# 2016 Minnesota Vikings season

The 2016 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 56th in the National Football League (NFL) and their third under head coach Mike Zimmer. After starting the season with five consecutive wins prior to their bye week, the Vikings managed just three victories after the bye and were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 16 with a 38–25 road loss to the Packers. They joined the 1978 Redskins, 1993 Saints, 2003 Vikings, 2009 Broncos, 2009 Giants and 2015 Falcons in missing the playoffs after starting 5–0 or better. The Vikings are the only NFL team to have more than once started 5–0 or better and missed the playoffs.
The team's new stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, opened at the start of the season, with a regular season debut victory on September 18 against division rival Green Bay on NBC Sunday Night Football. It was built on the site of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the team's home from 1982 through 2013. The Vikings played at the outdoor TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota in 2014 and 2015. This would be the season the Vikings introduced their color rush jersey, the Minnesota Vikings debuted the Jerseys at home against Dallas.
On August 30, starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a season-ending ACL tear and dislocated knee on a non-contact play during team practice. Originally, it was reported that Bridgewater's injury would keep him out for around a year and a half, and on January 27, 2017, it was reported that it was possible he could also miss the entire 2017 season. The extent of Bridgewater's injury prompted the Vikings to make a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for former number 1 draft pick Sam Bradford, giving up a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2018 Draft in exchange. Adrian Peterson's season was also hit by injury after he tore the meniscus in his right knee in the home opener against the Packers. On September 22, Peterson underwent successful surgery to repair the meniscus. It was also revealed that the knee had a mild LCL sprain, but it did not need surgery. He was placed on injured reserve on September 23, 2016, and reactivated on December 17, but only made six rushing attempts before leaving the game, ending his season. Peterson left the team at the end of the season, ending his 10-year tenure with the Vikings.

## Offseason
### 2016 draft

2016 Minnesota Vikings draft :
| Draft order | Draft order | Player name | Position | College | Contract | Notes |
| Round | Selection | Player name | Position | College | Contract | Notes |
| 1 | 23 | Laquon Treadwell | WR | Ole Miss | 4 years / $9.93 million | |
| 2 | 54 | Mackensie Alexander | CB | Clemson | 4 years / $4.3 million | |
| 3 | 86 | Traded to the Miami Dolphins | Traded to the Miami Dolphins | Traded to the Miami Dolphins | Traded to the Miami Dolphins | |
| 4 | 121 | Willie Beavers | G | Western Michigan | 4 years / $2.88 million | |
| 5 | 160 | Kentrell Brothers | LB | Missouri | 4 years / $2.57 million | |
| 6 | 180 | Moritz Böhringer | WR | None | 4 years / $2.49 million | from 49ers |
| 6 | 186 | Traded to the Miami Dolphins | Traded to the Miami Dolphins | Traded to the Miami Dolphins | Traded to the Miami Dolphins | from Dolphins |
| 6 | 188 | David Morgan II | TE | UTSA | 4 years / $2.47 million | from Eagles |
| 6 | 196 | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | from Texans via Patriots and Dolphins |
| 6 | 198 | Traded to the San Diego Chargers | Traded to the San Diego Chargers | Traded to the San Diego Chargers | Traded to the San Diego Chargers | |
| 7 | 227 | Stephen Weatherly | LB | Vanderbilt | 4 years / $2.42 million | from Ravens via Dolphins |
| 7 | 240 | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | from Bills |
| 7 | 244 | Jayron Kearse | S | Clemson | 4 years / $2.4 million | |
Draft trades
* 1 2 The Vikings traded their third-round selection (86th overall) to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Miami's sixth-round selection (186th overall) and 2017 third- and fourth-round selections.
* ↑ He played for the Schwäbisch Hall of the German Football League (GFL).
* ↑ The Vikings traded linebacker Gerald Hodges to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for San Francisco's sixth-round selection (180th) and center Nick Easton.
* 1 2 3 The Vikings traded the sixth-round selection they acquired from the Miami Dolphins (186th overall) back to the Dolphins in exchange for Miami's sixth-round selection and the seventh-round selection they acquired from the Ravens (196th and 227th overall).
* 1 2 3 The Vikings traded the sixth-round selection they acquired from Miami and their seventh-round selection (196th and 240th overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Philadelphia's sixth-round selection (188th overall).
* ↑ The Vikings traded their sixth-round selection (198th overall) to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for guard Jeremiah Sirles.
* ↑ The Vikings traded their 2015 sixth-round selection (187th overall) and quarterback Matt Cassel to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Buffalo's 2016 sixth-round selection (240th overall) and a 2015 fifth-round selection (137th overall).

