# 2006 Minnesota Vikings season

The 2006 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 46th in the National Football League (NFL). Under new head coach Brad Childress, the team finished with a 6–10 record; however, they led the league in rushing defense, surrendering only 985 rushing yards; they are one of only two franchises in NFL history to allow fewer than 1,000 rushing yards in a 16-game season (the other was the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens in 2000).

## Offseason

On January 6, 2006, the Vikings hired Brad Childress to take over from Mike Tice as head coach, making them the first team to hire a new head coach during the 2006 offseason. Childress previously held the quarterbacks coach position with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999 to 2002, and was the offensive coordinator from 2002 to 2005; he was also offensive coordinator for the Wisconsin Badgers from 1993 to 1999 under Barry Alvarez.

### 2006 draft

* Pro Bowler
2006 Minnesota Vikings Draft :
| Draft order | Draft order | Player name | Position | College | Contract | Notes |
| Round | Selection | Player name | Position | College | Contract | Notes |
| 1 | 17 | Chad Greenway | Linebacker | Iowa | 5 years | |
| 2 | 48 | Cedric Griffin | Cornerback | Texas | 4 years | |
| 2 | 51 | Ryan Cook | Center | New Mexico | 4 years | From Dolphins |
| 2 | 64 | Tarvaris Jackson | Quarterback | Alabama State | 4 years | From Steelers |
| 3 | 83 | Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers | Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers | Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers | Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers | |
| 3 | 95 | Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers | Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers | Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers | Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers | From Seahawks |
| 4 | 115 | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | |
| 4 | 127 | Ray Edwards | Defensive end | Purdue | 4 years | From Colts, via Eagles |
| 5 | 149 | Greg Blue | Safety | Georgia | 4 years | |
| 6 | 185 | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | |
| 7 | 227 | Traded to the San Diego Chargers | Traded to the San Diego Chargers | Traded to the San Diego Chargers | Traded to the San Diego Chargers | |
Notes:
* ↑ The Vikings traded QB Daunte Culpepper to the Dolphins in exchange for a second-round selection (51st overall).
* 1 2 3 The Vikings traded two third-round selections (83rd and 95th overall) to the Steelers in exchange for a second-round selection (64th overall).
* ↑ The Vikings received a third-round selection (95th overall) from the Seahawks as compensation for restricted free agent WR Nate Burleson.
* 1 2 3 The Vikings traded fourth- and sixth-round selections (115th and 185th overall) to the Eagles in exchange for a fourth-round selection (127th overall) and G Artis Hicks.
* ↑ The Vikings traded their seventh-round selection (227th overall) to the Chargers in exchange for G Toniu Fonoti.

### Transactions

Re-signed :
| Player | Position | Status | Contract |
| Bryant McKinnie | OT | Free agent | 7 years ($48.5 million) |
| E.J. Henderson | LB | Free agent | 5 years ($25 million) |
| Kevin Williams | DT | Free agent | 7 years ($50 million) |
| Cullen Loeffler | LS | Free agent | |
| Jeff Dugan | FB | Free agent | 5 years ($4.5 million) |
Additions :
| Player | Position | Status (previous team) | Contract |
| Ben Leber | LB | Free agent (SD) | 5 years ($20 million) |
| Ryan Longwell | K | Free agent (GB) | 5 years ($10 million) |
| Chester Taylor | RB | Free agent (BAL) | 4 years ($14.1 million) |
| Steve Hutchinson | G | Restricted (SEA) | 7 years ($49 million) |
| Tony Richardson | FB | Unrestricted (KC) | 2 years ($2.5 million) |
| Tank Williams | SS | Free agent (TEN) | 1 year ($900,000) |
| Jason Whittle | G | Free agent (NYG) | 1 year ($695,000) |
| Ronyell Whitaker | CB | Free agent (TB) | |
| Dwight Smith | FS | Free agent (NO) | |
| Artis Hicks | G | Trade (PHI) | |
| Billy McMullen | WR | Trade (PHI) | |
| Artose Pinner | RB | Claimed off waivers (DET) | |
| Ross Kolodziej | DT | Free agent (ARI) | |
| Jason Glenn | LB | Free agent (NYJ) | |
| Bethel Johnson | WR | Free agent (NO) | |
| Rod Davis | LB | Free agent (CAR) | |
| Naufahu Tahi | FB | Signed from practice squad (CIN) | |
| Brooks Bollinger | QB | Trade (NYJ) | |
| Mike Hawkins | CB | Claimed off waivers (CLE) | |
| Martin Nance | WR | Free agent (BUF) | |
| Maurice Mann | WR | Free agent (SEA) | |
Departures :
| Player | Position | Status (new team) |
| Michael Bennett | RB | Free agent (KC) |
| Brian Williams | CB | Free agent (JAC) |
| Corey Chavous | SS | Free agent (STL) |
| Daunte Culpepper | QB | Trade (MIA) |
| Melvin Fowler | C | Unrestricted (BUF) |
| Nate Burleson | WR | Restricted free agent (SEA) |
| Raonall Smith | LB | Unrestricted (STL) |
| Lance Johnstone | DE | Unrestricted (OAK) |
| Hank Baskett | WR | Trade (PHI) |
| Shaun Hill | QB | Unrestricted (SF) |
| Cory Withrow | C | Unrestricted (SD) |
| Koren Robinson | WR | Free agent (GB) |
| Chris Liwienski | G | Free agent (ARI) |
| Dustin Fox | CB | Free agent (PHI) |
| C. J. Mosley | DT | Trade (NYJ) |

## Preseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | August 14 | Oakland Raiders | L 13–16 | 0–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,278 | Recap |
| 2 | August 19 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | W 17–10 | 1–1 | Heinz Field | 57,813 | Recap |
| 3 | August 25 | Baltimore Ravens | W 30–7 | 2–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,257 | Recap |
| 4 | August 31 | at Dallas Cowboys | T 10–10 (OT) | 2–1–1 | Texas Stadium | 60,299 | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: vs. Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Raiders | 6 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 16 |
| Vikings | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: August 14
* Game time: 7:10 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,278
* Referee: Bill Leavy
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 27-yard field goal, 13:26. Raiders 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:27.
MIN – Tony Richardson 3-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:11. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:25.
OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 55-yard field goal, 4:10. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:01.
Second quarter
OAK – Johnnie Morant 67-yard pass from Andrew Walter (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 5:19. Raiders 13–7. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:32.
MIN – Ryan Longwell 41-yard field goal, 0:00. Raiders 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 0:31.
Third quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 28-yard field goal, 0:55. Tied 13–13. Drive: 12 plays, 37 yards, 4:57.
Fourth quarter
OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 28-yard field goal, 8:30. Raiders 16–13. Drive: 13 plays, 49 yards, 7:25.
Top passers
OAK – Andrew Walter – 10/19, 148 yards, TD, 2 INT
MIN – J. T. O'Sullivan – 8/17, 100 yards, INT
Top rushers
OAK – ReShard Lee – 10 rushes, 34 yards
MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 3 rushes, 36 yards
Top receivers
OAK – Johnnie Morant – 5 receptions, 108 yards, TD
MIN – Josh Davis – 3 receptions, 64 yards :

#### Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
| Steelers | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: August 19
* Game time: 8:15 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Fair, 76 °F (24 °C)
* Game attendance: 57,813
* Referee: Walt Coleman
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
PIT – Cedrick Wilson 16-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick), 10:12. Steelers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:32.
MIN – Jermaine Wiggins 12-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 4:38. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 5:34.
Second quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 38-yard field goal, 12:56. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 13 plays, 40 yards, 5:33.
Third quarter
MIN – Jason Carter 6-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:20. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:12.
PIT – Jeff Reed 32-yard field goal, 0:38. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 3:31.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays.
Top passers
MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 9/11, 80 yards, TD
PIT – Charlie Batch – 8/14, 103 yards, INT
Top rushers
MIN – Wendell Mathis – 8 rushes, 36 yards
PIT – John Kuhn – 8 rushes, 30 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Jason Carter – 2 receptions, 48 yards, TD
PIT – Nate Washington – 3 receptions, 53 yards :

#### Week 3: vs. Baltimore Ravens

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Ravens | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Vikings | 3 | 7 | 3 | 17 | 30 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: August 25
* Game time: 7:05 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,257
* Referee: Gerald Austin
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 45-yard field goal, 11:47. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 3:13.
Second quarter
MIN – Fred Smoot 69-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 4:50. Vikings 10–0.
Third quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 38-yard field goal, 5:15. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:06.
BAL – Kyle Boller 1-yard run (Matt Stover kick), 0:49. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 4:26.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Jason Carter 77-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Ryan Longwell kick), 11:47. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 89 yards, 2:01.
MIN – Ryan Longwell 23-yard field goal, 2:21. Vikings 23–7. Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards, 2:48.
MIN – Khreem Smith 29-yard fumble return (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:30. Vikings 30–7.
Top passers
BAL – Kyle Boller – 9/15, 105 yards
MIN – Brad Johnson – 9/15, 95 yards
Top rushers
BAL – Cory Ross – 6 rushes, 23 yards
MIN – Wendell Mathis – 10 rushes, 41 yards
Top receivers
BAL – Clarence Moore – 2 receptions, 60 yards
MIN – Jason Carter – 2 receptions, 107 yards, TD :

#### Week 4: at Dallas Cowboys

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Cowboys | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas
* Date: August 31
* Game time: 7:05 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Clear, 94 °F (34 °C)
* Game attendance: 60,299
* Referee: Gene Steratore
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
MIN – Marcus Robinson 24-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:54. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 98 yards, 4:59.
DAL – Mike Vanderjagt 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 3:07.
Third quarter
No scoring plays.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 24-yard field goal, 6:09. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 7:27.
DAL – Tyson Thompson 2-yard pass from Tony Romo (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:17. Tied 10–10. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 5:52.
Overtime
No scoring plays.
Top passers
MIN – Brad Johnson – 11/13, 135 yards, TD
DAL – Tony Romo – 30/45, 349 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Ciatrick Fason – 11 rushes, 36 yards
DAL – Tyson Thompson – 10 rushes, 56 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Troy Williamson – 1 reception, 40 yards
DAL – Sam Hurd – 6 receptions, 110 yards :

