2000 Minnesota Vikings season

The 2000 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 40th in the National Football League (NFL). They won the NFC Central division title with an 11–5 record. After not retaining either Randall Cunningham or Jeff George, the team was led by first-year starting quarterback Daunte Culpepper and running back Robert Smith, who ran for a then team record 1,521 yards and seven touchdowns. The Vikings started out 7–0 and were 11–2 after 14 weeks, but slumped briefly, losing their last three to the St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts while Culpepper was hampered by injury.

2000 Minnesota Vikings season
Owner	Red McCombs
General manager	Dennis Green
Head coach	Dennis Green
Offensive coordinator	Sherman Lewis
Defensive coordinator	Emmitt Thomas
Home stadium	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record	11–5
Division place	1st NFC Central
Playoffs	Won Divisional Playoffs (vs. Saints) 34–16 Lost NFC Championship (at Giants) 0–41
All-Pros	WR Randy Moss RB Robert Smith
Pro Bowlers	C Matt Birk WR Cris Carter QB Daunte Culpepper S Robert Griffith WR Randy Moss RB Robert Smith T Korey Stringer
Uniform
← 1999 Vikings seasons 2001 →

After easily beating the New Orleans Saints in the Divisional game 34–16, they were defeated 41–0 by the New York Giants in the Conference Championship. Running back Robert Smith retired at the end of the year, after only playing eight NFL seasons. It would be 2004 before the Vikings returned to the playoffs.

After a contract dispute, Hall of Fame defensive tackle John Randle was let go after 11 seasons with the Vikings. Randle had only eight sacks this year, ending a streak of eight consecutive seasons with 10+ sacks.

Seven Vikings including Culpepper, Moss, Carter, Smith, Korey Stringer, Robert Griffith and Matt Birk were selected to play in the Pro Bowl after the season. It was Stringer's only Pro Bowl appearance before his death in 2001.

This would be the final full season for Dennis Green as the team's head coach, he was fired the next season with just one game remaining on the schedule.

Offseason

Additions	Subtractions
T Brad Badger (Redskins)	QB Randall Cunningham (Cowboys)
QB Bubby Brister (Broncos)	QB Jeff George (Redskins)
TE Johnny McWilliams (Cardinals)	TE Andrew Glover (Saints)
DE Bryce Paup (Jaguars)	G Randall McDaniel (Buccaneers)
LB Craig Sauer (Falcons)	C Jeff Christy (Buccaneers)
CB Cris Dishman (Chiefs)	WR Jake Reed (Saints)
LB Lemanski Hall (Cowboys)	DE Duane Clemons (Chiefs)
	CB Jimmy Hitchcock (Panthers)
	LB Rob Holmberg (Patriots)

2000 draft

Main article: 2000 NFL draft

2000 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft order		Player name	Position	College	Notes
Round	Selection
1	25	Chris Hovan	Defensive tackle	Boston College
2	55	Fred Robbins	Defensive tackle	Wake Forest
	56	Michael Boireau	Defensive end	Miami (FL)	From Redskins[A]
3	88	Doug Chapman	Running back	Marshall
4	106	Antonio Wilson	Linebacker	Texas A&M	From Ravens[B]
	118	Tyrone Carter	Safety	Minnesota
5	155	Surrendered to the Washington Redskins[C]
	165	Troy Walters	Wide receiver	Stanford	Compensatory pick
6	191	Traded to the Baltimore Ravens[B]
7	232	Traded to the Cleveland Browns[D]
	240	Mike Malano	Center	San Diego State	Compensatory pick
	244	Giles Cole	Tight end	Texas	Compensatory pick
	248	Lewis Kelly	Guard	South Carolina State	Compensatory pick

Notes:

1. The Vikings traded QB Brad Johnson to the Redskins in exchange for a second-round selection (56th overall) and 1999 first- and third-round selections (11th and 73rd overall).
2. The details of these trades are unknown, but may involve Baltimore's acquisition of C Everett Lindsay from Minnesota.
3. The Vikings surrendered a fifth-round selection (155th overall) to the Redskins as compensation for restricted free agent G Brad Badger.
4. The Vikings traded their seventh-round selection (232nd overall) to the Browns in exchange for DT Jerry Ball.

Undrafted free agents

2000 undrafted free agents of note

Player	Position	College
Billy Cockerham	Quarterback	Minnesota
Andy Crosland	Kicker	Miami (FL)
Tim Engelhardt	Defensive tackle	New Mexico State
Brody Liddiard	Tight end	Colorado
Lenny Lucas	Fullback	Troy State
Matt Wilson	Wide receiver	Bloomsburg
Antwone Young	Fullback	San Diego State

Staff

2000 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office Owner – Red McCombs President – Gary Woods Director of football administration – Rob Brzezinski Head coaches Head coach/General manager – Dennis Green Assistant head coach/defensive backs – Richard Solomon Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Sherman Lewis Quarterbacks – Alex Wood Running backs –Carl Hargrave Wide receivers – Charlie Baggett Tight ends – John Tice Offensive line – Mike Tice Quality control (offense) – Dean Dalton

Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Emmitt Thomas Defensive line – Fred von Appen Inside linebackers – Trent Walters Outside linebackers – John Fontes Defensive quality control – Chuck Knox Jr. Special teams coaches Special teams – Gary Zauner Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Steve Wetzel Assistant strength and conditioning – Daryl Lawrence