### Roster changes

Re-signings :
| Date | Player name | Position | Contract terms |
| March 7, 2016 | Andrew Sendejo | S | 4 years / $16 million |
| March 7, 2016 | Adam Thielen | WR | 1 year / $600,000 |
| March 8, 2016 | Audie Cole | LB | 1 year / $760,000 |
| March 9, 2016 | Mike Harris | G | 1 year / $1.9 million |
| March 15, 2016 | Rhett Ellison | TE | 1 year / $2.25 million |
| March 15, 2016 | Marcus Sherels | CB | 2 years / $4 million |
| March 16, 2016 | Matt Asiata | RB | 1 year / $840,000 |
| March 18, 2016 | Terence Newman | CB | 1 year / $3 million |
| March 18, 2016 | Justin Trattou | DE | 1 year / $810,000 |
| April 11, 2016 | Chad Greenway | LB | 1 year / $2.75 million |
| April 18, 2016 | Zach Line | FB | 1 year / $1.671 million |
| September 9, 2016 | Joe Berger | C | 1-year extension |
Departures :
| Date | Player name | Position | Note | New team |
| March 8, 2016 | Mike Wallace | WR | Released | Baltimore Ravens |
| March 8, 2016 | Austin Wentworth | OT | Waived | Retired |
| March 9, 2016 | Casey Matthews | ILB | UFA | |
| March 9, 2016 | Jason Trusnik | ILB | UFA | |
| March 14, 2016 | Josh Robinson | CB | UFA | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| March 18, 2016 | Robert Blanton | S | UFA | Buffalo Bills |
| April 13, 2016 | Alex Singleton | LB | Waived | Calgary Stampeders (CFL) |
| May 10, 2016 | Johnny Lowdermilk | S | Waived | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| July 25, 2016 | Phil Loadholt | OT | Waived | Retired |
| August 25, 2016 | Melvin White | CB | Waived | |
| August 30, 2016 | Brad Sorensen | QB | Waived | |
| August 30, 2016 | Terrell Sinkfield | WR | Waived | |
| August 30, 2016 | Austin Shepherd | OT | Waived | |
| August 30, 2016 | John Sullivan | C | Waived | |
| August 30, 2016 | Scott Crichton | DL | Waived | |
| August 30, 2016 | Antone Exum | S | Waived | |
| August 30, 2016 | Zach Moore | DE | Waived | |
| September 3, 2016 | C. J. Ham | HB | Waived | |
| September 3, 2016 | Blake Renaud | FB | Waived | |
| September 3, 2016 | Isaac Fruechte | WR | Waived | |
| September 3, 2016 | Moritz Böhringer | WR | Waived | |
| September 3, 2016 | Willie Beavers | OL | Waived | |
| September 3, 2016 | Isame Faciane | OG | Waived | |
| September 3, 2016 | Stephen Weatherly | DE | Waived | |
| September 3, 2016 | Toby Johnson | DT | Waived | |
| September 3, 2016 | Brandon Watts | OLB | Waived | |
Additions :
| Date | Player name | Position | Previous team | Contract terms |
| March 10, 2016 | Alex Boone | G | San Francisco 49ers | 4 years / $26.8 million |
| March 10, 2016 | Emmanuel Lamur | LB | Cincinnati Bengals | 2 years / $6 million |
| March 18, 2016 | Andre Smith | OT | Cincinnati Bengals | 1 year / $4.5 million |
| May 10, 2016 | C. J. Ham | HB | Augustana (NCAA) | |
| August 1, 2016 | Terrance Plummer | LB | Minnesota Vikings | |
| September 3, 2016 | Sam Bradford | QB | Philadelphia Eagles | Trade |
| September 4, 2016 | Joel Stave | QB | Wisconsin (NCAA) | Practice squad |
| September 4, 2016 | C. J. Ham | HB | Augustana (NCAA) | Practice squad |
| September 4, 2016 | Moritz Böhringer | WR | Schwäbisch Hall (GFL) | Practice squad |
| September 4, 2016 | Kyle Carter | TE | Penn State (NCAA) | Practice squad |
| September 4, 2016 | Willie Beavers | OL | Western Michigan (NCAA) | Practice squad |
| September 4, 2016 | Isame Faciane | OG | Minnesota Vikings | Practice squad |
| September 4, 2016 | Stephen Weatherly | DE | Vanderbilt (NCAA) | Practice squad |
| September 4, 2016 | Toby Johnson | DT | Minnesota Vikings | Practice squad |
| September 4, 2016 | Tre Roberson | CB | Illinois State (NCAA) | Practice squad |
| September 4, 2016 | Shamiel Gary | S | Miami Dolphins | Practice squad |
| September 13, 2016 | Tre Roberson | CB | Illinois State (NCAA) | Practice squad |
| September 13, 2016 | Julian Wilson | CB | Philadelphia Eagles | Practice squad |
| September 23, 2016 | Ronnie Hillman | HB | Denver Broncos | |
| October 11, 2016 | Jake Long | OT | Atlanta Falcons | 1 year |
Signed and released players :
| Date signed | Player name | Position | Previous team | Contract terms | Date released |
| March 7, 2016 | Carter Bykowski | OT | Minnesota Vikings | 1 year / $600,000 | August 30, 2016 |
| March 9, 2016 | Kenrick Ellis | DT | Minnesota Vikings | 1 year / $810,000 | September 3, 2016 |
| March 11, 2016 | Travis Lewis | LB | Detroit Lions | 1 year / $810,000 | June 16, 2016 |
| March 14, 2016 | Michael Griffin | S | Tennessee Titans | 1 year / $3 million | September 3, 2016 |
| March 21, 2016 | Brian Leonhardt | TE | San Francisco 49ers | 1 year / $600,000 | August 30, 2016 |
| May 1, 2016 | Keith Baxter | CB | Marshall (NCAA) | Undrafted FA | July 31, 2016 |
| May 1, 2016 | Kyle Carter | TE | Penn State (NCAA) | Undrafted FA | September 3, 2016 |
| May 1, 2016 | Joel Stave | QB | Wisconsin (NCAA) | Undrafted FA | September 3, 2016 |
| May 1, 2016 | Theiren Cockran | DE | Minnesota (NCAA) | Undrafted FA | August 30, 2016 |
| May 1, 2016 | Jake Ganus | ILB | Georgia (NCAA) | Undrafted FA | September 3, 2016 |
| May 1, 2016 | Marken Michel | WR | UMass (NCAA) | Undrafted FA | August 30, 2016 |
| May 1, 2016 | Denzell Perine | OLB | Florida Atlantic (NCAA) | Undrafted FA | September 2, 2016 |
| May 1, 2016 | Jhurell Pressley | RB | New Mexico (NCAA) | Undrafted FA | September 3, 2016 |
| May 1, 2016 | Brandon Ross | RB | Maryland (NCAA) | Undrafted FA | May 23, 2016 |
| May 9, 2016 | Tre Roberson | CB | Illinois State (NCAA) | Undrafted FA | September 13, 2016 |
| May 9, 2016 | Troy Stoudermire | WR | Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL) | | August 30, 2016 |
| May 23, 2016 | Travis Raciti | DT | Philadelphia Eagles | | September 2, 2016 |
| May 31, 2016 | Bruce Gaston | DT | Chicago Bears | | June 16, 2016 |
| July 27, 2016 | Sean Hickey | OT | New York Jets | | August 30, 2016 |
| July 27, 2016 | Jason Whittingham | LB | Utah (NCAA) | | July 31, 2016 |
| July 30, 2016 | Claudell Louis | DT | Buffalo Bills | | August 30, 2016 |
| April 13, 2016 | Terrance Plummer | LB | Minnesota Vikings | | August 31, 2016 |
| August 20, 2016 | Kevin Monangai | RB | Philadelphia Eagles | Waived | August 4, 2016 |
| August 20, 2016 | Brad Sorensen | QB | San Diego Chargers | | August 30, 2016 |
| August 31, 2016 | Brad Sorensen | QB | Minnesota Vikings | | September 2, 2016 |
| September 6, 2016 | Carter Bykowski | OT | Minnesota Vikings | Practice squad | September 13, 2016 |

