 receptions, 172 yards, 3 TD :

#### Week 5: at Atlanta Falcons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 12 | 15 | 12 | 39 |
| Falcons | 6 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 26 |
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
* Date: October 5
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT/1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 70,427
* Referee: Ron Blum (7)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
ATL – Jay Feely 34-yard field goal, 11:57. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:03.
ATL – Jay Feely 33-yard field goal, 7:40. Falcons 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 2:12.
Second quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 32-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 13:35. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 4:19.
MIN – Penalty on Doug Johnson enforced in the end zone for a safety, 10:23. Vikings 9–6.
MIN – Aaron Elling 32-yard field goal, 8:06. Vikings 12–6. Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 2:17.
ATL – Warrick Dunn 8-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 6:56. Falcons 13–12. Drive: 2 plays, 76 yards, 1:10.
ATL – Peerless Price 6-yard pass from Doug Johnson (Jay Feely kick), 0:10. Falcons 20–12. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:26.
Third quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 17-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Gus Frerotte–Onterrio Smith pass), 7:34. Tied 20–20. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 1:50.
MIN – Moe Williams 11-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 2:39. Vikings 27–20. Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 2:01.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Moe Williams 5-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 13:05. Vikings 34–20. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:23.
MIN – Penalty on Bob Whitfield enforced in the end zone for a safety, 11:38. Vikings 36–20.
MIN – Aaron Elling 24-yard field goal, 2:52. Vikings 39–20. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:41.
ATL – Jimmy Farris 8-yard pass from Doug Johnson (pass failed), 1:43. Vikings 39–26. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 1:09.
Top passers
MIN – Gus Frerotte – 14/24, 239 yards, 2 TD, INT
ATL – Doug Johnson – 28/40, 352 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Moe Williams – 11 rushes, 71 yards, 2 TD
ATL – T. J. Duckett – 11 rushes, 69 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 81 yards, 2 TD
ATL – Peerless Price – 12 receptions, 168 yards, TD :

#### Week 7: vs. Denver Broncos

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 20 |
| Vikings | 7 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: October 19
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,381
* Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Kelly Campbell 47-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 6:10. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:33.
Second quarter
DEN – Clinton Portis 4-yard run (Jason Elam kick), 1:51. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 5:16.
MIN – Moe Williams 59-yard pass play by Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 0:00. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 1:51.
Third quarter
MIN – Onterrio Smith 5-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 9:24. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 5:36.
MIN – Lance Johnstone 33-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 7:57. Vikings 28–7.
DEN – Jason Elam 46-yard field goal, 5:20. Vikings 28–10. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 2:37.
Fourth quarter
DEN – Jason Elam 46-yard field goal, 14:17. Vikings 28–13. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 4:14.
DEN – Mike Anderson 1-yard pass from Danny Kanell (Jason Elam kick), 6:45. Vikings 28–20. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 4:38.
Top passers
DEN – Steve Beuerlein – 9/19, 119 yards, 3 INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 19/26, 277 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
DEN – Clinton Portis – 25 rushes, 117 yards, TD
MIN – Moe Williams – 14 rushes, 42 yards
Top receivers
DEN – Shannon Sharpe – 7 receptions, 79 yards
MIN – Randy Moss – 10 receptions, 151 yards :

#### Week 8: vs. New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Giants | 7 | 6 | 3 | 13 | 29 |
| Vikings | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: October 26
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,114
* Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Aaron Elling 51-yard field goal, 10:12. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 4:48.
NYG – Ike Hilliard 19-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brett Conway kick), 7:19. Giants 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:53.
Second quarter
NYG – Brett Conway 20-yard field goal, 3:31. Giants 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:12.
MIN – Randy Moss 33-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 1:53. Tied 10–10. Drive: 4 plays, 79 yards, 1:38.
NYG – Brett Conway 44-yard field goal, 0:04. Giants 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 1:49.
Third quarter
NYG – Brett Conway 37-yard field goal, 13:14. Giants 16–10. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:46.
MIN – Randy Moss 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 6:22. Vikings 17–16. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:09.
Fourth quarter
NYG – Tiki Barber 2-yard run (pass failed), 5:29. Giants 22–17. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:58.
NYG – Ike Hilliard 14-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brett Conway kick), 3:39. Giants 29–17. Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 1:36.
Top passers
NYG – Kerry Collins – 23/39, 375 yards, 2 TD, INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 18/31, 241 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
NYG – Tiki Barber – 20 rushes, 75 yards, TD
MIN – Moe Williams – 11 rushes, 69 yards
Top receivers
NYG – Ike Hilliard – 9 receptions, 100 yards, 2 TD
MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 125 yards, 2 TD :