^[1]

Roster

2000 Minnesota Vikings roster

Quarterbacks (QB)  8 Todd Bouman  6 Bubby Brister 11 Daunte Culpepper Running backs (RB) 34 Doug Chapman 40 Jim Kleinsasser FB 33 Harold Morrow FB 22 David Palmer 26 Robert Smith 21 Moe Williams KR Wide receivers (WR) 80 Cris Carter 89 Matthew Hatchette 83 Nate Jacquet 84 Randy Moss 81 Chris Walsh 82 Troy Walters Tight ends (TE) 86 John Davis 85 Andrew Jordan 87 Johnny McWilliams

Offensive linemen (OL) 74 Brad Badger G/T 78 Matt Birk C 71 David Dixon G 63 Corbin Lacina G 76 Chris Liwienski G/T 73 Todd Steussie T 77 Korey Stringer T 60 Cory Withrow C Defensive linemen (DL) 91 John Burrough DE 99 Chris Hovan DT 95 Bryce Paup DE 93 John Randle DE/DT 98 Fred Robbins DT 97 Talance Sawyer DE 92 Fernando Smith DE 94 Tony Williams DT

Linebackers (LB) 50 Pete Bercich MLB 55 Lemanski Hall OLB 58 Ed McDaniel OLB 56 Jim Nelson OLB 90 Gabe Northern OLB 57 Dwayne Rudd OLB 54 Antonio Wilson OLB 52 Kailee Wong MLB Defensive backs (DB) 30 Antonio Banks CB 37 Tyrone Carter 24 Robert Griffith SS 29 Wasswa Serwanga CB 28 Robert Tate CB 27 Keith Thibodeaux CB 42 Orlando Thomas FS 20 Kenny Wright CB Special teams (ST)  1 Gary Anderson K 17 Mitch Berger P 51 Mitch Palmer LS

Practice squad 48 Matt Cercone TE  5 Billy Cockerham QB 67 Jay Humphrey T 31 Don Morgan CB 68 Nick O'Brien G Reserve 96 Michael Boireau DE (IR) 61 Lewis Kelly T (IR) 69 Mike Malano G (IR) 59 Craig Sauer LB (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 4 reserve, 5 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	August 5	New Orleans Saints	L 24–25	0–1	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,445	Recap
2	August 12	at San Diego Chargers	L 7–31	0–2	Qualcomm Stadium	43,805	Recap
3	August 18	Arizona Cardinals	W 35–17	1–2	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,563	Recap
4	August 24	at Indianapolis Colts	L 30–32	1–3	RCA Dome	51,337	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week 1: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	7	3	3	12	25
Vikings	0	14	7	3	24

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 5
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,445
• Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter NO – Jake Reed 12-yard pass from Jeff Blake (Doug Brien kick), 7:21. Saints 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:21. Second quarter MIN – Moe Williams 24-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 8:42. Tied 7–7. Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 2:17. MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 5:20. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:37. NO – Doug Brien 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 1:08. Third quarter NO – Doug Brien 24-yard field goal, 7:52. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 4:16. MIN – Doug Chapman 4-yard run (Andy Crosland kick), 0:13. Vikings 21–13. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:39. Fourth quarter NO – Lamont Hall 6-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (pass failed), 9:37. Vikings 21–19. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 5:36. NO – Doug Brien 23-yard field goal, 4:18. Saints 22–21. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:14. MIN – Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal, 1:29. Vikings 24–22. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 2:49. NO – Doug Brien 49-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 25–24. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:29. Top passers NO – Jeff Blake – 5/15, 74 yards, TD, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 8/14, 140 yards, TD, INT Top rushers NO – Chad Morton – 8 rushes, 32 yards MIN – Robert Smith – 8 rushes, 32 yards Top receivers NO – Chad Morton – 4 receptions, 41 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 2 receptions, 68 yards

Week 2: at San Diego Chargers

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	7	0	0	7
Chargers	0	14	10	7	31

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: August 12
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Clear and sunny, 81 °F (27 °C)
• Game attendance: 43,805
• Referee: Mike Carey (94)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 24-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 7:59. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 90 yards, 6:07. SD – Ronney Jenkins 86-yard kickoff return (John Carney kick), 7:44. Tied 7–7. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:15. SD – Robert Chancey 1-yard run (John Carney kick), 4:59. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 1:44. Third quarter SD – José Cortez 22-yard field goal, 4:58. Chargers 17–7. Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards, 6:08. SD – Reggie Davis 7-yard pass from Moses Moreno (José Cortez kick), 0:40. Chargers 24–7. Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 2:02. Fourth quarter SD – Ronney Jenkins 2-yard run (José Cortez kick), 9:33. Chargers 31–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:24. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 12/23, 129 yards, TD, 2 INT SD – Moses Moreno – 6/8, 82 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Moe Williams – 6 rushes, 28 yards SD – Ronney Jenkins – 10 rushes, 69 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 6 receptions, 89 yards, TD SD – Pat Batteaux – 2 receptions, 46 yards

Week 3: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 3: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	0	3	7	7	17
Vikings	7	21	7	0	35