## Preseason
### Schedule

The Vikings' preseason opponents and schedule were announced on April 7, 2016.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | August 12 | at Cincinnati Bengals | W 17–16 | 1–0 | Paul Brown Stadium | 50,737 | Recap |
| 2 | August 18 | at Seattle Seahawks | W 18–11 | 2–0 | CenturyLink Field | 68,469 | Recap |
| 3 | August 28 | San Diego Chargers | W 23–10 | 3–0 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,143 | Recap |
| 4 | September 1 | Los Angeles Rams | W 27–25 | 4–0 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,262 | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: at Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
| Bengals | 0 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 16 |
at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
* Date: August 12
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT/6:30 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Cloudy, 86 °F (30 °C)
* Game attendance: 50,737
* Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays
Second quarter
MIN – Charles Johnson 49-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 5:43. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 96 yards, 6:39.
CIN – Alex Erickson 3-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (Mike Nugent kick), 0:47. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 1:26.
MIN – Blair Walsh 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards, 0:47.
Third quarter
MIN – C. J. Ham 10-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 1:44. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 5:46.
Fourth quarter
CIN – Mike Nugent 23-yard field goal, 4:11. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:47.
CIN – Alex Erickson 80-yard punt return (pass failed), 2:45. Vikings 17–16.
Top passers
MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 6/7, 92 yards, TD
CIN – A. J. McCarron – 11/16, 125 yards, TD
Top rushers
MIN – C. J. Ham – 12 rushes, 35 yards, TD
CIN – Giovani Bernard – 7 rushes, 21 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Charles Johnson – 1 reception, 49 yards, TD
CIN – Rashaun Simonise – 1 reception, 47 yards :

#### Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 11 | 0 | 7 | 18 |
| Seahawks | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 11 |
at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
* Date: August 18
* Game time: 9:00 p.m. CDT/7:00 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 83 °F (28 °C)
* Game attendance: 68,469
* Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays
Second quarter
MIN – Jerick McKinnon 1-yard run (Shaun Hill–Matt Asiata pass), 2:20. Vikings 8–0. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 4:08.
MIN – Blair Walsh 27-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 11–0. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 1:09.
Third quarter
No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
SEA – Troymaine Pope 4-yard run (Trevone Boykin run), 12:49. Vikings 11–8. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:13.
SEA – Steven Hauschka 49-yard field goal, 5:46. Tied 11–11. Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 5:50.
MIN – Marcus Sherels 53-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 1:23. Vikings 18–11.
Top passers
MIN – Shaun Hill – 10/17, 129 yards
SEA – Trevone Boykin – 10/20, 127 yards, INT
Top rushers
MIN – Jhurell Pressley – 6 rushes, 28 yards
SEA – Troymaine Pope – 10 rushes, 86 yards, TD
Top receivers
MIN – Adam Thielen – 4 receptions, 61 yards
SEA – Antwan Goodley – 5 receptions, 65 yards :

#### Week 3: vs. San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Vikings | 6 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 23 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: August 28
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,143
* Referee: John Hussey (35)
* TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 23-yard field goal, 11:04. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:56.
MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 4:18. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 9 plays, 29 yards, 4:38.
Second quarter
SD – Melvin Gordon 39-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 9:04. Chargers 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:05.
SD – Josh Lambo 32-yard field goal, 2:28. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 4:10.
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 27-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (run failed), 1:18. Vikings 12–10. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 1:10.
Third quarter
MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson fumble recovery in the end zone (Shaun Hill–Laquon Treadwell pass), 13:12. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 2 plays, 17 yards, 0:43.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 23-yard field goal, 6:24. Vikings 23–10. Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 4:42.
Top passers
SD – Kellen Clemens – 9/15, 77 yards
MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 12/16, 161 yards, TD
Top rushers
SD – Melvin Gordon – 4 rushes, 51 yards, TD
MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 8 rushes, 56 yards
Top receivers
SD – Rasheed Bailey – 2 receptions, 37 yards
MIN – Stefon Diggs – 5 receptions, 71 yards :

#### Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Rams

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Rams | 7 | 0 | 3 | 15 | 25 |
| Vikings | 0 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 27 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: September 1
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,262
* Referee: Bill Vinovich (52)
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
LA – Kenny Britt 1-yard pass from Jared Goff (Greg Zuerlein kick), 11:37. Rams 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:23.
Second quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 2:39. Rams 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:19.
MIN – Blair Walsh 34-yard field goal, 0:55. Rams 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, −7 yards, 0:56.
MIN – Jhurell Pressley 28-yard pass from Brad Sorensen (Blair Walsh kick), 0:33. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 1 play, 28 yards, 0:09.
Third quarter
LA – Greg Zuerlein 35-yard field goal, 4:47. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 13 plays, 59 yards, 7:31.
MIN – Jhurell Pressley 106-yard kickoff return (Blair Walsh kick), 4:32. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:15.
Fourth quarter
MIN – C. J. Ham 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 11:37. Vikings 27–10. Drive: 3 plays, 6 yards, 1:17.
LA – Paul McRoberts 2-yard pass from Sean Mannion (Terrence Magee run), 6:14. Vikings 27–18. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 5:23.
LA – Aaron Green 26-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 1:53. Rams 27–25. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 2:02.
Top passers
LA – Sean Mannion – 15/23, 135 yards, TD
MIN – Joel Stave – 9/18, 76 yards
Top rushers
LA – Aaron Green – 13 rushes, 66 yards, TD
MIN – C. J. Ham – 15 rushes, 59 yards, TD
Top receivers
LA – Temarrick Hemingway – 3 receptions, 41 yards
MIN – Jhurell Pressley – 4 receptions, 49 yards, TD :