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | September 11 | at Washington Redskins | W 19–16 | 1–0 | FedExField | 90,608 | Recap |
| 2 | September 17 | Carolina Panthers | W 16–13 (OT) | 2–0 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,623 | Recap |
| 3 | September 24 | Chicago Bears | L 16–19 | 2–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,754 | Recap |
| 4 | October 1 | at Buffalo Bills | L 12–17 | 2–2 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | 71,972 | Recap |
| 5 | October 8 | Detroit Lions | W 26–17 | 3–2 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,906 | Recap |
| 6 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 7 | October 22 | at Seattle Seahawks | W 31–13 | 4–2 | Qwest Field | 68,118 | Recap |
| 8 | October 30 | New England Patriots | L 7–31 | 4–3 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,819 | Recap |
| 9 | November 5 | at San Francisco 49ers | L 3–9 | 4–4 | Monster Park | 68,088 | Recap |
| 10 | November 12 | Green Bay Packers | L 17–23 | 4–5 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,924 | Recap |
| 11 | November 19 | at Miami Dolphins | L 20–24 | 4–6 | Dolphin Stadium | 73,070 | Recap |
| 12 | November 26 | Arizona Cardinals | W 31–26 | 5–6 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,483 | Recap |
| 13 | December 3 | at Chicago Bears | L 13–23 | 5–7 | Soldier Field | 62,221 | Recap |
| 14 | December 10 | at Detroit Lions | W 30–20 | 6–7 | Ford Field | 60,861 | Recap |
| 15 | December 17 | New York Jets | L 13–26 | 6–8 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,677 | Recap |
| 16 | December 21 | at Green Bay Packers | L 7–9 | 6–9 | Lambeau Field | 70,864 | Recap |
| 17 | December 31 | St. Louis Rams | L 21–41 | 6–10 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,557 | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: at Washington Redskins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 6 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 19 |
| Redskins | 3 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
at FedExField, Landover, Maryland
* Date: September 11
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT/6:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Cloudy, 65 °F (18 °C)
* Game attendance: 90,608
* Referee: Mike Carey
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Tony Kornheiser and Joe Theismann (color commentators)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Chester Taylor 4-yard run (run failed), 10:05. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:55.
WAS – John Hall 27-yard field goal, 1:55. Vikings 6–3. Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 8:10.
Second quarter
WAS – Clinton Portis 5-yard run (John Hall kick), 8:06. Redskins 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 4:04.
WAS – John Hall 27-yard field goal, 1:05. Redskins 13–6. Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 1:16.
MIN – Ryan Longwell 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Redskins 13–9. Drive: 6 plays, 28 yards, 1:05.
Third quarter
MIN – Marcus Robinson 20-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:38. Vikings 16–13. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:10.
WAS – John Hall 22-yard field goal, 4:25. Tied 16–16. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 5:13.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 31-yard field goal, 1:00. Vikings 19–16. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 4:34.
Top passers
MIN – Brad Johnson – 16/30, 223 yards, TD
WAS – Mark Brunell – 17/28, 163 yards
Top rushers
MIN – Chester Taylor – 31 rushes, 88 yards, TD
WAS – Clinton Portis – 10 rushes, 39 yards, TD
Top receivers
MIN – Troy Williamson – 4 receptions, 77 yards
WAS – Santana Moss – 3 receptions, 69 yards :
The Vikings started the regular season on the road against the Washington Redskins on September 11, the first game of a Monday Night Football doubleheader on opening weekend. The Vikings drew first blood as running back Chester Taylor ran in a 4-yard touchdown on their opening drive; however, during the extra-point try, holder Chris Kluwe fumbled the snap and instead tried to go for a two-point conversion, which failed. The Vikings lead was cut in half later in the quarter, as Redskins kicker John Hall made a 27-yard field goal. In the second quarter, things were starting to look grim for the Vikings, as Redskins running back Clinton Portis and kicker Hall gave the Redskins a 5-yard touchdown run and another 27-yard field goal to make the score 13–6. The Vikings responded with a last-second 46-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Longwell to close the first half. In the third quarter, the Vikings continued their comeback as quarterback Brad Johnson threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Robinson to give Minnesota a 16–13 lead. However, the Redskins tied the game up on a 22-yard field goal by Hall. Late in the fourth quarter, Longwell gave the Vikings a 19–16 lead, as he kicked a 31-yard field goal. During the final minute of the game, the Vikings held their ground and hung on to give Brad Childress his first head coaching win, as Hall missed a 48-yard field goal for the home side.

#### Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Panthers | 0 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Vikings | 3 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 16 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: September 17
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Indoors
* Game attendance: 63,623
* Referee: Bill Leavy
* TV announcers (Fox): Steve Byrnes (play-by-play) and Bill Maas (color commentator)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 26-yard field goal, 8:28. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 6:32.
Second quarter
CAR – John Kasay 25-yard field goal, 12:12. Tied 3–3. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:04.
MIN – Ryan Longwell 22-yard field goal, 5:25. Vikings 6–3. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 3:53.
CAR – DeAngelo Williams 3-yard run (John Kasay kick), 0:17. Panthers 10–6. Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 5:08.
Third quarter
CAR – John Kasay 26-yard field goal, 2:51. Panthers 13–6. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:09.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Richard Owens 16-yard pass from Ryan Longwell (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:48. Tied 13–13. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 2:02.
Overtime
MIN – Ryan Longwell 19-yard field goal, 7:25. Vikings 16–13. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:40.
Top passers
CAR – Jake Delhomme – 17/33, 181 yards
MIN – Brad Johnson – 19/31, 243 yards, INT
Top rushers
CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 13 rushes, 74 yards, TD
MIN – Chester Taylor – 24 rushes, 113 yards
Top receivers
CAR – Keyshawn Johnson – 5 receptions, 106 yards
MIN – Troy Williamson – 6 receptions, 102 yards :
In their Week 2 home-opener, the Vikings faced the Carolina Panthers in a low-scoring fight. The Vikings drew first blood with a 26-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Longwell. In the second quarter, Carolina got a field goal with opposing kicker John Kasay. The Vikings responded with another Longwell field goal from 22 yards, but they fell before halftime with opposing running back DeAngelo Williams getting a 3-yard run for the Panthers. The Vikings trailed a bit further in the third quarter, as Karney kicked a 26-yard field goal. The Vikings started their own comeback. In the fourth quarter, Longwell faked a field goal try and threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to fullback Richard Owens to tie the game up going into overtime. In the extra period, Longwell booted the game-winning 19-yard field goal to give Minnesota the win. It was the first time in Vikings history that a coach started 2–0 in his first year.

#### Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bears | 3 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 19 |
| Vikings | 3 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 16 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: September 24
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Indoors
* Game attendance: 63,754
* Referee: Scott Green
* TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (color commentator) and Tony Siragusa (sideline reporter)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 31-yard field goal, 10:49. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 4:11.
CHI – Robbie Gould 41-yard field goal, 6:20. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 4:29.
Second quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 26-yard field goal, 1:08. Vikings 6–3. Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 3:24.
Third quarter
CHI – Robbie Gould 24-yard field goal, 10:53. Tied 6–6. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:07.
CHI – Robbie Gould 31-yard field goal, 3:18. Bears 9–6. Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 5:14.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Antoine Winfield 7-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:53. Vikings 13–9.
CHI – Robbie Gould 49-yard field goal, 10:37. Vikings 13–12. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 4:16.
MIN – Ryan Longwell 41-yard field goal, 7:27. Vikings 16–12. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 3:10.
CHI – Rashied Davis 24-yard pass from Rex Grossman (Robbie Gould kick), 1:53. Bears 19–16. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 1:32.
Top passers
CHI – Rex Grossman – 23/41, 278 yards, TD, 2 INT
MIN – Brad Johnson – 21/31, 194 yards
Top rushers
CHI – Thomas Jones – 18 rushes, 54 yards
MIN – Chester Taylor – 20 rushes, 74 yards
Top receivers
CHI – Muhsin Muhammad – 9 receptions, 118 yards
MIN – Travis Taylor – 6 receptions, 82 yards :
Staying at home, the Vikings played a fierce NFC North fight with the Chicago Bears. In the first quarter, Minnesota got on the board first with kicker Ryan Longwell completing a 31-yard field goal, but the Bears tied it up via a 41-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould. In the second quarter, Longwell put the Vikings back in front with a 26-yard field goal, the only score of the period. In the third quarter, Minnesota began to trail, as Gould kicked a 24-yard and a 31-yard field goal to give Chicago a small lead. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings retook the lead as cornerback Antoine Winfield returned an interception 7 yards for a touchdown. Gould kicked a 49-yard field goal, but Longwell answered with a 41-yard field goal for the Vikings. The Vikings fell to their doom, as Chester Taylor fumbled and the Bears quarterback Rex Grossman completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rashied Davis, which gave the Vikings their first loss of the year. Of the first five games played by the Bears in the 2006 season, this was the closest game. All others have been decided by at least 26 points.

