# 2002 Minnesota Vikings season

The 2002 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 42nd in the National Football League, and the first under head coach Mike Tice. Tice was the third of the Vikings' six head coaches to be promoted from within the team's coaching ranks but the first to have actually played for the team.
This for the first time since 1989, Cris Carter was not on the opening day roster.
The Vikings lost their opening game in Chicago 27–23 after surrendering a 20–10 halftime lead, and ended up going 0–4 before their bye week. Results improved after the bye, but they ultimately went 6–6 in their remaining games, including a three-game winning streak to end the season. They finished the season with a 6–10 record and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Second-year running back Michael Bennett enjoyed a successful year, rushing for 1,296 yards, resulting in a Pro Bowl selection at the end of the season. After losing Cris Carter to retirement, Randy Moss had a career-high 106 receptions, but only had 7 touchdowns.

## Offseason

| Additions | Subtractions |
| WR Derrick Alexander (Chiefs) | T Brad Badger (Raiders) |
| WR D'Wayne Bates (Bears) | P Mitch Berger (Rams) |
| LB Greg Biekert (Raiders) | WR Cris Carter (Dolphins) |
| CB Corey Chavous (Cardinals) | CB Dale Carter (Saints) |
| LB Henri Crockett (Falcons) | WR Jake Reed (Saints) |
| DE Kenny Mixon (Dolphins) | LB Kailee Wong (Texans) |
| P Kyle Richardson (Ravens) | WR Troy Walters (Colts) |
| FS Ronnie Bradford (Falcons) | FS Robert Griffith (Browns) |
| DE Lorenzo Bromell (Dolphins) | CB Robert Tate (Ravens) |
| TE Hunter Goodwin (Dolphins) | CB Kenny Wright (Texans) |
| DE Chuck Wiley (Falcons) | |

### 2002 draft

* Pro Bowler
2002 Minnesota Vikings Draft :
| Draft order | Draft order | Player name | Position | College | Notes |
| Round | Overall | Player name | Position | College | Notes |
| 1 | 7 | Bryant McKinnie | Offensive tackle | Miami (FL) | |
| 2 | 38 | Raonall Smith | Linebacker | Washington State | |
| 3 | 70 | Willie Offord | Safety | South Carolina | |
| 4 | 105 | Brian Williams | Cornerback | NC State | |
| 4 | 132 | Ed Ta'amu | Guard | Utah | Compensatory pick |
| 5 | 141 | Traded to the Cleveland Browns | Traded to the Cleveland Browns | Traded to the Cleveland Browns | Traded to the Cleveland Browns |
| 6 | 177 | Nick Rogers | Linebacker | Georgia Tech | |
| 7 | 218 | Chad Beasley | Offensive tackle | Virginia Tech | |
Notes:
* ↑ Minnesota traded their fifth-round selection (141st overall) to the Browns in exchange for QB Spergon Wynn and RB Travis Prentice.

### Undrafted free agents

2002 Undrafted Free Agents of note :
| Player | Position | College |
| Jack Brewer | Safety | Minnesota |
| Kelly Campbell | Wide receiver | Georgia Tech |
| Nick Davis | Wide receiver | Wisconsin |
| Shaun Hill | Quarterback | Maryland |
| Max Yates | Linebacker | Marshall |

## Preseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | August 10 | Cleveland Browns | L 15–27 | 0–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,532 | Recap |
| 2 | August 16 | at Buffalo Bills | W 24–21 | 1–1 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | 47,027 | Recap |
| 3 | August 23 | Tennessee Titans | W 14–10 | 2–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,845 | Recap |
| 4 | August 29 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | L 14–17 | 2–2 | Heinz Field | 57,062 | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: vs. Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Browns | 7 | 6 | 14 | 0 | 27 |
| Vikings | 7 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 15 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: August 10
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,532
* Referee: Dick Hantak (105)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
CLE – Jamel White 45-yard pass from Tim Couch (Phil Dawson kick), 12:55. Browns 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 72 yards, 2:05.
MIN – Moe Williams 4-yard run (Doug Brien kick), 4:58. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:57.
Second quarter
CLE – Phil Dawson 45-yard field goal, 10:11. Browns 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 5:08.
CLE – Phil Dawson 45-yard field goal, 0:03. Browns 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 0:47.
Third quarter
CLE – Kalvin Pearson 60-yard interception return (Phil Dawson kick), 10:46. Browns 20–7.
CLE – Mark Campbell 5-yard pass from Kelly Holcomb (Jay Taylor kick), 7:12. Browns 27–7. Drive: 3 plays, 58 yards, 1:24.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Bennitte Waddell fumble recovery in the end zone (Spergon Wynn–Matt Cercone pass), 2:37. Browns 27–15. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 3:03.
Top passers
CLE – Tim Couch – 7/9, 138 yards, TD
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 8/13, 66 yards
Top rushers
CLE – Autry Denson – 8 rushes, 41 yards
MIN – Moe Williams – 4 rushes, 19 yards, TD
Top receivers
CLE – Jamel White – 3 receptions, 81 yards, TD
MIN – O. J. Santiago – 2 receptions, 48 yards :