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | September 11 | at Tennessee Titans | W 25–16 | 1–0 | Nissan Stadium | 63,816 | Recap |
| 2 | September 18 | Green Bay Packers | W 17–14 | 2–0 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,813 | Recap |
| 3 | September 25 | at Carolina Panthers | W 22–10 | 3–0 | Bank of America Stadium | 73,813 | Recap |
| 4 | October 3 | New York Giants | W 24–10 | 4–0 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,690 | Recap |
| 5 | October 9 | Houston Texans | W 31–13 | 5–0 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,683 | Recap |
| 6 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 7 | October 23 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 10–21 | 5–1 | Lincoln Financial Field | 69,596 | Recap |
| 8 | October 31 | at Chicago Bears | L 10–20 | 5–2 | Soldier Field | 60,422 | Recap |
| 9 | November 6 | Detroit Lions | L 16–22 (OT) | 5–3 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,807 | Recap |
| 10 | November 13 | at Washington Redskins | L 20–26 | 5–4 | FedExField | 78,216 | Recap |
| 11 | November 20 | Arizona Cardinals | W 30–24 | 6–4 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,808 | Recap |
| 12 | November 24 | at Detroit Lions | L 13–16 | 6–5 | Ford Field | 63,793 | Recap |
| 13 | December 1 | Dallas Cowboys | L 15–17 | 6–6 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,860 | Recap |
| 14 | December 11 | at Jacksonville Jaguars | W 25–16 | 7–6 | EverBank Field | 62,701 | Recap |
| 15 | December 18 | Indianapolis Colts | L 6–34 | 7–7 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,820 | Recap |
| 16 | December 24 | at Green Bay Packers | L 25–38 | 7–8 | Lambeau Field | 77,856 | Recap |
| 17 | January 1 | Chicago Bears | W 38–10 | 8–8 | U.S. Bank Stadium | 66,808 | Recap |
* Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: at Tennessee Titans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 0 | 12 | 13 | 25 |
| Titans | 3 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
* Date: September 11
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 76 °F (24 °C)
* Game attendance: 63,816
* Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
* TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Chris Spielman and Kristina Pink
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
TEN – Ryan Succop 28-yard field goal, 4:45. Titans 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:24.
Second quarter
TEN – DeMarco Murray 6-yard pass from Marcus Mariota (Ryan Succop kick), 0:41. Titans 10–0. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 4:14.
Third quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 50-yard field goal, 13:56. Titans 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:04.
MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 5:59. Titans 10–6. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 5:31.
MIN – Eric Kendricks 77-yard interception return (kick failed, wide left), 1:24. Vikings 12–10.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 45-yard field goal, 11:17. Vikings 15–10. Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 4:05.
MIN – Danielle Hunter 24-yard fumble return (Blair Walsh kick), 11:03. Vikings 22–10.
MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 2:36. Vikings 25–10. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:33.
TEN – DeMarco Murray 4-yard pass from Marcus Mariota (pass failed), 0:28. Vikings 25–16. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 2:08.
Top passers
MIN – Shaun Hill – 18/33, 236 yards
TEN – Marcus Mariota – 25/41, 271 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
MIN – Adrian Peterson – 19 rushes, 31 yards
TEN – DeMarco Murray – 13 rushes, 42 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Stefon Diggs – 7 receptions, 103 yards
TEN – Tajae Sharpe – 7 receptions, 76 yards :
Shaun Hill started at quarterback in the team's first game, as Sam Bradford was rested until the second game.

#### Week 2: vs. Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Packers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| Vikings | 0 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: September 18
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,813
* Referee: Walt Anderson (66)
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
GB – Jordy Nelson 1-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 5:39. Packers 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 3:08.
Second quarter
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 8-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 10:14. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:46.
MIN – Blair Walsh 46-yard field goal, 0:27. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:14.
Third quarter
MIN – Stefon Diggs 25-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 2:11. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 2:46.
Fourth quarter
GB – Aaron Rodgers 10-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 12:41. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:30.
Top passers
GB – Aaron Rodgers – 20/36, 213 yards, TD, INT
MIN – Sam Bradford – 22/31, 286 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
GB – Eddie Lacy – 12 rushes, 50 yards
MIN – Adrian Peterson – 12 rushes, 19 yards
Top receivers
GB – Jordy Nelson – 5 receptions, 73 yards, TD
MIN – Stefon Diggs – 9 receptions, 182 yards, TD :
Sam Bradford made his first start for the Vikings in week 2 against the Packers just 15 days after being traded. Despite not having much time to learn the offense, Bradford outplayed Aaron Rodgers but ended up hurting his left hand in the first half due to a hit by Clay Matthews. Bradford finished the game completing 22-of-31 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns, helping lead the Vikings to their first win in their new stadium.