#### Week 4: at Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 12 |
| Bills | 0 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 17 |
at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, New York
* Date: October 1
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 58 °F (14 °C)
* Game attendance: 71,972
* Referee: Ron Winter
* TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts (play-by-play) and Terry Donahue (color commentator)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 37-yard field goal, 8:40. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 6:20.
Second quarter
BUF – Willis McGahee 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 13:08. Bills 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 7:21.
MIN – Ryan Longwell 49-yard field goal, 0:00. Bills 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 0:42.
Third quarter
BUF – Peerless Price 8-yard pass from J. P. Losman (Rian Lindell kick), 9:12. Bills 14–6. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:48.
Fourth quarter
BUF – Rian Lindell 28-yard field goal, 14:05. Bills 17–6. Drive: 10 plays, 22 yards, 5:44.
MIN – Marcus Robinson 29-yard pass from Brad Johnson (pass failed), 3:07. Bills 17–12. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 1:03.
Top passers
MIN – Brad Johnson – 25/44, 267 yards, TD, 2 INT
BUF – J. P. Losman – 23/32, 224 yards, TD
Top rushers
MIN – Chester Taylor – 10 rushes, 23 yards
BUF – Willis McGahee – 28 rushes, 78 yards, TD
Top receivers
MIN – Marcus Robinson – 5 receptions, 78 yards, TD
BUF – Lee Evans – 7 receptions, 92 yards :
Hoping to rebound from the previous week's loss, the Vikings traveled to Ralph Wilson Stadium for a match-up with the Buffalo Bills. In the first quarter, the Vikings drew first blood as kicker Ryan Longwell nailed a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Minnesota got into a tiny hole, as Bills running back Willis McGahee got a 1-yard touchdown run. Longwell gave the Vikings a 49-yard field goal as time ran out of the first half, but in the third quarter, the Vikes found themselves in a bit of a hole, as Buffalo quarterback J. P. Losman connected with wide receiver Peerless Price on an 8-yard touchdown pass for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota trailed even further, as Bills kicker Rian Lindell got a 28-yard field goal. The Vikings tried to come back, as quarterback Brad Johnson completed a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Robinson. The two-point conversion failed and during their next drive, they ran out of time. With their loss, the Vikings fell to 2–2.

#### Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 0 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
| Vikings | 3 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 26 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: October 8
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Indoors
* Game attendance: 63,906
* Referee: Gerald Austin
* TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen (play-by-play), Tim Ryan (color commentator) and Chris Myers (sideline reporter)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 26-yard field goal, 4:23. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 6:48.
Second quarter
DET – Jon Kitna 8-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 2:17. Lions 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 1:58.
DET – Jason Hanson 53-yard field goal, 0:33. Lions 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 0:41.
Third quarter
DET – Dan Campbell 12-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Jason Hanson kick), 5:11. Lions 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:24.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Travis Taylor 3-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:14. Lions 17–10. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 5:57.
MIN – Ben Leber fumble recovery in the end zone (kick blocked), 13:12. Lions 17–16.
MIN – Ryan Longwell 20-yard field goal, 3:00. Vikings 19–17. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 5:07.
MIN – E. J. Henderson 45-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:31. Vikings 26–17.
Top passers
DET – Jon Kitna – 23/42, 225 yards, TD, 3 INT
MIN – Brad Johnson – 26/34, 201 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
DET – Jon Kitna – 1 rush, 8 yards, TD
MIN – Chester Taylor – 26 rushes, 123 yards
Top receivers
DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 8 receptions, 92 yards
MIN – Travis Taylor – 4 receptions, 44 yards, TD :
After dropping two straight games, the Vikings came home for an NFC North fight with the Detroit Lions. The Vikings struck first with a 26-yard field goal, which were the only points scored in the first quarter. The Vikings did not score again until the fourth quarter. Detroit got close, but Napoleon Harris got the first interception of his five-year career at the end of the first. In the second quarter, Detroit quarterback Jon Kitna ran 8 yards to score a touchdown, putting the Lions ahead 7–3. Detroit's next drive resulted in a field goal to put them ahead 10–3. In the third quarter, Detroit recovered a Vikings fumble and then go on to score another touchdown to bring their lead to 17–3. In the first minute of the fourth quarter, the Vikings' Travis Taylor scored a touchdown on a three-yard reception to bring the score to 17–10. The Lions' next drive ended in a forced fumble when Pat Williams burst through the line untouched and Kitna lost the ball, which was picked up by the Vikings' Ben Leber in the end zone for a touchdown; however, the extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 17–16. With a 4th-and-1 for the Vikings on the Lions' 34, kicker Ryan Longwell pooch-punted the ball to the Lions' 7. Later, the Vikings scored a 20-yard field goal to take the lead at 19–17. Detroit then threw an interception on 4th-and-10 to E.J. Henderson, who ran 45 yards to score a touchdown, bringing the score to 26–17. The Vikings' Darren Sharper got an interception in the last minute to seal the victory, bringing the Vikings' record up to 3–2.