#### Week 2: at Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
| Bills | 6 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 21 |
at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
* Date: August 16
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 79 °F (26 °C)
* Game attendance: 46,027
* Referee: Tom White (123)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
BUF – Mike Hollis 25-yard field goal, 10:54. Bills 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:25.
MIN – Michael Bennett 3-yard run (Doug Brien kick), 9:29. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 55 yards, 1:25.
BUF – Mike Hollis 20-yard field goal, 5:00. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:29.
Second quarter
MIN – Byron Chamberlain 8-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Doug Brien kick), 13:43. Vikings 14–6. Drive: 12 plays, 86 yards, 6:17.
BUF – Shawn Bryson 1-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 9:23. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 4:20.
MIN – Doug Brien 19-yard field goal, 3:58. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 5:25.
Third quarter
BUF – Richard Huntley 5-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 10:35. Bills 19–17. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 2:38.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Kelly Campbell 25-yard pass from Shaun Hill (Todd France kick), 9:59. Vikings 24–19. Drive: 1 play, 25 yards, 0:07.
BUF – Nick Murphy ran out of bounds in the end zone for a safety, 0:00. Vikings 24–19.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 12/19, 189 yards, TD
BUF – Travis Brown – 10/22, 104 yards, INT
Top rushers
MIN – Michael Bennett – 5 rushes, 49 yards, TD
BUF – Travis Henry – 7 rushes, 50 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 4 receptions, 71 yards
BUF – Peerless Price – 2 receptions, 49 yards :

#### Week 3: vs. Tennessee Titans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Titans | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Vikings | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: August 23
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,845
* Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Doug Brien kick), 13:50. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 3:10.
TEN – Joe Nedney 27-yard field goal, 5:52. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 3:39.
MIN – Randy Moss 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Doug Brien kick), 1:00. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:52.
Third quarter
No scoring plays.
Fourth quarter
TEN – John Simon 8-yard pass from Billy Volek (Joe Nedney kick), 0:02. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 1:45.
Top passers
TEN – Billy Volek – 15/23, 153 yards, TD, INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 10/15, 137 yards, TD
Top rushers
TEN – Skip Hicks – 8 rushes, 21 yards
MIN – James Wofford – 11 rushes, 52 yards
Top receivers
TEN – Eddie Berlin – 5 receptions, 76 yards
MIN – Randy Moss – 4 receptions, 76 yards, TD :

#### Week 4: at Pittsburgh Steelers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| Steelers | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 17 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: August 29
* Game time: 7:35 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 75 °F (24 °C)
* Game attendance: 57,062
* Referee: Tom White (123)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
PIT – Jerome Bettis 2-yard run (Todd Peterson kick), 1:42. Steelers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 98 yards, 3:53.
Second quarter
PIT – Amos Zereoué 1-yard run (Todd Peterson kick), 6:12. Steelers 14–0. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:16.
MIN – Randy Moss 5-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Doug Brien kick), 0:47. Steelers 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 57 yards, 1:00.
Third quarter
PIT – Todd Peterson 33-yard field goal, 9:26. Steelers 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 3:24.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Todd Bouman 3-yard run (Doug Brien kick), 4:57. Steelers 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:40.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 10/16, 121 yards, TD
PIT – Kordell Stewart – 7/12, 105 yards
Top rushers
MIN – Doug Chapman – 11 rushes, 58 yards
PIT – Antwon McCray – 16 rushes, 67 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 6 receptions, 85 yards, TD
PIT – Plaxico Burress – 2 receptions, 47 yards :