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 18
• Game time: 8:20 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,563
• Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Robert Smith 6-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 4:38. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:56. Second quarter MIN – Robert Smith 12-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 10:46. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 6:09. MIN – Randy Moss 54-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 8:14. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 2 plays, 55 yards, 0:48. MIN – Cris Carter 67-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:57. Vikings 28–0. Drive: 3 plays, 72 yards, 0:50. ARI – Cary Blanchard 49-yard field goal, 1:55. Vikings 28–3. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:02. Third quarter MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Andy Crosland kick), 8:25. Vikings 35–3. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 4:26. ARI – Thomas Jones 4-yard run (Cary Blanchard kick), 3:46. Vikings 35–10. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:39. Fourth quarter ARI – Mac Cody 12-yard pass from Dave Brown (Cary Blanchard kick), 11:09. Vikings 35–17. Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 5:08. Top passers ARI – Jake Plummer – 13/24, 143 yards MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 13/23, 311 yards, 2 TD Top rushers ARI – Thomas Jones – 11 rushes, 32 yards, TD MIN – Robert Smith – 8 rushes, 53 yards, 2 TD Top receivers ARI – David Boston – 6 receptions, 68 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 164 yards, TD

Week 4: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	0	10	13	30
Colts	10	3	7	12	32

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: August 24
• Game time: 8:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 51,337
• Referee: Dick Hantak (105)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter IND – Mike Vanderjagt 48-yard field goal, 12:27. Colts 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:33. IND – Marvin Harrison 12-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 7:33. Colts 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 3:23. MIN – Robert Smith 4-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 3:03. Colts 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:30. Second quarter IND – Mike Vanderjagt 47-yard field goal, 12:33. Colts 13–7. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 5:30. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 54-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 13:28. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:32. IND – Jamel White 1-yard run (Danny Kight kick), 10:19. Colts 20–14. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:09. MIN – Gary Anderson 23-yard field goal, 4:42. Colts 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 5:37. Fourth quarter MIN – Troy Walters 62-yard punt return (Gary Anderson kick), 12:36. Vikings 24–20. IND – Jamel White 96-yard kickoff return (Danny Kight kick), 12:20. Colts 27–24. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:16. IND – Penalty on Bubby Brister enforced in the end zone for a safety, 11:13. Colts 29–24. MIN – Matthew Hatchette 4-yard pass from Bubby Brister (pass failed), 1:01. Vikings 30–29. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:39. IND – Danny Kight 43-yard field goal, 0:00. Colts 32–30. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 1:01. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 10/14, 171 yards, TD IND – Billy Joe Hobert – 6/11, 115 yards Top rushers MIN – Moe Williams – 8 rushes, 35 yards IND – Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar – 8 rushes, 48 yards Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 3 receptions, 88 yards, TD IND – Isaac Jones – 5 receptions, 105 yards

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	September 3	Chicago Bears	W 30–27	1–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,104	Recap
2	September 10	Miami Dolphins	W 13–7	2–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,112	Recap
3	September 17	at New England Patriots	W 21–13	3–0	Foxboro Stadium	60,292	Recap
4	Bye
5	October 1	at Detroit Lions	W 31–24	4–0	Silverdome	76,438	Recap
6	October 9	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 30–23	5–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,162	Recap
7	October 15	at Chicago Bears	W 28–16	6–0	Soldier Field	66,944	Recap
8	October 22	Buffalo Bills	W 31–27	7–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,116	Recap
9	October 29	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	L 13–41	7–1	Raymond James Stadium	65,589	Recap
10	November 6	at Green Bay Packers	L 20–26 (OT)	7–2	Lambeau Field	59,854	Recap
11	November 12	Arizona Cardinals	W 31–14	8–2	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,223	Recap
12	November 19	Carolina Panthers	W 31–17	9–2	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,208	Recap
13	November 23	at Dallas Cowboys	W 27–15	10–2	Texas Stadium	63,878	Recap
14	November 30	Detroit Lions	W 24–17	11–2	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,214	Recap
15	December 10	at St. Louis Rams	L 29–40	11–3	TWA Dome	66,273	Recap
16	December 17	Green Bay Packers	L 28–33	11–4	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,183	Recap
17	December 24	at Indianapolis Colts	L 10–31	11–5	RCA Dome	56,672	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 1: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	7	6	7	7	27
Vikings	6	3	7	14	30

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 3
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,104
• Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 35-yard field goal, 10:16. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 4:44. CHI – John Allred 18-yard pass from Cade McNown (Paul Edinger kick), 3:58. Bears 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 6:18. MIN – Gary Anderson 38-yard field goal, 1:16. Bears 7–6. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 2:42. Second quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 29-yard field goal, 5:19. Bears 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:38. MIN – Gary Anderson 45-yard field goal, 1:51. Bears 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 3:28. CHI – Paul Edinger 49-yard field goal, 0:16. Bears 13–9. Drive: 12 plays, 36 yards, 1:35. Third quarter CHI – Marcus Robinson 48-yard pass from Cade McNown (Paul Edinger kick), 10:10. Bears 20–9. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 4:50. MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 5:24. Bears 20–16. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:46. Fourth quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 7-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 10:59. Vikings 23–20. Drive: 6 plays, 93 yards, 3:15. MIN – Daunte Culpepper 4-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 4:35. Vikings 30–20. Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 2:30. CHI – Cade McNown 8-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 1:17. Vikings 30–27. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:18. Top passers CHI – Cade McNown – 27/41, 290 yards, 2 TD MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 13/23, 190 yards, INT Top rushers CHI – Cade McNown – 10 rushes, 87 yards, TD MIN – Robert Smith – 14 rushes, 109 yards Top receivers CHI – Marcus Robinson – 7 receptions, 86 yards, TD MIN – Randy Moss – 4 receptions, 89 yards