#### Week 9: vs. Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Packers | 6 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 30 |
| Vikings | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 27 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: November 2
* Game time: 7:35 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,482
* Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
GB – Ryan Longwell 21-yard field goal, 11:14. Packers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 3:46.
MIN – Randy Moss 43-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 8:33. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:41.
GB – Ryan Longwell 43-yard field goal, 5:42. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:51.
Second quarter
GB – Ahman Green 5-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 12:18. Packers 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:23.
MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 2:07. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 4:01.
GB – Javon Walker 12-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:21. Packers 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 1:46.
Third quarter
MIN – Aaron Elling 47-yard field goal, 8:53. Packers 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards, 6:07.
MIN – Aaron Elling 37-yard field goal, 2:26. Tied 20–20. Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 5:09.
Fourth quarter
GB – Javon Walker 12-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:14. Packers 27–20. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:12.
GB – Ryan Longwell 27-yard field goal, 2:37. Packers 30–20. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 6:40.
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 0:33. Packers 30–27. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 2:04.
Top passers
GB – Brett Favre – 18/28, 194 yards, 3 TD, INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 21/34, 202 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
GB – Ahman Green – 21 rushes, 137 yards
MIN – Moe Williams – 12 rushes, 63 yards
Top receivers
GB – Ahman Green – 5 receptions, 52 yards, TD
MIN – Randy Moss – 6 receptions, 87 yards, TD :

#### Week 10: at San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 28 |
| Chargers | 14 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 42 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
* Date: November 9
* Game time: 3:05 p.m. CDT/1:05 p.m. PST
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 66 °F (19 °C)
* Game attendance: 64,738
* Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
SD – David Boston 3-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 11:47. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:13.
SD – LaDainian Tomlinson 73-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 7:51. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 1:59.
MIN – Randy Moss 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 2:09. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:42.
Second quarter
SD – Doug Flutie 3-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 11:36. Chargers 21–7. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:33.
MIN – Nate Burleson 19-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 4:42. Chargers 21–14. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 6:54.
SD – Antonio Gates 4-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 0:25. Chargers 28–14. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 4:17.
Third quarter
SD – LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 1:36. Chargers 35–14. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 3:09.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Moe Williams 31-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 14:48. Chargers 35–21. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:48.
SD – Doug Flutie 13-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 8:11. Chargers 42–21. Drive: 5 plays, 73 yards, 2:56.
MIN – Moe Williams 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 4:20. Chargers 42–28. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 3:51.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 32/44, 370 yards, 4 TD, INT
SD – Doug Flutie – 21/29, 248 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
MIN – Moe Williams – 12 rushes, 45 yards
SD – LaDainian Tomlinson – 16 rushes, 162 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
MIN – Moe Williams – 11 receptions, 126 yards, 2 TD
SD – David Boston – 7 receptions, 82 yards, TD :

#### Week 11: at Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 18 |
| Raiders | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
at Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, California
* Date: November 16
* Game time: 3:15 p.m. CDT/1:15 p.m. PST
* Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 55 °F (13 °C)
* Game attendance: 56,653
* Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
OAK – Phillip Buchanon 64-yard interception return (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 14:11. Raiders 7–0.
Second quarter
MIN – Aaron Elling 35-yard field goal, 11:24. Raiders 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 3:43.
OAK – Zack Crockett 1-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 8:22. Raiders 14–3. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:07.
Third quarter
OAK – Tyrone Wheatley 2-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 11:23. Raiders 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:37.
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 11-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 2:12. Raiders 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 1:52.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Kelly Campbell 29-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper–Hunter Goodwin pass), 8:32. Raiders 21–18. Drive: 2 plays, 81 yards, 0:44.
OAK – Zack Crockett 2-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 2:16. Raiders 28–18. Drive: 4 plays, 11 yards, 0:30.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 27/49, 396 yards, TD, 3 INT
OAK – Rick Mirer – 9/13, 195 yards
Top rushers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 7 rushes, 42 yards, TD
OAK – Tyrone Wheatley – 32 rushes, 109 yards, TD
Top receivers
MIN – Kelly Campbell – 4 receptions, 115 yards, TD
OAK – O. J. Santiago – 2 receptions, 53 yards :