#### Week 7: at Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 3 | 7 | 14 | 7 | 31 |
| Seahawks | 7 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 13 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington
* Date: October 22
* Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT/3:15 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 60 °F (16 °C)
* Game attendance: 68,118
* Referee: Walt Anderson
* TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts (play-by-play) and Terry Donahue (color commentator)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 33-yard field goal, 11:40. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 3:20.
SEA – Darrell Jackson 72-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick), 10:01. Seahawks 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:39.
Second quarter
SEA – Josh Brown 42-yard field goal, 14:13. Seahawks 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:18.
MIN – Marcus Robinson 40-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:55. Tied 10–10. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 6:18.
Third quarter
MIN – Jermaine Wiggins 15-yard pass from Mewelde Moore (Ryan Longwell kick), 8:51. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:10.
MIN – Chester Taylor 95-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 4:50. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 1 play, 95 yards, 0:16.
Fourth quarter
SEA – Josh Brown 26-yard field goal, 14:11. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 5:39.
MIN – Kevin Williams fumble recovery in the end zone (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:48. Vikings 31–13.
Top passers
MIN – Brad Johnson – 15/24, 171 yards, TD
SEA – Seneca Wallace – 14/25, 134 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Chester Taylor – 26 rushes, 169 yards, TD
SEA – Maurice Morris – 17 rushes, 49 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Marcus Robinson – 4 receptions, 77 yards, TD
SEA – Darrell Jackson – 7 rushes, 136 yards, TD :
Coming off their bye week, the Vikings flew to Qwest Field and took on the Seattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, the Vikes drew first blood with kicker Ryan Longwell nailing a 33-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Seahawks responded with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completing a 72-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Darrell Jackson. In the second quarter, Seattle improved its lead with kicker Josh Brown kicking a 42-yard field goal. Minnesota responded with quarterback Brad Johnson completing a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Robinson. In the third quarter, the Vikings managed to retake the lead with running back Mewelde Moore throwing a 15-yard option pass to tight end Jermaine Wiggins, while running back Chester Taylor ran 95 yards for a touchdown (the longest rushing touchdown play in franchise history). In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks had Brown kick a 26-yard field goal. The Vikes pulled away and won with defensive tackle Kevin Williams recovering a Seattle fumble in their endzone. With the win, Minnesota improved to 4–2.

#### Week 8: vs. New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 7 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 31 |
| Vikings | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: October 30
* Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/7:30 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Indoors
* Game attendance: 63,819
* Referee: Larry Nemmers
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Tony Kornheiser and Joe Theismann (color commentators)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Reche Caldwell 6-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 11:07. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 3:53.
Second quarter
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 23-yard field goal, 12:09. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 93 yards, 3:27.
NE – Benjamin Watson 9-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:25. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 3:57.
Third quarter
MIN – Mewelde Moore 71-yard punt return (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:36. Patriots 17–7.
NE – Troy Brown 7-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:03. Patriots 24–7. Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:33.
NE – Chad Jackson 10-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:05. Patriots 31–7. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 1:48.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays.
Top passers
NE – Tom Brady – 29/43, 372 yards, 4 TD, INT
MIN – Brad Johnson – 20/33, 185 yards, 3 INT
Top rushers
NE – Heath Evans – 1 rush, 35 yards
MIN – Chester Taylor – 10 rushes, 22 yards
Top receivers
NE – Benjamin Watson – 7 receptions, 95 yards, TD
MIN – Mewelde Moore – 4 receptions, 91 yards :
The Vikes fell to 4–3 with a loss at home on Monday Night Football to the New England Patriots.
The Pats, who came out passing instead of bothering to even try challenging the Vikings rush defense, got out to an early lead on the opening drive as quarterback Tom Brady hit wide receiver Reche Caldwell for a 6-yard touchdown pass. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski connected on a 23-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Brady threw his second of what turned out to be four touchdown passes, this time to tight end Benjamin Watson just before halftime to give the Pats a 17–0 lead. The Vikes finally got on the board as running back Mewelde Moore returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter. That was all the Vikings could muster as Brady threw his final two touchdowns to wide receivers Troy Brown and Chad Jackson respectively to close out the scoring.

#### Week 9: at San Francisco 49ers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 49ers | 0 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
at Monster Park, San Francisco, California
* Date: November 5
* Game time: 3:05 p.m. CST/1:05 p.m. PST
* Game weather: Sunny, 62 °F (17 °C)
* Game attendance: 68,088
* Referee: Ed Hochuli
* TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen (play-by-play), Tim Ryan (color commentator) and Chris Myers (sideline reporter)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 21-yard field goal, 3:51. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 16 plays, 69 yards, 9:00.
Second quarter
SF – Joe Nedney 25-yard field goal, 13:22. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 5:29.
SF – Joe Nedney 30-yard field goal, 8:18. 49ers 6–3. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 2:29.
Third quarter
No scoring plays.
Fourth quarter
SF – Joe Nedney 51-yard field goal, 7:15. 49ers 9–3. Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 4:54.
Top passers
MIN – Brad Johnson – 21/31, 136 yards, INT
SF – Alex Smith – 13/21, 105 yards, INT
Top rushers
MIN – Chester Taylor – 26 rushes, 96 yards
SF – Frank Gore – 19 rushes, 41 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Chester Taylor – 8 receptions, 45 yards
SF – Frank Gore – 5 receptions, 36 yards :
Hoping to rebound from their disappointing home loss to the Patriots, the Vikings flew to Monster Park for a Week 9 clash with the San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, the Vikings scored first, as kicker Ryan Longwell completed a 21-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 49ers get two Joe Nedney field goals (a 25-yarder and a 30-yarder) and take the lead. After a scoreless third quarter, Nedney put the game away for San Francisco as he nailed a 51-yard field goal. With another loss, the Vikes fell to 4–4.