Week 2: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 2: Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	0	0	0	7	7
Vikings	3	0	0	10	13

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 10
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,112
• Referee: Gerry Austin (34)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 28-yard field goal, 2:46. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:53. Second quarter No scoring plays. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 49-yard field goal, 11:30. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 13 plays, 63 yards, 5:36. MIN – Randy Moss 15-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 1:56. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 1:55. MIA – Thurman Thomas 2-yard pass from Jay Fiedler (Olindo Mare kick), 1:02. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 0:54. Top passers MIA – Jay Fiedler – 12/31, 175 yards, TD, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 23/37, 355 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers MIA – Lamar Smith – 11 rushes, 27 yards MIN – Robert Smith – 18 rushes, 72 yards Top receivers MIA – Tony Martin – 6 receptions, 120 yards MIN – Cris Carter – 9 receptions, 168 yards

Week 3: at New England Patriots

Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at New England Patriots

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	14	0	0	21
Patriots	7	0	0	6	13

at Foxboro Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: September 17
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 60,292
• Referee: Phil Luckett (59)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Robert Smith 4-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 6:06. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 17 plays, 73 yards, 8:54. NE – Kevin Faulk 2-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 4:15. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 1:51. Second quarter MIN – Johnny McWilliams 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 9:53. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 9:22. MIN – Matthew Hatchette 39-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:18. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 3:04. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter NE – Terry Glenn 8-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (run failed), 11:11. Vikings 21–13. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 2:14. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 19/28, 177 yards, 2 TD, INT NE – Drew Bledsoe – 21/35, 190 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Robert Smith – 29 rushes, 91 yards, TD NE – Kevin Faulk – 13 rushes, 80 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Cris Carter – 7 receptions, 67 yards NE – Terry Glenn – 8 receptions, 69 yards, TD

Week 5: at Detroit Lions

Week 5: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	3	7	14	31
Lions	7	3	0	14	24

at Pontiac Silverdome, Detroit, Michigan

• Date: October 1
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 76,438
• Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter DET – Germane Crowell 9-yard pass from Charlie Batch (Jason Hanson kick), 11:05. Lions 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 2:45. MIN – Randy Moss 61-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 8:46. Tied 7–7. Drive: 4 plays, 79 yards, 2:19. Second quarter DET – Jason Hanson 21-yard field goal, 4:08. Lions 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 2:38. MIN – Gary Anderson 20-yard field goal, 0:03. Tied 10–10. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 1:57. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 17-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:14. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:50. Fourth quarter DET – Charlie Batch 5-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 12:09. Tied 17–17. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:05. MIN – Randy Moss 50-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 8:48. Vikings 24–17. Drive: 5 plays, 79 yards, 3:21. MIN – Robert Smith 65-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 6:23. Vikings 31–17. Drive: 1 play, 65 yards, 0:12. DET – Mario Bates 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 0:03. Vikings 31–24. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 1:35. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 17/29, 269 yards, 3 TD DET – Charlie Batch – 25/44, 239 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Robert Smith – 16 rushes, 134 yards, TD DET – James Stewart – 20 rushes, 123 yards Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 168 yards, 3 TD DET – Germane Crowell – 8 receptions, 85 yards, TD

Week 6: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 6: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	7	3	6	7	23
Vikings	7	10	3	10	30

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 9
• Game time: 8:10 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,162
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 27-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 14:36. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 27 yards, 0:09. TB – Shaun King 11-yard run (Martín Gramática kick), 4:01. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:28. Second quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 37-yard field goal, 12:14. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 6:47. MIN – John Davis 26-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 11:11. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 3 plays, 27 yards, 0:52. TB – Martín Gramática 23-yard field goal, 1:06. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 19 plays, 71 yards, 10:05. Third quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 42-yard field goal, 11:12. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:48. TB – Martín Gramática 33-yard field goal, 8:11. Vikings 20–13. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:01. TB – Martín Gramática 35-yard field goal, 0:44. Vikings 20–16. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 5:17. Fourth quarter TB – Donnie Abraham 53-yard return of blocked field goal (Martín Gramática kick), 12:13. Buccaneers 23–20. MIN – Randy Moss 42-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 8:42. Vikings 27–23. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 3:31. MIN – Gary Anderson 19-yard field goal, 0:59. Vikings 30–23. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:06. Top passers TB – Shaun King – 26/40, 295 yards MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 15/19, 231 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers TB – Warrick Dunn – 10 rushes, 32 yards MIN – Robert Smith – 22 rushes, 81 yards Top receivers TB – Jacquez Green – 11 receptions, 131 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 118 yards, TD