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | September 8 | at Chicago Bears | L 23–27 | 0–1 | Memorial Stadium | 52,168 | Recap |
| 2 | September 15 | Buffalo Bills | L 39–45 (OT) | 0–2 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,047 | Recap |
| 3 | September 22 | Carolina Panthers | L 14–21 | 0–3 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,945 | Recap |
| 4 | September 29 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 23–48 | 0–4 | Seahawks Stadium | 65,212 | Recap |
| 5 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 6 | October 13 | Detroit Lions | W 31–24 | 1–4 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,013 | Recap |
| 7 | October 20 | at New York Jets | L 7–20 | 1–5 | Giants Stadium | 78,516 | Recap |
| 8 | October 27 | Chicago Bears | W 25–7 | 2–5 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,122 | Recap |
| 9 | November 3 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | L 24–38 | 2–6 | Raymond James Stadium | 65,667 | Recap |
| 10 | November 10 | New York Giants | L 20–27 | 2–7 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,005 | Recap |
| 11 | November 17 | Green Bay Packers | W 31–21 | 3–7 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,153 | Recap |
| 12 | November 24 | at New England Patriots | L 17–24 | 3–8 | Gillette Stadium | 68,436 | Recap |
| 13 | December 1 | Atlanta Falcons | L 24–30 (OT) | 3–9 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 63,947 | Recap |
| 14 | December 8 | at Green Bay Packers | L 22–26 | 3–10 | Lambeau Field | 64,070 | Recap |
| 15 | December 15 | at New Orleans Saints | W 32–31 | 4–10 | Louisiana Superdome | 67,851 | Recap |
| 16 | December 21 | Miami Dolphins | W 20–17 | 5–10 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,285 | Recap |
| 17 | December 29 | at Detroit Lions | W 38–36 | 6–10 | Ford Field | 60,233 | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: at Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 3 | 17 | 0 | 3 | 23 |
| Bears | 7 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 27 |
at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois
* Date: September 8
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 85 °F (29 °C)
* Game attendance: 63,226
* Referee: Mike Carey (94)
* TV: FOX
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Doug Brien 30-yard field goal, 6:15. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 3:18.
CHI – Marty Booker 29-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 1:03. Bears 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 29 yards, 1:31.
Second quarter
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 2-yard run (Doug Brien kick), 13:32. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 2:31.
CHI – Paul Edinger 49-yard field goal, 9:19. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 4:13.
MIN – Doug Brien 22-yard field goal, 3:30. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 5:49.
MIN – Randy Moss 33-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Doug Brien kick), 0:55. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 1 play, 33 yards, 0:06.
Third quarter
CHI – Paul Edinger 49-yard field goal, 10:28. Vikings 20–13. Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 4:32.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Doug Brien 42-yard field goal, 9:07. Vikings 23–13. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:24.
CHI – Anthony Thomas 1-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 6:13. Vikings 23–20. Drive: 5 plays, 78 yards, 2:54.
CHI – David Terrell 9-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 0:28. Bears 27–23. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 2:06.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 16/28, 234 yards, TD, 2 INT
CHI – Jim Miller – 20/33, 297 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
MIN – Michael Bennett – 16 rushes, 53 yards
CHI – Anthony Thomas – 19 rushes, 45 yards, TD
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 6 receptions, 58 yards, TD
CHI – Marty Booker – 8 receptions, 198 yards, TD :

#### Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Bills | 6 | 7 | 10 | 16 | 6 | 45 |
| Vikings | 3 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 39 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: September 15
* Game time: 3:15 p.m. CDT/4:15 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,047
* Referee: Ron Winter (14)
* TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Brent Jones
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Doug Brien 29-yard field goal, 7:32. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 4:30.
BUF – Mike Hollis 52-yard field goal, 3:56. Tied 3–3. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 3:36.
BUF – Mike Hollis 20-yard field goal, 0:30. Bills 6–3. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:25.
Second quarter
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 2-yard run (Doug Brien kick), 8:54. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 6:36.
MIN – Doug Brien 22-yard field goal, 2:13. Vikings 13–6. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 4:54.
BUF – Josh Reed 9-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (Mike Hollis kick), 1:06. Tied 13–13. Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 1:07.
Third quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Doug Brien kick), 13:36. Vikings 20–13. Drive: 2 plays, 3 yards, 0:40.
BUF – Charlie Rogers 90-yard kickoff return (Mike Hollis kick), 13:24. Tied 20–20. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:12.
BUF – Mike Hollis 20-yard field goal, 6:14. Bills 23–20. Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 4:45.
MIN – D'Wayne Bates 29-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (kick failed, wide left), 1:30. Vikings 26–23. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:44.
Fourth quarter
BUF – Ron Edwards fumble recovery in the end zone (Mike Hollis kick), 14:01. Bills 30–26.
MIN – Derrick Alexander 5-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (kick failed), 7:27. Vikings 32–30. Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 6:34.
BUF – Peerless Price 3-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (pass failed), 3:08. Bills 36–32. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 4:19.
MIN – Moe Williams 2-yard run (Doug Brien kick), 0:26. Vikings 39–36. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 2:42.
BUF – Mike Hollis 54-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 39–39. Drive: 4 plays, 29 yards, 0:26.
Overtime
BUF – Peerless Price 48-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe, 4:48. Bills 45–39. Drive: 2 plays, 76 yards, 0:40.
Top passers
BUF – Drew Bledsoe – 35/49, 463 yards, 3 TD
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 25/45, 281 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
BUF – Travis Henry – 12 rushes, 30 yards
MIN – Moe Williams – 17 rushes, 102 yards, TD
Top receivers
BUF – Peerless Price – 13 receptions, 185 yards, 2 TD
MIN – Randy Moss – 11 receptions, 111 yards, TD :