#### Week 10: vs. Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Packers | 10 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 23 |
| Vikings | 0 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 17 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: November 12
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Indoors
* Game attendance: 63,924
* Referee: Terry McAulay
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Brian Baldinger (color commentator) and Jay Glazer (sideline reporter)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
GB – Dave Rayner 20-yard field goal, 6:40. Packers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 83 yards, 6:54.
GB – Noah Herron 5-yard pass from Brett Favre (Dave Rayner kick), 3:34. Packers 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 2:55.
Second quarter
MIN – Billy McMullen 40-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:52. Packers 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:42.
MIN – Billy McMullen fumble recovery in the end zone (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:52. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 5:20.
GB – Donald Driver 82-yard pass from Brett Favre (Dave Rayner kick), 0:48. Packers 17–14. Drive: 3 plays, 97 yards, 1:02.
Third quarter
GB – Dave Rayner 24-yard field goal, 4:38. Packers 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 2:33.
Fourth quarter
GB – Dave Rayner 29-yard field goal, 2:11. Packers 23–14. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 5:35.
MIN – Ryan Longwell 34-yard field goal, 0:58. Packers 23–17. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 1:13.
Top passers
GB – Brett Favre – 24/42, 347 yards, 2 TD
MIN – Brad Johnson – 18/30, 257 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
GB – Ahman Green – 22 rushes, 55 yards
MIN – Chester Taylor – 20 rushes, 75 yards
Top receivers
GB – Donald Driver – 6 receptions, 191 yards, TD
MIN – Bethel Johnson – 2 receptions, 75 yards :
Trying to end their two-game skid, the Vikings flew home for an NFC North fight with the Green Bay Packers. In the first quarter, the Vikings trailed early as Packers kicker Dave Rayner nailed a 20-yard field goal, while quarterback Brett Favre completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Noah Herron. In the second quarter, the Vikes took the lead as quarterback Brad Johnson completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Billy McMullen. Afterwards, McMullen recovered a fumble within the Packers end zone for another touchdown. However, Green Bay retook the lead with Favre completing an 82-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Donald Driver. In the third quarter, Rayner helped the Packers with a 24-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Rayner kicked one more field goal for Green Bay, as he kicked a 29-yard field goal. Minnesota tried to fight back, but all they could get was kicker Ryan Longwell nailing a 34-yard field goal. With their third-straight loss, the Vikings fell to 4–5.

#### Week 11: at Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 7 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 20 |
| Dolphins | 0 | 10 | 0 | 14 | 24 |
at Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
* Date: November 19
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Sunny, 68 °F (20 °C)
* Game attendance: 73,070
* Referee: Jeff Triplette
* TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen (play-by-play) and Tim Ryan (color commentator)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 4:02. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 96 yards, 6:19.
Second quarter
MIA – Olindo Mare 44-yard field goal, 14:09. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 1:10.
MIA – Justin Peelle 11-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Olindo Mare kick), 5:34. Dolphins 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:32.
Third quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 35-yard field goal, 6:09. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 26 yards, 3:59.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 19-yard field goal, 14:12. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:56.
MIA – Renaldo Hill 48-yard fumble return (Olindo Mare kick), 9:27. Dolphins 17–13.
MIA – Jason Taylor 51-yard interception return (Olindo Mare kick), 3:25. Dolphins 24–13.
MIN – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:00. Dolphins 24–20.
Top passers
MIN – Brad Johnson – 26/44, 262 yards, INT
MIA – Joey Harrington – 26/42, 254 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
MIN – Chester Taylor – 28 rushes, 80 yards, 2 TD
MIA – Ronnie Brown – 11 rushes, 5 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Travis Taylor – 8 receptions, 67 yards
MIA – Marty Booker – 6 receptions, 84 yards :
Trying to stop a three-game skid, the Vikings flew to Dolphin Stadium for an interconference fight with the Miami Dolphins. In the first quarter, the Vikes struck first with running back Chester Taylor getting a 1-yard touchdown run for the only score of the period. However, in the second quarter, the Dolphins took the lead with kicker Olindo Mare getting a 44-yard field goal, while quarterback Joey Harrington completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Justin Peelle. In the third quarter, Minnesota tied the game with kicker Ryan Longwell nailing a 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, in the fourth quarter, Longwell kicked a 19-yard field goal to help the Vikings retake the lead. However, Miami's defense made some huge stops on the Vikes, with free safety Renaldo Hill returning a fumble 48 yards for a touchdown, while defensive end Jason Taylor returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown. The only response that Minnesota could muster was on the final offensive play of the game, as Taylor got another 1-yard touchdown run. With their fourth-straight loss, the Vikings fell 4–6.

#### Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cardinals | 7 | 6 | 0 | 13 | 26 |
| Vikings | 7 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 31 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: November 26
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Indoors
* Game attendance: 63,483
* Referee: Jerome Boger
* TV announcers (Fox): Matt Vasgersian (play-by-play) and J.C. Pearson (color commentator)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
ARI – J. J. Arrington 99-yard kickoff return (Neil Rackers kick), 14:44. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:16.
MIN – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:42. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:02.
Second quarter
ARI – Neil Rackers 21-yard field goal, 13:28. Cardinals 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 3:04.
ARI – Neil Rackers 50-yard field goal, 3:48. Cardinals 13–7. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 4:40.
MIN – Marcus Robinson 17-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:31. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:17.
Third quarter
MIN – Billy McMullen 9-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:37. Vikings 21–13. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:23.
MIN – Ryan Longwell 40-yard field goal, 6:38. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 9 plays, 32 yards, 3:38.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Jeff Dugan 3-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 12:00. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:02.
ARI – Adrian Wilson 99-yard fumble return (pass failed), 10:08. Vikings 31–19.
ARI – Anquan Boldin 9-yard pass from Matt Leinart (Neil Rackers kick), 0:39. Vikings 31–26. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 1:10.
Top passers
ARI – Matt Leinart – 31/51, 405 yards, TD, 2 INT
MIN – Brad Johnson – 27/41, 271 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
ARI – Edgerrin James – 4 rushes, 15 yards
MIN – Chester Taylor – 27 rushes, 136 yards, TD
Top receivers
ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 11 receptions, 172 yards
MIN – Marcus Robinson – 7 receptions, 82 yards, TD :
Hoping to end their four-game skid, the Vikings returned home for a Week 12 fight against the Arizona Cardinals. This game was notable for the return of Head Coach Dennis Green, who formerly coached the Vikings and now works for the Cardinals. Right out of the gate, the Vikes trailed early as Cardinals running back J. J. Arrington returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings responded with running back Chester Taylor getting a 1-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, Cards kicker Neil Rackers helped increase Arizona's lead with a 21-yard and a 50-yard field goal. Afterwards, Minnesota struck back with quarterback Brad Johnson completing a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Robinson. In the third quarter, the Vikings took the lead with Johnson completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Billy McMullen, while kicker Ryan Longwell nailed a 40-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Vikes managed to put the icing on the game with Johnson completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to fullback Jeff Dugan. The Cardinals tried to fight back, with Strong Safety Adrian Wilson returning a fumble 99 yards for a touchdown (with a failed two-point conversion) and quarterback Matt Leinart completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Minnesota held on to snap its four-game losing streak. With the win, the Vikings improved to 5–6.