Week 7: at Chicago Bears

Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	14	7	7	28
Bears	6	3	0	7	16

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Date: October 15
• Game time: 7:35 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,944
• Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter CHI – Dez White 25-yard pass from Cade McNown (run failed), 3:46. Bears 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 3:13. Second quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 22-yard field goal, 8:58. Bears 9–0. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 4:46. MIN – Robert Smith 72-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 8:35. Bears 9–7. Drive: 1 play, 72 yards, 0:23. MIN – Cris Carter 24-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:26. Vikings 14–9. Drive: 4 plays, 33 yards, 1:55. Third quarter MIN – Matthew Hatchette 24-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:01. Vikings 21–9. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 1:59. Fourth quarter CHI – James Allen 6-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 14:56. Vikings 21–16. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:15. MIN – Randy Moss 7-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 9:26. Vikings 28–16. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 5:30. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 15/26, 198 yards, 3 TD CHI – Cade McNown – 19/33, 210 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Robert Smith – 23 rushes, 170 yards, TD CHI – James Allen – 22 rushes, 71 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Cris Carter – 7 receptions, 111 yards, TD CHI – Marcus Robinson – 7 receptions, 88 yards

Week 8: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 8: Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	0	10	7	10	27
Vikings	3	3	7	18	31

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 22
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,116
• Referee: Ron Blum (7)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 38-yard field goal, 2:27. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 5:10. Second quarter BUF – Eric Moulds 25-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 13:38. Bills 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:41. BUF – Steve Christie 25-yard field goal, 0:54. Bills 10–3. Drive: 21 plays, 80 yards, 10:55. MIN – Gary Anderson 20-yard field goal, 0:00. Bills 10–6. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 0:54. Third quarter MIN – Cris Carter 6-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 9:17. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 5:43. BUF – Sammy Morris 1-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 1:13. Bills 17–13. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 8:04. Fourth quarter BUF – Sammy Morris 18-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 14:19. Bills 24–13. Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 0:54. MIN – Cris Carter 11-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper–Moe Williams pass), 9:34. Bills 24–21. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 4:45. BUF – Steve Christie 48-yard field goal, 6:39. Bills 27–21. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:55. MIN – Randy Moss 39-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:42. Vikings 28–27. Drive: 2 plays, 34 yards, 0:12. MIN – Gary Anderson 21-yard field goal, 1:04. Vikings 31–27. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 1:42. Top passers BUF – Doug Flutie – 28/43, 294 yards, 2 TD MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 17/29, 251 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers BUF – Shawn Bryson – 11 rushes, 72 yards MIN – Robert Smith – 16 rushes, 68 yards Top receivers BUF – Eric Moulds – 12 receptions, 135 yards, TD MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 110 yards, TD

Week 9: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	10	0	0	13
Buccaneers	14	17	3	7	41

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: October 29
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Hazy, 80 °F (27 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,589
• Referee: Phil Luckett (59)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter TB – Keyshawn Johnson 9-yard pass from Shaun King (Martín Gramática kick), 10:33. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:47. MIN – Gary Anderson 30-yard field goal, 6:35. Buccaneers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 3:58. TB – Warrick Dunn 23-yard pass from Shaun King (Martín Gramática kick), 3:40. Buccaneers 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:55. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 7-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 11:57. Buccaneers 14–10. Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 6:43. TB – Dave Moore 20-yard pass from Shaun King (Martín Gramática kick), 9:46. Buccaneers 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:11. TB – Derrick Brooks 34-yard interception return (Martín Gramática kick), 7:58. Buccaneers 28–10. TB – Martín Gramática 47-yard field goal, 3:38. Buccaneers 31–10. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:54. MIN – Gary Anderson 37-yard field goal, 0:20. Buccaneers 31–13. Drive: 15 plays, 56 yards, 3:18. Third quarter TB – Martín Gramática 26-yard field goal, 6:25. Buccaneers 34–13. Drive: 14 plays, 82 yards, 8:35. Fourth quarter TB – Reidel Anthony 16-yard pass from Shaun King (Martín Gramática kick), 5:05. Buccaneers 41–13. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:34. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 29/53, 313 yards, TD, 2 INT TB – Shaun King – 16/23, 267 yards, 4 TD Top rushers MIN – Robert Smith – 12 rushes, 61 yards TB – Warrick Dunn – 11 rushes, 89 yards Top receivers MIN – Cris Carter – 7 receptions, 115 yards TB – Keyshawn Johnson – 6 receptions, 121 yards, TD

Week 10: at Green Bay Packers

Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Vikings	3	10	7	0	0	20
Packers	0	10	10	0	6	26

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Date: November 6
• Game time: 8:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Occasional rain, blustery, 50 °F (10 °C)
• Game attendance: 59,854
• Referee: Dick Hantak (105)
• TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels, Dan Fouts, Dennis Miller, Melissa Stark and Eric Dickerson
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 30-yard field goal, 8:25. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 5:36. Second quarter GB – Ryan Longwell 24-yard field goal, 14:53. Tied 3–3. Drive: 15 plays, 81 yards, 8:32. MIN – Cris Carter 12-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:03. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 4:50. GB – Ahman Green 5-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:51. Tied 10–10. Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 3:12. MIN – Gary Anderson 48-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 1:11. Third quarter GB – Ryan Longwell 31-yard field goal, 8:48. Tied 13–13. Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 2:22. MIN – Robert Smith 45-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 4:00. Vikings 20–13. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 4:48. GB – Ahman Green 2-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:32. Tied 20–20. Drive: 2 plays, 2 yards, 0:28. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Overtime GB – Antonio Freeman 43-yard pass from Brett Favre, 11:21. Packers 26–20. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:39. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 17/34, 276 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT GB – Brett Favre – 17/36, 235 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Robert Smith – 24 rushes, 122 yards GB – Ahman Green – 23 rushes, 68 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 6 receptions, 130 yards GB – Antonio Freeman – 5 receptions, 118 yards, TD