#### Week 3: vs. Carolina Panthers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers | 0 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 21 |
| Vikings | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: September 22
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT/1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,945
* Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
MIN – Michael Bennett 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 12:58. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 17 yards, 2:02.
Third quarter
CAR – Steve Smith Sr. 14-yard pass from Rodney Peete (Jon Hilbert kick), 5:14. Tied 7–7. Drive: 2 plays, 28 yards, 0:47.
Fourth quarter
CAR – Lamar Smith 12-yard run (Jon Hilbert kick), 13:28. Panthers 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:38.
CAR – Lamar Smith 24-yard run (Jon Hilbert kick), 7:54. Panthers 21–7. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 4:42.
MIN – Chris Walsh 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:29. Panthers 21–14. Drive: 9 plays, 89 yards, 4:25.
Top passers
CAR – Rodney Peete – 20/30, 221 yards, TD, 2 INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 19/30, 191 yards, TD, 4 INT
Top rushers
CAR – Lamar Smith – 30 rushes, 154 yards, 2 TD
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 4 rushes, 32 yards
Top receivers
CAR – Steve Smith Sr. – 5 receptions, 81 yards, TD
MIN – Moe Williams – 4 receptions, 66 yards :

#### Week 4: at Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 7 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 23 |
| Seahawks | 14 | 31 | 0 | 3 | 48 |
at Seahawks Stadium, Seattle, Washington
* Date: September 29
* Game time: 7:35 p.m. CDT/5:35 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 59 °F (15 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,212
* Referee: Dick Hantak (105)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
SEA – Shaun Alexander 2-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 11:17. Seahawks 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 3:43.
SEA – Shaun Alexander 20-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 7:24. Seahawks 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 72 yards, 2:12.
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 12-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 1:49. Seahawks 14–7. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 5:35.
Second quarter
SEA – Rian Lindell 35-yard field goal, 11:46. Seahawks 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, 5:03.
MIN – Gary Anderson 35-yard field goal, 3:13. Seahawks 17–10. Drive: 14 plays, 51 yards, 8:33.
SEA – Shaun Alexander 80-yard pass from Trent Dilfer (Rian Lindell kick), 2:53. Seahawks 24–10. Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, 0:20.
SEA – Shaun Alexander 3-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 1:57. Seahawks 31–10. Drive: 3 plays, 29 yards, 0:50.
SEA – Shaun Alexander 14-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 1:48. Seahawks 38–10. Drive: 1 play, 14 yards, 0:04.
SEA – Reggie Tongue 46-yard interception return (Rian Lindell kick), 1:06. Seahawks 45–10.
Third quarter
MIN – Moe Williams 3-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 12:07. Seahawks 45–17. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:35.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Moe Williams 5-yard run (run failed), 8:56. Seahawks 45–23. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 4:04.
SEA – Rian Lindell 21-yard field goal, 2:48. Seahawks 48–23. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 6:08.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 29/53, 273 yards, 2 INT
SEA – Trent Dilfer – 13/28, 222 yards, TD
Top rushers
MIN – Michael Bennett – 15 rushes, 91 yards
SEA – Shaun Alexander – 24 rushes, 139 yards, 4 TD
Top receivers
MIN – Moe Williams – 7 receptions, 77 yards
SEA – Shaun Alexander – 3 receptions, 92 yards, TD :

#### Week 6: vs. Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 14 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
| Vikings | 3 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 31 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: October 13
* Game time: 12:00 pm CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,013
* Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
* TV: Fox
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Mikhael Ricks 41-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 10:50. Lions 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:04.
DET – Chris Claiborne 20-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick), 9:39. Lions 14–0.
MIN – Gary Anderson 42-yard field goal, 5:54. Lions 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 3:45.
Second quarter
MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 12:34. Lions 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 5:21.
DET – Az-Zahir Hakim 20-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 1:11. Lions 21–10. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:10.
Third quarter
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 7-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 9:51. Lions 21–17. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 4:03.
DET – Jason Hanson 49-yard field goal, 6:07. Lions 24–17. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 3:44.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Michael Bennett 45-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:25. Tied 24–24. Drive: 7 plays, 90 yards, 3:24.
MIN – Moe Williams 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 2:12. Vikings 31–24. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 2:00.
Top passers
DET – Joey Harrington – 25/41, 309 yards, 2 TD, INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 27/36, 295 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
DET – James Stewart – 10 rushes, 42 yards
MIN – Michael Bennett – 16 rushes, 68 yards
Top receivers
DET – Mikhael Ricks – 3 receptions, 79 yards, TD
MIN – Randy Moss – 9 receptions, 83 yards :