#### Week 12: vs. Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
| Vikings | 7 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 24 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: November 23
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,946
* Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Michael Bennett 25-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 7:29. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:41.
Second quarter
No scoring plays.
Third quarter
DET – Corey Harris 35-yard fumble return (Jason Hanson kick), 12:11. Tied 7–7.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Aaron Elling 24-yard field goal, 2:45. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 8:49.
MIN – Corey Chavous 32-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 2:26. Vikings 17–7.
MIN – Brian Williams 42-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 2:06. Vikings 24–7.
DET – Az-Zahir Hakim 5-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 0:35. Vikings 24–14. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 1:31.
Top passers
DET – Joey Harrington – 21/41, 167 yards, TD, 4 INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 20/30, 196 yards, INT
Top rushers
DET – Joey Harrington – 2 rushes, 34 yards
MIN – Michael Bennett – 15 rushes, 73 yards, TD
Top receivers
DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 7 receptions, 61 yards, TD
MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 56 yards :

#### Week 13: at St. Louis Rams

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Rams | 10 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 48 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
* Date: November 30
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,134
* Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
STL – Marshall Faulk 18-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:21. Rams 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 18 yards, 0:07.
STL – Jeff Wilkins 28-yard field goal, 5:40. Rams 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 4:38.
MIN – Randy Moss 15-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 0:56. Rams 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:44.
Second quarter
STL – Isaac Bruce 4-yard pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick), 11:50. Rams 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 4:06.
MIN – Aaron Elling 28-yard field goal, 5:43. Rams 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 6:07.
MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 0:51. Tied 17–17. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:19.
STL – Jeff Wilkins 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Rams 20–17. Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 0:51.
Third quarter
STL – Marshall Faulk 5-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:50. Rams 27–17. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:33.
STL – Marc Bulger 12-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 2:39. Rams 34–17. Drive: 1 play, 12 yards, 0:08.
Fourth quarter
STL – Aeneas Williams 90-yard fumble return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 12:06. Rams 41–17.
STL – Marshall Faulk 7-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 6:48. Rams 48–17. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:59.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 33/47, 330 yards, TD, INT
STL – Marc Bulger – 15/20, 222 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
MIN – Michael Bennett – 14 rushes, 98 yards
STL – Marshall Faulk – 17 rushes, 108 yards, 3 TD
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 10 receptions, 160 yards, TD
STL – Torry Holt – 8 receptions, 102 yards :

#### Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Seahawks | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Vikings | 0 | 13 | 7 | 14 | 34 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: December 7
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,968
* Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 47-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 13:17. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 58 yards, 1:13.
MIN – Aaron Elling 36-yard field goal, 3:27. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 15 plays, 58 yards, 8:33.
MIN – Aaron Elling 35-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 2:22.
Third quarter
SEA – Shaun Alexander 1-yard run (Josh Brown kick), 12:42. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:18.
MIN – Randy Moss 45-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 9:24. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:18.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Kelly Campbell 43-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 14:53. Vikings 27–7. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 2:18.
MIN – Mike Nattiel 80-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 1:34. Vikings 34–7.
Top passers
SEA – Matt Hasselbeck – 17/34, 218 yards, 2 INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 21/33, 274 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
SEA – Shaun Alexander – 14 rushes, 56 yards, TD
MIN – Michael Bennett – 25 rushes, 103 yards
Top receivers
SEA – Bobby Engram – 4 receptions, 93 yards
MIN – Randy Moss – 8 receptions, 133 yards, 2 TD :

#### Week 15: at Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Bears | 3 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
* Date: December 14
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 33 °F (1 °C)
* Game attendance: 61,804
* Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
CHI – Paul Edinger 38-yard field goal, 13:10. Bears 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:50.
Second quarter
CHI – Anthony Thomas 1-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 10:53. Bears 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:49.
MIN – Aaron Elling 22-yard field goal, 1:10. Bears 10–3. Drive: 19 plays, 73 yards, 9:43.
Third quarter
CHI – Paul Edinger 22-yard field goal, 4:09. Bears 13–3. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 3:29.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 16-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 10:23. Bears 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:04.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 24/34, 222 yards, TD, INT
CHI – Rex Grossman – 13/30, 157 yards
Top rushers
MIN – Onterrio Smith – 27 rushes, 148 yards
CHI – Anthony Thomas – 19 rushes, 79 yards, TD
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 9 receptions, 93 yards, TD
CHI – Marty Booker – 3 receptions, 48 yards :