#### Week 3: at Carolina Panthers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 2 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 22 |
| Panthers | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
* Date: September 25
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 80 °F (27 °C)
* Game attendance: 73,813
* Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
* TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
CAR – Graham Gano 48-yard field goal, 10:52. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 4:08.
CAR – Cam Newton 3-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 5:20. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:51.
MIN – Cam Newton sacked in the end zone by Danielle Hunter for a safety, 1:44. Panthers 10–2.
Second quarter
MIN – Marcus Sherels 54-yard punt return (kick failed, wide right), 3:21. Panthers 10–8.
Third quarter
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 15-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Jerick McKinnon run), 9:43. Vikings 16–10. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 5:17.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 28-yard field goal, 13:14. Vikings 19–10. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 2:46.
MIN – Blair Walsh 31-yard field goal, 5:07. Vikings 22–10. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 5:55.
Top passers
MIN – Sam Bradford – 18/28, 171 yards, TD
CAR – Cam Newton – 21/35, 262 yards, 3 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 16 rushes, 45 yards
CAR – Cameron Artis-Payne – 12 rushes, 47 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 7 receptions, 70 yards, TD
CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 64 yards :

#### Week 4: vs. New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Giants | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Vikings | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: October 3
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,690
* Referee: Brad Allen (122)
* TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 6:28. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 2:42.
Second quarter
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 7-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 7:59. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:56.
NYG – Josh Brown 40-yard field goal, 0:02. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 44 yards, 2:44.
Third quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 44-yard field goal, 7:39. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 2:16.
Fourth quarter
NYG – Orleans Darkwa 1-yard run (Josh Brown kick), 13:38. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 5 plays, 91 yards, 1:47.
MIN – Jerick McKinnon 4-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 9:20. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:18.
Top passers
NYG – Eli Manning – 25/45, 261 yards, INT
MIN – Sam Bradford – 26/36, 262 yards, TD
Top rushers
NYG – Orleans Darkwa – 12 rushes, 48 yards, TD
MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 18 rushes, 85 yards, TD
Top receivers
NYG – Paul Perkins – 2 receptions, 72 yards
MIN – Charles Johnson – 2 receptions, 70 yards :

#### Week 5: vs. Houston Texans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Texans | 0 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 13 |
| Vikings | 14 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 31 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: October 9
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,683
* Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
* TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Solomon Wilcots
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Adam Thielen 36-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 11:23. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 3:37.
MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 6:28. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:52.
Second quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 19-yard field goal, 9:58. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 15 plays, 58 yards, 6:19.
MIN – Marcus Sherels 79-yard punt return (Blair Walsh kick), 8:46. Vikings 24–0.
HOU – Nick Novak 38-yard field goal, 5:42. Vikings 24–3. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:04.
HOU – Nick Novak 30-yard field goal, 1:37. Vikings 24–6. Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 2:04.
Third quarter
No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 9-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 14:09. Vikings 31–6. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:42.
HOU – DeAndre Hopkins 1-yard pass from Brock Osweiler (Nick Novak kick), 3:46. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 4:29.
Top passers
HOU – Brock Osweiler – 19/42, 184 yards, TD, INT
MIN – Sam Bradford – 22/30, 271 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
HOU – Alfred Blue – 6 rushes, 39 yards
MIN – Matt Asiata – 14 rushes, 55 yards, TD
Top receivers
HOU – C. J. Fiedorowicz – 4 receptions, 61 yards
MIN – Adam Thielen – 7 receptions, 127 yards, TD :

#### Week 7: at Philadelphia Eagles

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Eagles | 0 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 21 |
at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
* Date: October 23
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Clear, 62 °F (17 °C)
* Game attendance: 69,596
* Referee: John Hussey (35)
* TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
None
Second quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 48-yard field goal, 9:01. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 50 yards, 4:57.
PHI – Josh Huff 98-yard kick return (Carson Wentz run), 8:48. Eagles 8–3. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.
PHI – Caleb Sturgis 35-yard field goal, 0:07. Eagles 11–3. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 2:35.
Third quarter
PHI – Dorial Green-Beckham 5-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Caleb Sturgis kick), 5:45. Eagles 18–3. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 5:51.
Fourth quarter
PHI – Caleb Sturgis 21-yard field goal, 6:09. Eagles 21–3. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 5:20.
MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 14-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 0:34. Eagles 21–10. Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 3:56.
Top passers
MIN – Sam Bradford – 24/41, 224 yards, TD, INT
PHI – Carson Wentz – 16/28, 138 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Matt Asiata – 12 rushes, 55 yards
PHI – Ryan Mathews – 14 rushes, 56 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson – 7 receptions, 67 yards, TD
PHI – Josh Huff – 4 receptions, 39 yards :
Sam Bradford faces his former team for the first time after he was traded from the Eagles prior to the start of the season. The Vikings streak came to a halt as they lost the game 21–10.

#### Week 8: at Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Bears | 3 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
* Date: October 31
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Cloudy, 58 °F (14 °C)
* Game attendance: 60,422
* Referee: Gene Steratore (114)
* TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
CHI – Connor Barth 30-yard field goal, 8:28. Bears 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 3:40.
Second quarter
CHI – Connor Barth 28-yard field goal, 12:44. Bears 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:33.
CHI – Jordan Howard 2-yard run (Connor Barth kick), 7:49. Bears 13–0. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:36.
MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 0:25. Bears 13–3. Drive: 15 plays, 59 yards, 7:24.
Third quarter
CHI – Alshon Jeffery 11-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Connor Barth kick), 9:52. Bears 20–3. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:08.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Stefon Diggs 25-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 5:41. Bears 20–10. Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 3:10.
Top passers
MIN – Sam Bradford – 23/37, 228 yards, TD
CHI – Jay Cutler – 20/31, 252 yards, TD
Top rushers
MIN – Matt Asiata – 14 rushes, 42 yards
CHI – Jordan Howard – 26 rushes, 153 yards, TD
Top receivers
MIN – Stefon Diggs – 8 receptions, 76 yards, TD
CHI – Zach Miller – 7 receptions, 88 yards :