#### Week 7: at New York Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Jets | 3 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 20 |
at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: October 20
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT/1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 57 °F (14 °C)
* Game attendance: 78,516
* Referee: Mike Carey (94)
* TV: Fox
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NYJ – John Hall 38-yard field goal, 7:33. Jets 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 7:27.
Second quarter
NYJ – Laveranues Coles 7-yard pass from Chad Pennington (John Hall kick), 2:28. Jets 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 6:31.
Third quarter
NYJ – Curtis Martin 5-yard run (John Hall kick), 7:07. Jets 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 90 yards, 3:25.
Fourth quarter
NYJ – John Hall 37-yard field goal, 6:19. Jets 20–0. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 5:45.
MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 3:17. Jets 20–7. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 3:13.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 26/39, 288 yards, 3 INT
NYJ – Chad Pennington – 24/29, 324 yards, TD
Top rushers
MIN – Michael Bennett – 12 rushes, 56 yards
NYJ – Curtis Martin – 21 rushes, 70 yards, TD
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 4 receptions, 86 yards
NYJ – Santana Moss – 5 receptions, 111 yards :

#### Week 8: vs. Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bears | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Vikings | 0 | 13 | 12 | 0 | 25 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: October 27
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,122
* Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
* TV: FOX
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
MIN – Gary Anderson 44-yard field goal, 8:51. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 6:09.
MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 1:42. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 5:47.
MIN – Gary Anderson 24-yard field goal, 0:03. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 0:52.
Third quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 39-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:19. Vikings 20–0. Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 2:38.
MIN – Anthony Thomas tackled in the endzone by Fred Robbins and Nick Rogers for a safety, 7:13. Vikings 22–0.
MIN – Gary Anderson 24-yard field goal, 1:24. Vikings 25–0. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 5:49.
Fourth quarter
CHI – Marty Booker 27-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Paul Edinger kick), 14:54. Vikings 25–7. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:30.
Top passers
CHI – Chris Chandler – 15/25, 176 yards, TD, INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 22/29, 216 yards, TD
Top rushers
CHI – Henry Burris – 2 rushes, 19 yards
MIN – Michael Bennett – 29 rushes, 106 yards
Top receivers
CHI – Marty Booker – 4 receptions, 80 yards, TD
MIN – Randy Moss – 9 receptions, 119 yards, TD :

#### Week 9: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
| Buccaneers | 14 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 38 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
* Date: November 3
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST/1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 77 °F (25 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,667
* Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Karl Williams 15-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martín Gramática kick), 13:12. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:41.
TB – Rickey Dudley 2-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martín Gramática kick), 1:03. Buccaneers 14–0. Drive: 12 plays, 86 yards, 6:09.
Second quarter
TB – Martín Gramática 36-yard field goal, 12:19. Buccaneers 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:41.
TB – Keyshawn Johnson 2-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martín Gramática kick), 7:16. Buccaneers 24–0. Drive: 5 plays, 84 yards, 1:52.
MIN – Michael Bennett 85-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 6:49. Buccaneers 24–7. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:27.
MIN – Gary Anderson 26-yard field goal, 0:00. Buccaneers 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 2:02.
Third quarter
TB – Keyshawn Johnson 19-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martín Gramática kick), 5:10. Buccaneers 31–10. Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 3:59.
MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 2:08. Buccaneers 31–17. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 3:02.
Fourth quarter
TB – Mike Alstott 5-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martín Gramática kick), 13:34. Buccaneers 38–17. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 3:17.
MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 4:40. Buccaneers 38–24. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 5:43.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 18/29, 225 yards, 2 INT
TB – Brad Johnson – 24/31, 313 yards, 5 TD
Top rushers
MIN – Michael Bennett – 10 rushes, 114 yards, TD
TB – Aaron Stecker – 1 rushes, 59 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Jim Kleinsasser – 3 receptions, 64 yards
TB – Keyshawn Johnson – 9 receptions, 133 yards, 2 TD :