Week 11: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 11: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	7	0	0	7	14
Vikings	7	3	7	14	31

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 12
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,223
• Referee: Bob McElwee (95)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Robert Smith 33-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 6:42. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 5:17. ARI – Michael Pittman Sr. 1-yard run (Cary Blanchard kick), 0:13. Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:29. Second quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 2:19. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:15. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 4:45. Fourth quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 3-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 10:11. Vikings 24–7. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 4:22. MIN – Cris Carter 12-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:45. Vikings 31–7. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:19. ARI – MarTay Jenkins 98-yard kickoff return (Cary Blanchard kick), 3:30. Vikings 31–14. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:15. Top passers ARI – Jake Plummer – 19/28, 219 yards MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 25/32, 302 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers ARI – Michael Pittman Sr. – 12 rushes, 50 yards, TD MIN – Robert Smith – 20 rushes, 117 yards Top receivers ARI – Frank Sanders – 5 receptions, 82 yards MIN – Cris Carter – 11 receptions, 119 yards, TD

Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 12: Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	7	7	0	3	17
Vikings	14	10	7	0	31

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 19
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,208
• Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter CAR – Steve Beuerlein 1-yard run (Joe Nedney kick), 8:09. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 6:51. MIN – Randy Moss 36-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:41. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:28. MIN – Robert Smith 53-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:29. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 2 plays, 62 yards, 0:50. Second quarter MIN – Robert Smith 3-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 10:35. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:28. CAR – Chris Hetherington 1-yard run (Joe Nedney kick), 0:20. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 0:47. MIN – Gary Anderson 43-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 24–14. Drive: 3 plays, 32 yards, 0:20. Third quarter MIN – Cris Carter 15-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 2:02. Vikings 31–14. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 6:05. Fourth quarter CAR – Joe Nedney 28-yard field goal, 4:27. Vikings 31–17. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:23. Top passers CAR – Steve Beuerlein – 26/44, 272 yards, 2 INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 22/29, 357 yards, 3 TD Top rushers CAR – Brad Hoover – 18 rushes, 59 yards MIN – Robert Smith – 23 rushes, 103 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Muhsin Muhammad – 6 receptions, 76 yards MIN – Cris Carter – 8 receptions, 138 yards, TD

Week 13: at Dallas Cowboys

Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	10	17	0	27
Cowboys	3	6	0	6	15

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

• Date: November 23
• Game time: 3:15 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 55 °F (13 °C)
• Game attendance: 63,878
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• TV announcers (Fox): Pat Summerall and John Madden
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter DAL – Tim Seder 37-yard field goal, 10:01. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:59. Second quarter DAL – Tim Seder 43-yard field goal, 12:27. Cowboys 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:41. MIN – Gary Anderson 49-yard field goal, 8:10. Cowboys 6–3. Drive: 8 plays, 26 yards, 4:17. MIN – Robert Smith 15-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 1:52. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 6 plays, 88 yards, 2:29. DAL – Tim Seder 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 1:52. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 7-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 12:25. Vikings 17–9. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:35. MIN – Gary Anderson 29-yard field goal, 6:11. Vikings 20–9. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 3:52. MIN – Randy Moss 36-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:18. Vikings 27–9. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:32. Fourth quarter DAL – David LaFleur 6-yard pass from Troy Aikman (run failed), 2:32. Vikings 27–15. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:37. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 15/22, 205 yards, 2 TD DAL – Troy Aikman – 30/43, 276 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Robert Smith – 21 rushes, 148 yards, TD DAL – Emmitt Smith – 12 rushes, 100 yards Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 144 yards, 2 TD DAL – Jason Tucker – 6 receptions, 57 yards

Week 14: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 14: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	0	3	0	14	17
Vikings	7	10	0	7	24

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 30
• Game time: 7:35 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,214
• Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann and Paul Maguire
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Robert Smith 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 7:39. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 4:05. Second quarter MIN – Cris Carter 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 14:56. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 5:29. DET – Jason Hanson 52-yard field goal, 1:12. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:05. MIN – Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal, 0:04. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 1:08. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter DET – James Stewart 3-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 13:59. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 2 plays, 9 yards, 0:52. MIN – Robert Smith 43-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 3:04. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 1 play, 43 yards, 0:11. DET – Larry Foster 40-yard pass from Stoney Case (Jason Hanson kick), 0:13. Vikings 24–17. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 2:51. Top passers DET – Stoney Case – 23/33, 230 yards, TD, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 19/32, 160 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers DET – James Stewart – 15 rushes, 67 yards, TD MIN – Robert Smith – 17 rushes, 115 yards, 2 TD Top receivers DET – Larry Foster – 8 receptions, 106 yards, TD MIN – Cris Carter – 7 receptions, 45 yards, TD

Week 15: at St. Louis Rams

Week 15: Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	7	14	8	29
Rams	14	6	13	7	40