#### Week 13: at Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
| Bears | 0 | 7 | 14 | 2 | 23 |
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
* Date: December 3
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 20 °F (−7 °C)
* Game attendance: 62,221
* Referee: Tony Corrente
* TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (color commentator) and Tony Siragusa (sideline reporter)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
CHI – Devin Hester 45-yard punt return (Robbie Gould kick), 12:20. Bears 7–0.
MIN – Ryan Longwell 23-yard field goal, 8:54. Bears 7–3.
Third quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 30-yard field goal, 10:07. Bears 7–6.
CHI – Ricky Manning 54-yard interception return (Robbie Gould kick), 4:33. Bears 14–6.
CHI – Cedric Benson 24-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 3:04. Bears 21–6. Drive: 4 plays, 33 yards, 1:16.
Fourth quarter
CHI – Ciatrick Fason tackled in the end zone by Tank Johnson for a safety, 13:59. Bears 23–6.
MIN – Ciatrick Fason 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:40. Bears 23–13.
Top passers
MIN – Brad Johnson – 11/26, 73 yards, 4 INT
CHI – Rex Grossman – 6/19, 34 yards, 3 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Chester Taylor – 17 rushes, 99 yards
CHI – Cedric Benson – 9 rushes, 60 yards, TD
Top receivers
MIN – Mewelde Moore – 5 receptions, 51 yards
CHI – Bernard Berrian – 4 receptions, 21 yards :
Trying to build on their win over the Cardinals, the Vikings flew to Soldier Field for an NFC North rematch with the Chicago Bears. After a scoreless first quarter, the Bears drew first blood in the second quarter with defensive back Devin Hester returning a punt 45 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, Minnesota had kicker Ryan Longwell nail a 23-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Longwell kicked a 30-yard field goal, but that was as close as the Vikings got to Chicago in the game, because after Longwell's field goal, the Bears took over with defensive back Ricky Manning, Jr. returning an interception 54 yards for a touchdown, while running back Cedric Benson got a 24-yard touchdown run. By the time the fourth quarter came around, quarterback Brad Johnson was benched for the game, due to throwing four interceptions. Back-up quarterback Brooks Bollinger took over, but he fare any better, as he got sacked in his own end zone by defensive tackle Tank Johnson for a safety. Afterwards, the Vikings had their only successful drive of the game with running back Ciatrick Fason getting a 4-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, Bollinger sprained his left arm during a sack, so rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson came in to finish the game. With the loss, Minnesota fell to 5–7.

#### Week 14: at Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 14 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 30 |
| Lions | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 20 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: December 10
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Indoors
* Game attendance: 60,861
* Referee: Bill Carollo
* TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (color commentator) and Jennifer Hammond (sideline reporter)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Artose Pinner 3-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 8:01. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:59.
MIN – Artose Pinner 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 2:32. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 2:48.
Second quarter
MIN – Brad Johnson 3-yard run (pass failed), 13:41. Vikings 20–0. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:27.
DET – Jamar Fletcher 88-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick), 8:04. Vikings 20–7.
DET – Jason Hanson 53-yard field goal, 1:30. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 2:01.
Third quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 30-yard field goal, 12:33. Vikings 23–10. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:32.
DET – Jason Hanson 45-yard field goal, 7:27. Vikings 23–13. Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 5:06.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Artose Pinner 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:46. Vikings 30–13. Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 2:15.
DET – Kevin Jones 23-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Jason Hanson kick), 10:48. Vikings 30–20. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 2:58.
Top passers
MIN – Brad Johnson – 14/22, 159 yards, INT
DET – Jon Kitna – 28/41, 294 yards, TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Artose Pinner – 29 rushes, 125 yards, 3 TD
DET – Arlen Harris – 1 rush, 0 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Marcus Robinson – 3 receptions, 45 yards
DET – Mike Furrey – 9 receptions, 84 yards :
After getting swept by the Bears, the Vikings flew to Ford Field for an NFC North rematch with the Detroit Lions. In the first quarter, running back Artose Pinner (a former Lion) helped Minnesota gain an early lead with a 3-yard and a 4-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, quarterback Brad Johnson got a 3-yard touchdown run, yet it was followed up with a failed two-point conversion. Detroit retaliated with defensive back Jamar Fletcher returning an interception 88 yards for a touchdown, while kicker Jason Hanson kicked a 53-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Vikes got a 30-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Longwell, yet Detroit's Hanson nailed a 45-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Pinner helped wrap the game up with a 1-yard touchdown run. Even though Lions quarterback Jon Kitna completed a 23-yard touchdown pass to running back Kevin Jones, Minnesota held on to sweep Detroit. With the win, the Vikings improved to 6–7.

#### Week 15: vs. New York Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 7 | 16 | 3 | 0 | 26 |
| Vikings | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 13 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: December 17
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Indoors
* Game attendance: 63,677
* Referee: Bill Vinovich
* TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel (play-by-play) and Dan Dierdorf (color commentator)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Travis Taylor 30-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 12:53. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 1:21.
NYJ – Cedric Houston 6-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 6:20. Tied 7–7. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 6:33.
Second quarter
NYJ – Mike Nugent 25-yard field goal, 11:39. Jets 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 3:38.
NYJ – Laveranues Coles 21-yard pass from Chad Pennington (Mike Nugent kick), 6:12. Jets 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:18.
NYJ – Mike Nugent 52-yard field goal, 2:48. Jets 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:37.
NYJ – Mike Nugent 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Jets 23–7. Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 0:46.
Third quarter
NYJ – Mike Nugent 20-yard field goal, 4:27. Jets 26–7. Drive: 15 plays, 84 yards, 7:41.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Mewelde Moore 35-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson (pass failed), 6:15. Jets 26–13. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:41.
Top passers
NYJ – Chad Pennington – 29/39, 339 yards, TD, INT
MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 14/23, 177 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
NYJ – Cedric Houston – 21 rushes, 53 yards, TD
MIN – Chester Taylor – 11 rushes, 38 yards
Top receivers
NYJ – Laveranues Coles – 12 receptions, 144 yards, TD
MIN – Travis Taylor – 6 receptions, 81 yards, TD :
Following their win over the Lions, the Vikings went home for a Week 15 interconference fight with the New York Jets. In the first quarter, the Vikes took an early lead with quarterback Brad Johnson completing a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Travis Taylor. However, the Jets struck back with running back Cedric Houston with a 6-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, things got bad for Minnesota. First, New York got a 25-yard field goal from kicker Mike Nugent. Then, quarterback Chad Pennington completed a 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Laveranues Coles. Afterwards, Nugent kicked a 52-yard and a 45-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Jets' lead increased with Nugent's 20-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson came in a completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to running back Mewelde Moore. That was the only response from the Purple People Eaters. With the loss, the Vikings fell to 6–8.