#### Week 10: vs. New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Giants | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 27 |
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 20 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: November 10
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,122
* Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NYG – Charles Stackhouse 1-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Matt Bryant kick), 6:10. Giants 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 23 yards, 1:35.
Second quarter
MIN – Gary Anderson 20-yard field goal, 12:36. Giants 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 5:07.
NYG – Ron Dayne 30-yard run (run failed), 8:48. Giants 13–3. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:48.
Third quarter
MIN – Gary Anderson 27-yard field goal, 9:11. Giants 13–6. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 3:02.
NYG – Amani Toomer 11-yard pass from Kerry Collins (kick failed, wide left), 0:22. Giants 19–6. Drive: 6 plays, 91 yards, 3:04.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 12:06. Giants 19–13. Drive: 3 plays, 81 yards, 1:11.
MIN – Michael Bennett 78-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 8:36. Vikings 20–19. Drive: 2 plays, 78 yards, 0:16.
NYG – Tiki Barber 8-yard run (Kerry Collins–Marcellus Rivers pass), 2:43. Giants 27–20. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:53.
Top passers
NYG – Kerry Collins – 25/35, 300 yards, 2 TD, INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 9/20, 91 yards
Top rushers
NYG – Tiki Barber – 24 rushes, 127 yards, TD
MIN – Michael Bennett – 15 rushes, 167 yards, TD
Top receivers
NYG – Ron Dixon – 4 receptions, 107 yards
MIN – Randy Moss – 3 receptions, 85 yards :

#### Week 11: vs. Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Packers | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
| Vikings | 14 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 31 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: November 17
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,153
* Referee: Ron Blum (7)
* TV: Fox
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Randy Moss 24-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 12:32. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 79 yards, 2:28.
MIN – D'Wayne Bates 18-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 6:51. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 3:20.
Second quarter
GB – Ahman Green 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:43. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 3:04.
Third quarter
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 9:00. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 4:20.
GB – Bubba Franks 1-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:36. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:24.
Fourth quarter
GB – Donald Driver 84-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 11:53. Tied 21–21. Drive: 3 plays, 84 yards, 1:27.
MIN – Gary Anderson 32-yard field goal, 7:16. Vikings 24–21. Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 4:37.
MIN – Moe Williams 3-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 1:56. Vikings 31–21. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:24.
Top passers
GB – Brett Favre – 24/43, 296 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 13/26, 217 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
GB – Ahman Green – 18 rushes, 71 yards, TD
MIN – Michael Bennett – 20 rushes, 130 yards
Top receivers
GB – Donald Driver – 4 receptions, 121 yards, TD
MIN – Randy Moss – 6 receptions, 115 yards, TD :

#### Week 12: at New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 17 |
| Patriots | 7 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 24 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: November 24
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT/1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 49 °F (9 °C)
* Game attendance: 68,436
* Referee: Gerald Austin (34)
* TV: Fox
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Christian Fauria 9-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick), 3:24. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 5:40.
Second quarter
NE – Christian Fauria 1-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick), 12:30. Patriots 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 3:20.
NE – Troy Brown 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick), 8:02. Patriots 21–0. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 4:01.
MIN – D'Wayne Bates 6-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:19. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 0:50.
Third quarter
MIN – Kelly Campbell 7-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 4:45. Patriots 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 3:19.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Gary Anderson 38-yard field goal, 14:42. Patriots 21–17. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 3:16.
NE – Adam Vinatieri 34-yard field goal, 11:09. Patriots 24–17. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 3:33.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 24/49, 272 yards, 2 TD
NE – Tom Brady – 21/34, 239 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 5 rushes, 59 yards
NE – Antowain Smith – 18 rushes, 58 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 8 receptions, 92 yards
NE – David Patten – 5 receptions, 62 yards :

#### Week 13: vs. Atlanta Falcons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Falcons | 0 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 30 |
| Vikings | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: December 1
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,947
* Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 9:38. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:22.
Second quarter
ATL – Bob Christian 1-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 12:48. Tied 7–7. Drive: 2 plays, 40 yards, 0:21.
MIN – Hunter Goodwin 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 2:40. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 3:25.
ATL – Brian Finneran 39-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 0:37. Tied 14–14. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 2:03.
Third quarter
MIN – Michael Bennett 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 3:19. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 2:40.
ATL – Michael Vick 28-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 1:00. Tied 21–21. Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 2:19.
Fourth quarter
ATL – Jay Feely 44-yard field goal, 3:33. Falcons 24–21. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 3:53.
MIN – Gary Anderson 29-yard field goal, 0:11. Tied 24–24. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 3:22.
Overtime
ATL – Michael Vick 46-yard run, 12:35. Falcons 30–24. Drive: 2 plays, 48 yards, 0:51.
Top passers
ATL – Michael Vick – 11/28, 173 yards, TD, INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 23/43, 266 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
ATL – Michael Vick – 10 rushes, 173 yards, 2 TD
MIN – Michael Bennett – 18 rushes, 86 yards, TD
Top receivers
ATL – Brian Finneran – 5 receptions, 114 yards, TD
MIN – Randy Moss – 9 receptions, 134 yards :