#### Week 9: vs. Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Lions | 3 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 22 |
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 16 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: November 6
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,807
* Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Matt Prater 47-yard field goal, 7:14. Lions 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 5:00.
Second quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 13:20. Tied 3–3. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 4:35.
DET – Anquan Boldin 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 0:05. Lions 10–3. Drive: 17 plays, 84 yards, 9:45.
Third quarter
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 1-yard pass from Sam Bradford (kick hit right upright), 4:02. Lions 10–9. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 5:33.
Fourth quarter
DET – Matt Prater 53-yard field goal, 12:33. Lions 13–9. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:08.
MIN – Rhett Ellison 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 0:23. Vikings 16–13. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 3:51.
DET – Matt Prater 58-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 16–16. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 0:23.
Overtime
DET – Golden Tate 28-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, 8:21. Lions 22–16. Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards, 6:39.
Top passers
DET – Matthew Stafford – 23/36, 219 yards, 2 TD, INT
MIN – Sam Bradford – 31/40, 273 yards, TD
Top rushers
DET – Theo Riddick – 14 rushes, 70 yards
MIN – Ronnie Hillman – 7 rushes, 30 yards
Top receivers
DET – Eric Ebron – 7 receptions, 92 yards
MIN – Stefon Diggs – 13 receptions, 80 yards :
Although it was Stefon Diggs' big day, having caught 13 passes for 80 yards, it wasn't enough as the Vikings dropped 5–3.

#### Week 10: at Washington Redskins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Redskins | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 26 |
at FedExField, Landover, Maryland
* Date: November 13
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Sunny, 58 °F (14 °C)
* Game attendance: 78,216
* Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
* TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Chris Spielman and Kristina Pink
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
WAS – Jamison Crowder 4-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick), 9:04. Redskins 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:19.
Second quarter
WAS – Vernon Davis 38-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick), 14:18. Redskins 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 91 yards, 4:58.
MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 5:39. Redskins 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:52.
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 20-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 0:58. Tied 14–14. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:40.
MIN – Adam Thielen 3-yard pass from Sam Bradford (kick wide right), 0:00. Vikings 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 33 yards, 0:50.
Third quarter
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 30-yard field goal, 8:53. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 6:07.
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 37-yard field goal, 0:38. Tied 20–20. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 5:16.
Fourth quarter
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 50-yard field goal, 9:33. Redskins 23–20. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:21.
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 28-yard field goal, 2:31. Redskins 26–20. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 3:13.
Top passers
MIN – Sam Bradford – 31/40, 307 yards, 2 TD, INT
WAS – Kirk Cousins – 22/33, 262 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 6 rushes, 16 yards
WAS – Robert Kelley – 22 rushes, 97 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Stefon Diggs – 13 receptions, 164 yards
WAS – Pierre Garçon – 6 receptions, 81 yards :
This was the last game for Blair Walsh in a Vikings uniform as he was released days after this game.

#### Week 11: vs. Arizona Cardinals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cardinals | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
| Vikings | 7 | 13 | 10 | 0 | 30 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: November 20
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,808
* Referee: Clete Blakeman (34)
* TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Adam Thielen 16-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 10:25. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 2:54.
ARI – David Johnson 1-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 4:07. Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:18.
Second quarter
ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 34-yard field goal, 10:04. Cardinals 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 6:26.
MIN – Matt Asiata 2-yard run (kick blocked), 7:16. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:48.
MIN – Xavier Rhodes 100-yard interception return (Kai Forbath kick), 3:07. Vikings 20–10.
ARI – Jermaine Gresham 29-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:50. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:17.
Third quarter
MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 104-yard kickoff return (Kai Forbath kick), 14:47. Vikings 27–17.
MIN – Kai Forbath 27-yard field goal, 0:04. Vikings 30–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:06.
Fourth quarter
ARI – David Johnson 4-yard pass (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 7:24. Vikings 30–24. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 1:46.
Top passers
ARI – Carson Palmer – 20/38, 198 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
MIN – Sam Bradford – 20/28, 169 yards, TD
Top rushers
ARI – David Johnson – 22 rushes, 103 yards, TD
MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 16 rushes, 44 yards
Top receivers
ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 6 receptions, 63 yards
MIN – Adam Thielen – 5 receptions, 65 yards, TD :

#### Week 12: at Detroit Lions
##### NFL on Thanksgiving Day

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 7 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 13 |
| Lions | 7 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: November 24
* Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST/11:30 a.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,793
* Referee: Carl Cheffers (51)
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson and Jay Feely
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Anquan Boldin 2-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 7:14. Lions 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 7:46.
MIN – Matt Asiata 5-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 0:40. Tied 7–7. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:34.
Second quarter
DET – Matt Prater 29-yard field goal, 6:45. Lions 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 3:05.
Third quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 30-yard field goal, 7:03. Tied 10–10. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 2:42.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 28-yard field goal, 12:38. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 7:36.
DET – Matt Prater 48-yard field goal, 1:45. Tied 13–13. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 3:17.
DET – Matt Prater 40-yard field goal, 0:00. Lions 16–13. Drive: 2 plays, −2 yards, 0:30.
Top passers
MIN – Sam Bradford – 31/37, 224 yards, INT
DET – Matthew Stafford – 23/40, 232 yards, TD
Top rushers
MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 9 rushes, 31 yards
DET – Theo Riddick – 9 rushes, 45 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 9 receptions, 64 yards
DET – Golden Tate – 5 receptions, 77 yards :

#### Week 13: vs. Dallas Cowboys

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cowboys | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 17 |
| Vikings | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 15 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: December 1
* Game time: 7:25 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,860
* Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
* TV announcers (NBC/NFLN/Twitter): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Heather Cox
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 48-yard field goal, 2:28. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 3:17.
Second quarter
DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 5:29. Cowboys 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 5:12.
Third quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 36-yard field goal, 2:10. Cowboys 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 4:52.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 33-yard field goal, 14:11. Vikings 9–7. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 0:56.
DAL – Dez Bryant 8-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 10:22. Cowboys 14–9. Drive: 1 play, 8 yards, 0:06.
DAL – Dan Bailey 39-yard field goal, 4:15. Cowboys 17–9. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 2:22.
MIN – Jerick McKinnon 3-yard pass from Sam Bradford (pass failed), 0:25. Cowboys 17–15. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:44.
Top passers
DAL – Dak Prescott – 12/18, 139 yards, TD
MIN – Sam Bradford – 32/45, 247 yards, TD
Top rushers
DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 20 rushes, 86 yards, TD
MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 9 rushes, 41 yards
Top receivers
DAL – Dez Bryant – 4 receptions, 84 yards, TD
MIN – Adam Thielen – 7 receptions, 86 yards :
Head coach Mike Zimmer missed this game after undergoing emergency eye surgery the night before. Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer served as interim coach for the game.