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 10
• Game time: 3:15 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,273
• Referee: Ron Winter (14)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter STL – Marshall Faulk 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:56. Rams 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 6:04. STL – Marshall Faulk 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:54. Rams 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 2:03. Second quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 26-yard field goal, 13:48. Rams 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 2:52. MIN – Johnny McWilliams 22-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 7:14. Rams 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 6:34. STL – Jeff Wilkins 19-yard field goal, 1:11. Rams 20–7. Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 6:03. Third quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 8-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 11:20. Rams 20–14. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:40. STL – Marshall Faulk 5-yard run (pass failed), 8:19. Rams 26–14. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 3:01. STL – Marshall Faulk 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:36. Rams 33–14. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 2:05. MIN – Cris Carter 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:32. Rams 33–21. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 4:04. Fourth quarter STL – Justin Watson 6-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:10. Rams 40–21. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:22. MIN – Randy Moss 32-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper–Randy Moss pass), 2:27. Rams 40–29. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 1:50. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 21/33, 221 yards, 3 TD STL – Kurt Warner – 27/32, 346 yards Top rushers MIN – Robert Smith – 15 rushes, 67 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 25 rushes, 135 yards, 4 TD Top receivers MIN – Cris Carter – 7 receptions, 66 yards, TD STL – Torry Holt – 9 receptions, 172 yards

Week 16: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 16: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	10	10	3	10	33
Vikings	7	7	7	7	28

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 17
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,183
• Referee: Gerry Austin (34)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter GB – Ryan Longwell 34-yard field goal, 7:38. Packers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 7:22. GB – Antonio Freeman 18-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 2:04. Packers 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 4:04. MIN – Randy Moss 78-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 1:36. Packers 10–7. Drive: 1 play, 78 yards, 0:28. Second quarter GB – Ahman Green 6-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 11:51. Packers 17–7. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:45. GB – Ryan Longwell 35-yard field goal, 2:41. Packers 20–7. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 3:07. MIN – Daunte Culpepper 3-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 0:20. Packers 20–14. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 2:21. Third quarter GB – Ryan Longwell 43-yard field goal, 8:39. Packers 23–14. Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 4:07. MIN – Johnny McWilliams 22-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:58. Packers 23–21. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 4:41. Fourth quarter GB – Bill Schroeder 3-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:56. Packers 30–21. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:02. GB – Ryan Longwell 36-yard field goal, 6:51. Packers 33–21. Drive: 7 plays, 7 yards, 3:52. MIN – Cris Carter 5-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 2:38. Packers 33–28. Drive: 15 plays, 84 yards, 4:13. Top passers GB – Brett Favre – 26/38, 290 yards, 3 TD MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 23/38, 335 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers GB – Ahman Green – 25 rushes, 161 yards MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 7 rushes, 42 yards, TD Top receivers GB – Antonio Freeman – 6 receptions, 97 yards, TD MIN – Randy Moss – 4 receptions, 136 yards, TD

Week 17: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	3	0	0	10
Colts	7	14	7	3	31

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 24
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. EST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 56,672
• Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter IND – Marvin Harrison 4-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 7:32. Colts 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:45. MIN – Randy Moss 42-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:07. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 4:25. Second quarter IND – Edgerrin James 52-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 9:12. Colts 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 2:43. MIN – Gary Anderson 31-yard field goal, 5:04. Colts 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:22. IND – Marvin Harrison 15-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 1:19. Colts 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 3:45. Third quarter IND – Marvin Harrison 18-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 7:47. Colts 28–10. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 2:25. Fourth quarter IND – Mike Vanderjagt 28-yard field goal, 9:54. Colts 31–10. Drive: 13 plays, 85 yards, 6:33. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 7/10, 97 yards, TD IND – Peyton Manning – 25/36, 283 yards, 4 TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Robert Smith – 15 rushes, 37 yards IND – Edgerrin James – 26 rushes, 128 yards Top receivers MIN – Cris Carter – 4 receptions, 67 yards IND – Marvin Harrison – 12 receptions, 109 yards, 3 TD

This was the first occasion the Colts hosted the Vikings in the regular season since 1968 in Baltimore, although the two teams would again play in the Colts’ stadium during that postseason. The intervening gap of 31 seasons constitutes the second-longest gap without one team visiting another in NFL history, and at the time was a record.^[a]

Standings

NFC Central
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	STK
(2) Minnesota Vikings	11	5	0	.688	397	371	L3
(5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers	10	6	0	.625	388	269	L1
Green Bay Packers	9	7	0	.563	353	323	W4
Detroit Lions	9	7	0	.563	307	307	L1
Chicago Bears	5	11	0	.313	216	355	W1

Postseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
Division	January 6	New Orleans Saints	W 34–16	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,881	Recap
Championship	January 14	at New York Giants	L 0–41	Giants Stadium	79,310	Recap

Game summaries

NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs (#3) New Orleans Saints

NFC Divisional Playoffs: (#3) New Orleans Saints at (#2) Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	3	0	7	6	16
Vikings	10	7	10	7	34