#### Week 14: at Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 10 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 22 |
| Packers | 0 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 26 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
* Date: December 8
* Game time: 8:35 p.m.
* Game weather: Clear skies, 11 °F (−12 °C)
* Game attendance: 64,070
* Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann and Suzy Kolber
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Gary Anderson 23-yard field goal, 6:16. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 6:50.
MIN – Randy Moss 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 1:02. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 2:00.
Second quarter
MIN – Gary Anderson 22-yard field goal, 12:55. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:05.
GB – Ryan Longwell 33-yard field goal, 6:43. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 6:12.
GB – Ryan Longwell 19-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 13–6. Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 5:22.
Third quarter
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 3-yard run (kick blocked), 11:29. Vikings 19–6. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:31.
GB – Robert Ferguson 21-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:57. Vikings 19–13. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:32.
MIN – Gary Anderson 37-yard field goal, 6:00. Vikings 22–13. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 1:57.
Fourth quarter
GB – Robert Ferguson 40-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:48. Vikings 22–20. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 2:36.
GB – Tony Fisher 14-yard run (run failed), 1:06. Packers 26–22. Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 3:26.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 15/28, 136 yards, TD, INT
GB – Brett Favre – 22/32, 214 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
MIN – Michael Bennett – 19 rushes, 120 yards
GB – Tony Fisher – 25 rushes, 96 yards, TD
Top receivers
MIN – D'Wayne Bates – 5 receptions, 71 yards
GB – Robert Ferguson – 6 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TD :

#### Week 15: at New Orleans Saints

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 14 | 10 | 0 | 8 | 32 |
| Saints | 10 | 10 | 3 | 8 | 31 |
at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
* Date: December 15
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 67,851
* Referee: Bob McElwee (95)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NO – John Carney 40-yard field goal, 11:50. Saints 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 3:10.
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 4-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 8:21. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 3:29.
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 6-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 1:01. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 71 yards, 5:42.
NO – Michael Lewis 97-yard kickoff return (John Carney kick), 0:48. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.
Second quarter
MIN – Gary Anderson 41-yard field goal, 11:59. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 3:49.
NO – John Carney 34-yard field goal, 5:25. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 12 plays, 44 yards, 6:34.
NO – Jake Reed 35-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (John Carney kick), 0:53. Saints 20–17. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:28.
MIN – Randy Moss 33-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:12. Vikings 24–20. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 0:41.
Third quarter
NO – John Carney 27-yard field goal, 0:55. Vikings 24–23. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 8:06.
Fourth quarter
NO – Deuce McAllister 17-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (Aaron Brooks–Joe Horn pass), 5:21. Saints 31–24. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:35.
MIN – Randy Moss 13-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper run), 0:05. Vikings 32–31. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 5:16.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 26/36, 312 yards, 2 TD
NO – Aaron Brooks – 21/33, 255 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 7 rushes, 73 yards, 2 TD
NO – Deuce McAllister – 18 rushes, 69 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 11 receptions, 113 yards, 2 TD
NO – Joe Horn – 5 receptions, 60 yards :

#### Week 16: vs. Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Dolphins | 7 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 17 |
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 20 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: December 21
* Game time: 12:30 p.m. CST/1:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,285
* Referee: Johnny Grier (23)
* TV: CBS
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIA – Chris Chambers 59-yard pass from Jay Fiedler (Olindo Mare kick), 11:43. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 3:17.
Second quarter
MIN – Gary Anderson 35-yard field goal, 4:21. Dolphins 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 5:55.
Third quarter
MIN – Moe Williams 3-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 7:45. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 7:15.
MIA – Jed Weaver 3-yard pass from Jay Fiedler (Olindo Mare kick), 1:19. Dolphins 14-10. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 6:26.
Fourth quarter
MIN – D'Wayne Bates 13-yard pass from Randy Moss (Gary Anderson kick), 11:53. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:26.
MIA – Olindo Mare 25-yard field goal, 6:09. Tied 17–17. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:44.
MIN – Gary Anderson 53-yard field goal, 0:17. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 45 plays, 5:52.
Top passers
MIA – Jay Fiedler – 15/21, 177 yards, 2 TD, INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 20/29, 244 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
MIA – Ricky Williams – 15 rushes, 67 yards
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 10 rushes, 67 yards
Top receivers
MIA – Chris Chambers – 2 receptions, 68 yards, TD
MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 110 yards :