#### Week 16: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chiefs | 0 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 20 |
| Vikings | 7 | 17 | 7 | 14 | 45 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: December 20
* Game time: 4:15 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,291
* Referee: Ron Blum (7)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 30-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 10:23. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 92 yards, 4:37.
Second quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 21-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 10:58. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:27.
MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 3:42. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 5:44.
MIN – Aaron Elling 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 24–0. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 2:53.
Third quarter
MIN – Onterrio Smith 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 11:44. Vikings 31–0. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:07.
KC – Priest Holmes 2-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 5:16. Vikings 31–7. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 6:28.
Fourth quarter
KC – Priest Holmes 4-yard run (pass failed), 13:33. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 2:43.
KC – Priest Holmes 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 10:05. Vikings 31–20. Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 1:07.
MIN – Onterrio Smith 11-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 7:00. Vikings 38–20. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 3:05.
MIN – Onterrio Smith 10-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 6:00. Vikings 45–20. Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 0:46.
Top passers
KC – Trent Green – 18/38, 224 yards, 2 INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 20/29, 260 yards, 3 TD, INT
Top rushers
KC – Priest Holmes – 18 rushes, 55 yards, 3 TD
MIN – Onterrio Smith – 21 rushes, 146 yards, 3 TD
Top receivers
KC – Eddie Kennison – 5 receptions, 89 yards
MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 111 yards, 2 TD :

#### Week 17: at Arizona Cardinals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 17 |
| Cardinals | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 18 |
at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
* Date: December 28
* Game time: 2:05 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Clear, 51 °F (11 °C)
* Game attendance: 52,734
* Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
ARI – Neil Rackers 22-yard field goal, 0:51. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 94 yards, 8:00.
Second quarter
ARI – Neil Rackers 26-yard field goal, 0:19. Cardinals 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 0:23.
Third quarter
MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 7:08. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:39.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 7-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 8:54. Vikings 14–6. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 5:56.
MIN – Aaron Elling 46-yard field goal, 6:48. Vikings 17–6. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:53.
ARI – Steve Bush 2-yard pass from Josh McCown (pass failed), 1:54. Vikings 17–12. Drive: 14 plays, 60 yards, 4:54.
ARI – Nate Poole 28-yard pass from Josh McCown (run failed), 0:00. Cardinals 18–17. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 1:54.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 18/28, 197 yards, TD, INT
ARI – Josh McCown – 20/33, 224 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
MIN – Michael Bennett – 12 rushes, 63 yards
ARI – Josh McCown – 3 rushes, 27 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 56 yards, TD
ARI – Nate Poole – 5 receptions, 86 yards, TD :
Despite still having a chance to make the playoffs by winning the NFC North, the Vikings squandered a 17–6 fourth-quarter lead in the final two minutes and lost to the 3–12 Arizona Cardinals after Josh McCown threw a 28-yard pass to Nate Poole for the game-winning touchdown with no time left, and with the Packers' win over the Broncos, giving them the NFC North title, and ending the Vikings season.

### Standings

NFC North :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(4)}$ Green Bay Packers | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 4–2 | 7–5 | 442 | 307 | W4 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 4–2 | 7–5 | 416 | 353 | L1 |
| Chicago Bears | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 4–8 | 283 | 346 | L1 |
| Detroit Lions | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 2–4 | 4–8 | 270 | 379 | W1 |

## Statistics
### Team leaders

| Category | Player(s) | Value |
| Passing yards | Daunte Culpepper | 3,479 |
| Passing touchdowns | Daunte Culpepper | 25 |
| Rushing yards | Moe Williams | 745 |
| Rushing touchdowns | Moe Williams Onterrio Smith | 5 |
| Receiving yards | Randy Moss | 1,632 * |
| Receiving touchdowns | Randy Moss | 17 |
| Points | Randy Moss Aaron Elling | 102 |
| Kickoff return yards | Onterrio Smith | 588 |
| Punt return yards | Keenan Howry | 247 |
| Tackles | Brian Russell | 95 |
| Sacks | Kevin Williams | 10.5 |
| Interceptions | Brian Russell | 9 |
| Forced fumbles | Kenny Mixon | 4 |
* Vikings single season record

### League rankings

| Category | Total yards | Yards per game | NFL rank (out of 32) |
| Passing offense | 3,951 | 246.9 | 4th |
| Rushing offense | 2,343 | 146.4 | 4th |
| Total offense | 6,294 | 393.4 | 1st |
| Passing defense | 3,477 | 217.3 | 26th |
| Rushing defense | 1,879 | 117.4 | 17th |
| Total defense | 5,356 | 334.8 | 23rd |