#### Week 14: at Jacksonville Jaguars

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 6 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 25 |
| Jaguars | 0 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 16 |
at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
* Date: December 11
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C)
* Game attendance: 62,701
* Referee: John Hussey (35)
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 43-yard field goal, 12:20. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:40.
MIN – Kai Forbath 32-yard field goal, 7:53. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:35.
Second quarter
JAX – Jason Myers 45-yard field goal, 13:07. Vikings 6–3. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 3:00.
MIN – Kai Forbath 40-yard field goal, 10:49. Vikings 9–3. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 2:18.
JAX – Jason Myers 55-yard field goal, 6:18. Vikings 9–6. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 4:31.
JAX – Jason Myers 24-yard field goal, 0:09. Tied 9–9. Drive: 10 plays, 92 yards, 1:47.
Third quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 46-yard field goal, 8:29. Vikings 12–9. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 2:53.
JAX – Bryan Walters 14-yard pass from Blake Bortles (Jason Myers kick), 3:50. Jaguars 16–12. Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 4:39.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 14:13. Vikings 18–16. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 4:37.
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 3-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 2:13. Vikings 25–16. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 2:51.
Top passers
MIN – Sam Bradford – 24/34, 292 yards, TD
JAX – Blake Bortles – 23/37, 257 yards, TD
Top rushers
MIN – Matt Asiata – 11 rushes, 37 yards, TD
JAX – T. J. Yeldon – 17 rushes, 59 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Adam Thielen – 4 receptions, 101 yards
JAX – Marqise Lee – 5 receptions, 113 yards :

#### Week 15: vs. Indianapolis Colts

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 10 | 17 | 0 | 7 | 34 |
| Vikings | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: December 18
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,820
* Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
* TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
IND – Adam Vinatieri 48-yard field goal, 9:01. Colts 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 5:59.
IND – Robert Turbin 1-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 2:22. Colts 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 4:57.
Second quarter
IND – Erik Swoope 27-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Adam Vinatieri kick), 7:16. Colts 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 92 yards, 5:39.
IND – Robert Turbin 6-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 0:33. Colts 24–0. Drive: 13 plays, 91 yards, 5:35.
IND – Adam Vinatieri 50-yard field goal, 0:00. Colts 27–0. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:19.
Third quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 32-yard field goal, 3:51. Colts 27–3. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 4:10.
Fourth quarter
IND – Phillip Dorsett 50-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Adam Vinatieri kick), 14:55. Colts 34–3. Drive: 7 plays, 88 yards, 3:56.
MIN – Kai Forbath 51-yard field goal, 11:57. Colts 34–6. Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, 2:58.
Top passers
IND – Andrew Luck – 21/28, 250 yards, 2 TD
MIN – Sam Bradford – 32/42, 291 yards, INT
Top rushers
IND – Frank Gore – 26 rushes, 101 yards
MIN – Adrian Peterson – 6 rushes, 22 yards
Top receivers
IND – Phillip Dorsett – 1 reception, 50 yards, TD
MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 8 receptions, 97 yards :
Adrian Peterson returned to action and had six carries for 22 yards against the Colts. This was the last game he'd ever play for the Vikings.

#### Week 16: at Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 3 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 25 |
| Packers | 14 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 38 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
* Date: December 24
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)
* Game attendance: 77,856
* Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
* TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
GB – Jordy Nelson 21-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 7:13. Packers 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:40.
MIN – Kai Forbath 22-yard field goal, 3:37. Packers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:36.
GB – Davante Adams 20-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 1:49. Packers 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 1:48.
Second quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 26-yard field goal, 12:30. Packers 14–6. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 4:19.
GB – Jordy Nelson 2-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 8:11. Packers 21–6. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards, 1:36.
MIN – Adam Thielen 71-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 7:24. Packers 21–13. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:47.
GB – Aaron Rodgers 6-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 0:24. Packers 28–13. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 0:30.
Third quarter
No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
GB – Mason Crosby 48-yard field goal, 14:55. Packers 31–13. Drive: 10 plays, 14 yards, 4:05.
GB – Richard Rodgers 13-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 9:02. Packers 38–13. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 4:23.
MIN – Stefon Diggs 3-yard pass from Sam Bradford (kick failed, hit right upright), 4:20. Packers 38–19. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 4:42.
MIN – Adam Thielen 8-yard pass from Sam Bradford (run failed), 0:32. Packers 38–25. Drive: 10 plays, 34 yards, 3:07.
Top passers
MIN – Sam Bradford – 34/50, 382 yards, 3 TD
GB – Aaron Rodgers – 28/38, 347 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 11 rushes, 50 yards
GB – Ty Montgomery – 9 rushes, 23 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Adam Thielen – 12 receptions, 202 yards, 2 TD
GB – Jordy Nelson – 9 receptions, 154 yards, 2 TD :
With the loss, the Vikings dropped to 7–8 and were officially eliminated from postseason contention. The loss also made the Vikings the first team to twice start 5–0 or better, and on both occasions miss the playoffs (they also missed the playoffs in 2003 after starting 6–0).