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: January 6
• Game time: 11:30 a.m. CST/12:30 p.m. EST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,881
• Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Matt Millen and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Randy Moss 53-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 11:57. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 64 yards, 1:20. NO – Doug Brien 33-yard field goal, 7:46. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:11. MIN – Gary Anderson 24-yard field goal, 1:36. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 6:10. Second quarter MIN – Cris Carter 17-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 1:29. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:40. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 68-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 13:33. Vikings 24–3. Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 1:27. NO – Dave Stachelski 2-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (Doug Brien kick), 9:33. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 4:00. MIN – Gary Anderson 44-yard field goal, 4:31. Vikings 27–10. Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 5:02. Fourth quarter MIN – Robert Smith 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 10:46. Vikings 34–10. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 4:32. NO – Willie Jackson 48-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (pass failed), 2:19. Vikings 34–16. Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards, 0:58. Top passers NO – Aaron Brooks – 30/48, 295 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 17/31, 302 yards, 3 TD Top rushers NO – Aaron Brooks – 5 rushes, 29 yards MIN – Robert Smith – 25 rushes, 74 yards, TD Top receivers NO – Willie Jackson – 9 receptions, 125 yards, TD MIN – Randy Moss – 2 receptions, 121 yards, 2 TD

NFC Championship Game: vs (#1) New York Giants

NFC Championship Game: (#2) Minnesota Vikings at (#1) New York Giants – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	0	0	0	0
Giants	14	20	7	0	41

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: January 14
• Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST/11:30 a.m. CST
• Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 35 °F (2 °C)
• Game attendance: 79,310
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• TV announcers (Fox): Pat Summerall, John Madden, D.J. Johnson and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter NYG – Ike Hilliard 46-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brad Daluiso kick), 13:03. Giants 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 1:57. NYG – Greg Comella 18-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brad Daluiso kick), 12:47. Giants 14–0. Drive: 1 play, 18 yards, 0:06. Second quarter NYG – Brad Daluiso 21-yard field goal, 14:56. Giants 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 3:10. NYG – Joe Jurevicius 8-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brad Daluiso kick), 10:24. Giants 24–0. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:42. NYG – Brad Daluiso 22-yard field goal, 5:22. Giants 27–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 3:27. NYG – Ike Hilliard 7-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brad Daluiso kick), 0:12. Giants 34–0. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 3:19. Third quarter NYG – Amani Toomer 7-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brad Daluiso kick), 12:06. Giants 41–0. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 2:35. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 13/28, 78 yards, 3 INT NYG – Kerry Collins – 28/39, 381 yards, 5 TD, 2 INT Top rushers MIN – Robert Smith – 7 rushes, 44 yards NYG – Tiki Barber – 12 rushes, 69 yards Top receivers MIN – Cris Carter – 3 receptions, 24 yards NYG – Ike Hilliard – 10 receptions, 155 yards, 2 TD

Statistics

Team leaders

Category	Player(s)	Total
Passing yards	Daunte Culpepper	3,937
Passing touchdowns	Daunte Culpepper	33
Rushing yards	Robert Smith	1,521
Rushing touchdowns	Robert Smith Daunte Culpepper	7
Receiving yards	Randy Moss	1,437
Receiving touchdowns	Randy Moss	15
Points	Gary Anderson	111
Kickoff return yards	Troy Walters	692
Punt return yards	Troy Walters	217
Tackles	Ed McDaniel	118
Sacks	John Randle	8
Interceptions	Robert Tate Kailee Wong	2
Forced fumbles	John Randle Robert Tate	2

League rankings

Category	Total yards	Yards per game	NFL rank (out of 31)
Passing offense	3,832	239.5	7th
Rushing offense	2,129	133.1	6th
Total offense	5,961	372.6	5th
Passing defense	3,913	244.6	28th
Rushing defense	1,788	111.8	15th
Total defense	5,701	356.3	28th

Awards and records

• Gary Anderson, NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, Week 8 ^[3]
• Mitch Berger, NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, Week 14 ^[3]
• Mitch Berger, NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, December ^[3]
• Cris Carter, All-NFL Team (as selected by the Associated Press, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers of America)^[3]
• Cris Carter, NFC Pro Bowl Selection^[4]
• Daunte Culpepper, NFC Offensive Player of the Week, Week 6^[3]
• Daunte Culpepper, NFC Offensive Player of the Week, Week 12^[3]
• Chris Hovan, PFW/Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team
• Randy Moss, All-NFL Team (as selected by the Associated Press, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers of America)^[3]
• Randy Moss, PFW/PFWA All-Pro Team^[5]
• Robert Smith, NFC Offensive Player of the Month, December^[3]

40-year team

The Vikings named an all-time team in 2000 in recognition of the franchise's 40th year in the NFL.^[6]

• Offense
  • WR: Ahmad Rashad, Cris Carter
  • T: Ron Yary, Tim Irwin
  • G: Ed White, Randall McDaniel
  • C: Mick Tingelhoff
  • TE: Steve Jordan
  • QB: Fran Tarkenton
  • RB: Chuck Foreman, Robert Smith
  • K: Fred Cox
  • ST: Bill Brown
• Defense
  • DE: Jim Marshall, Carl Eller
  • DT: Alan Page, John Randle
  • LB: Jeff Siemon, Matt Blair, Scott Studwell
  • S: Paul Krause, Joey Browner
  • CB: Bobby Bryant, Carl Lee
  • P: Greg Coleman
  • RS: Darrin Nelson
• Head coach: Bud Grant

Notes

1. Tampa Bay did not play at Buffalo until 2009, although the Buccaneers joined the league 33 seasons previously.^[2]