#### Week 17: at Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 14 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 38 |
| Lions | 14 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 36 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: December 29
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST/1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 60,233
* Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Aveion Cason 23-yard pass from Mike McMahon (Jason Hanson kick), 11:56. Lions 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:04.
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 3:53. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 8:03.
MIN – Corey Chavous 43-yard interception return (Gary Anderson kick), 3:00. Vikings 14–7.
DET – Bill Schroeder 16-yard pass from Mike McMahon (Jason Hanson kick), 0:08. Tied 14–14. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 2:52.
Second quarter
MIN – Michael Bennett 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 11:49. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:19.
MIN – Kelly Campbell 10-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:54. Vikings 28–14. Drive: 5 plays, 84 yards, 2:22.
DET – Jason Hanson 37-yard field goal, 1:50. Vikings 28–17. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:04.
Third quarter
DET – Robert Porcher fumble recovery in the end zone (Jason Hanson kick), 5:41. Vikings 28–24.
MIN – Kelly Campbell 27-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:58. Vikings 35–24. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 4:43.
Fourth quarter
DET – Todd Lyght 75-yard return of blocked field goal (pass failed), 10:56. Vikings 35–30.
MIN – Gary Anderson 18-yard field goal, 1:09. Vikings 38–30. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 6:40.
DET – Scotty Anderson 20-yard pass from Mike McMahon (pass failed), 0:13. Vikings 38–36. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 0:56.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 21/29, 312 yards, 2 TD, INT
DET – Mike McMahon – 19/44, 293 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Michael Bennett – 19 rushes, 82 yards, TD
DET – Mike McMahon – 3 rushes, 43 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 6 receptions, 109 yards
DET – Bill Schroeder – 6 receptions, 132 yards, TD :

### Standings
#### Division

NFC North :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(3)}$ Green Bay Packers | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 5–1 | 9–3 | 398 | 328 | L1 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 4–2 | 5–7 | 390 | 442 | W3 |
| Chicago Bears | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 2–4 | 3–9 | 281 | 379 | L2 |
| Detroit Lions | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 1–5 | 3–9 | 306 | 451 | L8 |

#### Conference

NFCvte :
| # | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV |
| Division leaders |||||||||||
| 1 | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 5–1 | 11–1 | .469 | .432 |
| 2 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 4–2 | 9–3 | .482 | .432 |
| 3 | Green Bay Packers | North | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 5–1 | 9–3 | .451 | .414 |
| 4 | San Francisco 49ers | West | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–1 | 8–4 | .504 | .450 |
| Wild Cards |||||||||||
| 5 | New York Giants | East | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–1 | 8–4 | .482 | .450 |
| 6 | Atlanta Falcons | South | 9 | 6 | 1 | .594 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .494 | .429 |
| Did not qualify for the postseason |||||||||||
| 7 | New Orleans Saints | South | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .498 | .566 |
| 8 | St. Louis Rams | West | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 4–2 | 5–7 | .508 | .446 |
| 9 | Seattle Seahawks | West | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 5–7 | .506 | .433 |
| 10 | Washington Redskins | East | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .527 | .438 |
| 11 | Carolina Panthers | South | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .486 | .357 |
| 12 | Minnesota Vikings | North | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 4–2 | 5–7 | .498 | .417 |
| 13 | Arizona Cardinals | West | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 5–7 | .500 | .400 |
| 14 | Dallas Cowboys | East | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .500 | .475 |
| 15 | Chicago Bears | North | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 2–4 | 3–9 | .521 | .430 |
| 16 | Detroit Lions | North | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .494 | .375 |
| Tiebreakers |||||||||||
| 1 2 3 Philadelphia finished ahead of Tampa Bay and Green Bay based on conference record (11–1 vs 9–3/9–3). 1 2 Tampa Bay finished ahead of Green Bay based on head-to-head victory. 1 2 St. Louis finished ahead of Seattle based on division record (4–2 to 2–4). 1 2 Washington finished ahead of Carolina based on common games (2–3 to 1–4) 1 2 Arizona finished ahead of Dallas based on head-to-head victory. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division. |||||||||||

## Statistics
### Team leaders

| Category | Player(s) | Value |
| Passing yards | Daunte Culpepper | 3,853 |
| Passing touchdowns | Daunte Culpepper | 18 |
| Rushing yards | Michael Bennett | 1,296 |
| Rushing touchdowns | Moe Williams | 11 |
| Receiving yards | Randy Moss | 1,347 |
| Receiving touchdowns | Randy Moss | 7 |
| Points | Gary Anderson | 90 |
| Kickoff return yards | Moe Williams | 516 |
| Punt return yards | Nick Davis | 190 |
| Tackles | Greg Biekert | 101 |
| Sacks | Lance Johnstone | 7 |
| Interceptions | Greg Biekert | 4 |
| Forced fumbles | Nick Rogers | 3 |

### League rankings

| Category | Total yards | Yards per game | NFL rank (out of 32) |
| Passing offense | 3,685 | 230.3 | 9th |
| Rushing offense | 2,507 | 156.7 | 1st |
| Total offense | 6,192 | 387.0 | 2nd |
| Passing defense | 4,103 | 256.4 | 29th |
| Rushing defense | 1,666 | 104.1 | 10th |
| Total defense | 5,769 | 360.6 | 26th |