#### Week 17: vs. Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bears | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Vikings | 7 | 17 | 0 | 14 | 38 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: January 1, 2017
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,808
* Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
* TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, David Diehl and Kristina Pink
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Jerick McKinnon 16-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 11:36. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:24.
Second quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 21-yard field goal, 14:53. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 14 plays, 93 yards, 7:33.
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 22-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 12:51. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 3 plays, 35 yards, 1:22.
CHI – Matt Barkley 2-yard pass from Cameron Meredith (Connor Barth kick), 1:48. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 17 plays, 85 yards, 7:56.
MIN – Jarius Wright 1-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 0:18. Vikings 24–7. Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 0:42.
CHI – Connor Barth 29-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 2 plays, 31 yards, 0:18.
Third quarter
No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
MIN – Jerick McKinnon 10-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 12:11. Vikings 31–10. Drive: 4 plays, 40 yards, 1:56.
MIN – Everson Griffen 20-yard fumble return (Kai Forbath kick), 9:51. Vikings 38–10.
Top passers
CHI – Matt Barkley – 10/14, 125 yards, 2 INT
MIN – Sam Bradford – 25/33, 250 yards, 3 TD, INT
Top rushers
CHI – Jordan Howard – 23 rushes, 135 yards
MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 16 rushes, 89 yards, TD
Top receivers
CHI – Cameron Meredith – 4 receptions, 61 yards
MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 11 receptions, 117 yards, TD :

### Standings
#### Division

NFC North :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(4)}$ Green Bay Packers | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–1 | 8–4 | 432 | 388 | W6 |
| $^{(6)}$ Detroit Lions | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 3–3 | 7–5 | 346 | 358 | L3 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 2–4 | 5–7 | 327 | 307 | W1 |
| Chicago Bears | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 2–4 | 3–9 | 279 | 399 | L4 |

#### Conference

NFCvte :
| # | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
| Division leaders ||||||||||||
| 1 | Dallas Cowboys | East | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 3–3 | 9–3 | .471 | .440 | L1 |
| 2 | Atlanta Falcons | South | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 5–1 | 9–3 | .480 | .452 | W4 |
| 3 | Seattle Seahawks | West | 10 | 5 | 1 | .656 | 3–2–1 | 6–5–1 | .441 | .425 | W1 |
| 4 | Green Bay Packers | North | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–1 | 8–4 | .508 | .453 | W6 |
| Wild Cards ||||||||||||
| 5 | New York Giants | East | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 4–2 | 8–4 | .486 | .455 | W1 |
| 6 | Detroit Lions | North | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .475 | .392 | L3 |
| Did not qualify for the postseason ||||||||||||
| 7 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .492 | .434 | W1 |
| 8 | Washington Redskins | East | 8 | 7 | 1 | .531 | 3–3 | 6–6 | .516 | .430 | L1 |
| 9 | Minnesota Vikings | North | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 2–4 | 5–7 | .492 | .457 | W1 |
| 10 | Arizona Cardinals | West | 7 | 8 | 1 | .469 | 4–1–1 | 6–5–1 | .463 | .366 | W2 |
| 11 | New Orleans Saints | South | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 6–6 | .523 | .393 | L1 |
| 12 | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 5–7 | .559 | .518 | W2 |
| 13 | Carolina Panthers | South | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 1–5 | 5–7 | .518 | .354 | L2 |
| 14 | Los Angeles Rams | West | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 2–4 | 3–9 | .504 | .500 | L7 |
| 15 | Chicago Bears | North | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 2–4 | 3–9 | .521 | .396 | L4 |
| 16 | San Francisco 49ers | West | 2 | 14 | 0 | .125 | 2–4 | 2–10 | .504 | .250 | L1 |
| Tiebreakers ||||||||||||
| 1 2 Detroit finished ahead of Tampa Bay for the No. 6 seed and qualified for the last playoff spot based on record vs. common opponents—Detroit's cumulative record against Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New Orleans was 3–2, while Tampa Bay's cumulative record against the same four teams was 2–3. 1 2 New Orleans finished ahead of Philadelphia based on better record vs. conference opponents. ↑ 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. ||||||||||||

## Pro Bowl

Five Vikings were selected for the 2017 Pro Bowl: defensive end Everson Griffen, defensive tackle Linval Joseph, return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and free safety Harrison Smith. Rhodes played in his first Pro Bowl, while Griffen, Patterson and Smith participated in their second; Patterson was the first return specialist in Vikings history to go to two Pro Bowls. Linval Joseph replaced Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

## Statistics
### Team leaders

| Category | Player(s) | Total |
| Passing yards | Sam Bradford | 3,877 |
| Passing touchdowns | Sam Bradford | 20 |
| Rushing yards | Jerick McKinnon | 539 |
| Rushing touchdowns | Matt Asiata | 6 |
| Receptions | Stefon Diggs | 84 |
| Receiving yards | Adam Thielen | 967 |
| Receiving touchdowns | Kyle Rudolph | 7 |
| Points | Kai Forbath | 56 |
| Kickoff return yards | Cordarrelle Patterson | 792 |
| Punt return yards | Marcus Sherels | 292 |
| Tackles | Eric Kendricks | 109 |
| Sacks | Danielle Hunter | 12.5 |
| Interceptions | Xavier Rhodes | 5 |
| Forced fumbles | Linval Joseph Brian Robison | 3 |
Source: Minnesota Vikings' official website

### League rankings

| Category | Total yards | Yards per game | NFL rank (out of 32) |
| Passing offense | 3,836 | 239.8 | 18th |
| Rushing offense | 1,205 | 75.3 | 32nd |
| Total offense | 5,041 | 315.1 | 28th |
| Passing defense | 3,327 | 207.9 | 3rd |
| Rushing defense | 1,711 | 106.9 | 20th |
| Total defense | 5,038 | 314.9 | 3rd |
Source: NFL.com.