#### Week 16: at Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Packers | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
* Date: December 21
* Game time: 8:00 p.m. EST/7:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Rain, 36 °F (2 °C)
* Game attendance: 70,864
* Referee: Gene Steratore
* TV announcers (NFLN): Bryant Gumbel (play-by-play) and Cris Collinsworth (color commentator)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
GB – Dave Rayner 38-yard field goal, 9:09. Packers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 3:42.
Second quarter
GB – Dave Rayner 44-yard field goal, 0:00. Packers 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 1:14.
Third quarter
MIN – Fred Smoot 47-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:10. Vikings 7–6.
Fourth quarter
GB – Dave Rayner 44-yard field goal, 1:34. Packers 9–7. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:13.
Top passers
MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 10/20, 50 yards, INT
GB – Brett Favre – 26/50, 285 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Chester Taylor – 15 rushes, 49 yards
GB – Ahman Green – 18 rushes, 42 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Chester Taylor – 3 receptions, 18 yards
GB – Donald Driver – 9 receptions, 99 yards :
Trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, the Vikings flew to Lambeau Field for an NFC North rematch with the Green Bay Packers in a Thursday night fight. For this game, Minnesota gave rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson the start. In the first half, the Packers took an early lead as kicker Dave Rayner nailed a 38-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 44-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Vikes took the lead with cornerback Fred Smoot returning an interception 47 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Rayner gave Green Bay the win with a 44-yard field goal. With the loss, not only did the Vikings fall to 6–9, but they also got eliminated from the NFC playoff race.
A huge cause for Minnesota's loss was that the offense was only able to get three first downs the entire game. Also, in keeping with the fact that the Vikings were the most penalized team in the league in 2006, they committed 10 penalties for a loss of 68 yards.

#### Week 17: vs. St. Louis Rams

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Rams | 10 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 41 |
| Vikings | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: December 31
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Indoors
* Game attendance: 63,557
* Referee: Pete Morelli
* TV announcers (Fox): Dan McLaughlin (play-by-play) and Tony Boselli (color commentator)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
STL – Ron Bartell 38-yard interception return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:38. Rams 7–0.
STL – Jeff Wilkins 42-yard field goal, 6:44. Rams 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 5:13.
MIN – Tarvaris Jackson 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 2:04. Rams 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 4:40.
Second quarter
STL – Steven Jackson 4-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:12. Rams 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 2:25.
STL – Steven Jackson 10-yard pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick), 1:15. Rams 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 5:04.
Third quarter
STL – Jeff Wilkins 53-yard field goal, 11:24. Rams 27–7. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 3:36.
STL – Steven Jackson 2-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:16. Rams 34–7. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 6:04.
Fourth quarter
STL – Steven Jackson 59-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 11:09. Rams 41–7. Drive: 4 plays, 86 yards, 2:23.
MIN – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:28. Rams 41–14. Drive: 3 plays, 35 yards, 1:41.
MIN – Travis Taylor 3-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Ryan Longwell kick), 2:21. Rams 41–21. Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 4:38.
Top passers
STL – Marc Bulger – 19/30, 248 yards, TD
MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 20/34, 213 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
STL – Steven Jackson – 25 rushes, 142 yards, 3 TD
MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 7 rushes, 34 yards, TD
Top receivers
STL – Torry Holt – 9 receptions, 90 yards
MIN – Mewelde Moore – 3 receptions, 57 yards :
Trying to end their season on a high note, the Vikings went home for a Week 17 intraconference fight with the St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Rams defensive back Ronald Bartell returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown. Also, kicker Jeff Wilkins helped St. Louis with a 42-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Vikings managed to score with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson getting a 1-yard touchdown run. However, in the second quarter, things got worse for the Vikes as Rams running back Steven Jackson got a 4-yard touchdown run and even a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Marc Bulger. In the third quarter, things continued to get worse for Minnesota as Wilkins kicked a 53-yard field goal, while Jackson got a 2-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis wrapped up its domination with Jackson with a 59-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, the Vikes got its remaining points with running back Chester Taylor getting a 1-yard touchdown run, while Tarvaris Jackson completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Travis Taylor. With three straight losses to close out the season, the Vikings finished at 6–10.

### Standings

NFC North :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(1)}$ Chicago Bears | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 5–1 | 11–1 | 427 | 255 | L1 |
| Green Bay Packers | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 5–1 | 7–5 | 301 | 366 | W4 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 2–4 | 6–6 | 282 | 387 | L3 |
| Detroit Lions | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 0–6 | 2–10 | 305 | 398 | W1 |

## Statistics
### Team leaders

| Category | Player(s) | Value |
| Passing yards | Brad Johnson | 2,750 |
| Passing touchdowns | Brad Johnson | 9 |
| Rushing yards | Chester Taylor | 1,216 |
| Rushing touchdowns | Chester Taylor | 6 |
| Receiving yards | Travis Taylor | 651 |
| Receiving touchdowns | Marcus Robinson | 4 |
| Points | Ryan Longwell | 90 |
| Kickoff return yards | Bethel Johnson | 1,054 |
| Punt return yards | Mewelde Moore | 364 |
| Tackles | E. J. Henderson | 110 |
| Sacks | Darrion Scott | 5.5 |
| Interceptions | Darren Sharper Dwight Smith Antoine Winfield | 4 |
| Forced fumbles | Ben Leber | 3 |

### League rankings

| Category | Total yards | Yards per game | NFL rank (out of 32) |
| Passing offense | 3,123 | 195.2 | 18th |
| Rushing offense | 1,820 | 113.8 | 16th |
| Total offense | 4,943 | 308.9 | 23rd |
| Passing defense | 3,818 | 238.6 | 31st (tied) |
| Rushing defense | 985 | 61.6 | 1st |
| Total defense | 4,803 | 300.2 | 8th |