2017 Minnesota Vikings season

The 2017 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 57th in the National Football League (NFL), and their fourth under head coach Mike Zimmer. With the team's home stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium, scheduled to host Super Bowl LII at the end of the season, the Vikings attempted to make history as the first team to play the Super Bowl on their home field; in recording their best regular season record since 1998, they clinched a first-round bye for the first time since 2009 and became the eighth team in the Super Bowl era to qualify for the playoffs in a season in which their stadium hosted the Super Bowl. They defeated the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round 29–24 on a walk-off play referred to as the "Minneapolis Miracle", but lost 38–7 to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, preventing them from becoming the first team in NFL history to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium.

2017 Minnesota Vikings season
Owner	Zygi Wilf
General manager	Rick Spielman
Head coach	Mike Zimmer
Home stadium	U.S. Bank Stadium
Results
Record	13–3
Division place	1st NFC North
Playoffs	Won Divisional Playoffs (vs. Saints) 29–24 Lost NFC Championship (at Eagles) 7–38
All-Pros	4 CB Xavier Rhodes (1st team) FS Harrison Smith (1st team) DE Everson Griffen (2nd team) DB Xavier Rhodes (2nd team) WR Adam Thielen (2nd team)
Pro Bowlers	7 OLB Anthony Barr DE Everson Griffen DT Linval Joseph CB Xavier Rhodes TE Kyle Rudolph FS Harrison Smith WR Adam Thielen
Uniform
← 2016 Vikings seasons 2018 →

This was the first season since 2006 without star running back Adrian Peterson on the roster, as the team declined his contract option in February.

Roster changes

2017 draft

Main article: 2017 NFL draft

Pro Bowler

2017 Minnesota Vikings draft
Draft order		Player name	Position	College	Contract	Notes
Round	Selection
1	14	Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles[A]
2	41	Dalvin Cook	RB	Florida State	4 years / $6.35 million	from Bengals[B]
	48	Traded to the Cincinnati Bengals[B]
3	70	Pat Elflein	C	Ohio State	4 years / $3.33 million	from Jets[C]
	79	Traded to the New York Jets[C]
	86	Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs[D]				from Dolphins[E]
	104	Traded to the San Francisco 49ers[F]				from Chiefs[D]
4	109	Jaleel Johnson	DT	Iowa		from 49ers[F]
	120	Ben Gedeon	LB	Michigan
	128	Traded to the Cincinnati Bengals[B]				from Dolphins[E]
	132	Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles[G]				from Chiefs[D]
	139	Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs[H]				from Browns via Eagles[G]
5	160	Traded to the New York Jets[C]
	170	Rodney Adams	WR	South Florida		from Chiefs[H]
	180	Danny Isidora	G	Miami (FL)		from Chiefs[H]
6	199	Traded to the Washington Redskins[I]
	201	Bucky Hodges	TE	Virginia Tech		from Redskins[I]
7	219	Stacy Coley	WR	Miami (FL)		from Browns via 49ers[F]
	220	Ifeadi Odenigbo	DE	Northwestern		from 49ers via Redskins[I]
	230	Traded to the Washington Redskins[I]				from Eagles[G]
	232	Elijah Lee	LB	Kansas State
	245	Jack Tocho	CB	NC State		from Chiefs[D]

Draft trades

1. The Vikings traded their first-round selection (14th overall) and 2018 fourth-round selection to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for quarterback Sam Bradford.^[1]
2. The Vikings traded their second- and fourth-round selections (48th and 128th overall) to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for Cincinnati's second-round selection (41st overall).^[2]
3. The Vikings traded their third- and fifth-round selections (79th and 160th overall) to the New York Jets in exchange for the Jets' third-round selection (70th overall).^[2]
4. The Vikings traded their third-round selection (86th overall) to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for Kansas City's third-, fourth-, and seventh-round selections (104th, 132nd and 245th overall).^[2]
5. The Vikings traded their 2016 third-round selection to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Miami's third- and fourth-round selections (86th and 129th overall).^[3]
6. The Vikings traded their third-round selection (104th overall) to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for San Francisco's fourth- and seventh-round selections (109th and 219th overall).^[2]
7. The Vikings traded their fourth-round selection (132nd overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Philadelphia's fourth- and seventh-round selections (139th and 230th overall).^[2]
8. The Vikings traded their fourth-round selection (139nd overall) to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for Kansas City's two fifth-round selections (170th and 180th overall).^[2]
9. The Vikings traded their sixth- and seventh-round selections (199th and 230th overall) to the Washington Redskins in exchange for Washington's sixth- and seventh-round selections (201st and 220th overall).^[2]

2017 Minnesota Vikings undrafted free agents

Name	Position	College
Wes Lunt	QB	Illinois
Terrell Newby	RB	Nebraska
R. J. Shelton	WR	Michigan State
Josiah Price	TE	Michigan State
Aviante Collins	OT	TCU
Nick Fett	OT	Iowa State
Freddie Tagaloa	OT	Arizona
Tashawn Bower	DE	LSU
Caleb Kidder	DE	Montana
Sam McCaskill	DE	Boise State
Dylan Bradley	DT	Southern Miss
Eric Wilson	LB	Cincinnati
Shaan Washington	LB	Texas A&M
Horace Richardson	CB	SMU
Tommy Armstrong Jr.	S	Nebraska

Transactions

Re-signings

Date	Player name	Position	Contract terms
January 2, 2017	Moritz Böhringer	WR	[RFC][4]
	Kyle Carter	TE
	Cayleb Jones	WR
	Marquis Lucas	OT
	Tre Roberson	CB
	Bishop Sankey	RB
	Sterling Bailey	DT
	Austin Shepherd	OT
	Cedric Thompson	S
March 8, 2017	Jeremiah Sirles	OT	1 year / $690,000[5]
March 15, 2017	Terence Newman	CB	1 year / $3.25 million[6]
	Adam Thielen	WR	3 years / $17 million[7]
March 24, 2017	Brian Robison	DE	2 years / $7.5 million[8]

Departures

Date	Player name	Position	Note	New team
February 10, 2017	Brandon Fusco	G	Released[9]	San Francisco 49ers
	Mike Harris	G
March 6, 2017	Chad Greenway	OLB	Retired[10]
March 9, 2017	Rhett Ellison	TE	UFA	New York Giants[11]
	Matt Kalil	OT		Carolina Panthers[12]
	Jeff Locke	P		Indianapolis Colts[13]
March 10, 2017	Charles Johnson	WR		Carolina Panthers[14]
	Captain Munnerlyn	CB		Carolina Panthers[15]
March 11, 2017	Audie Cole	LB		Jacksonville Jaguars[16]
March 13, 2017	Cordarrelle Patterson	WR/KR		Oakland Raiders[17]
March 14, 2017	Andre Smith	OT		Cincinnati Bengals
March 24, 2017	Scott Crichton	DT	Released
May 4, 2017	Marquis Lucas	OT	Waived
	Sterling Bailey	DE
	Cedric Thompson	S
May 16, 2017	B. J. Dubose	DT	Waived	[18]
May 17, 2017	Toby Johnson	DT	Waived
May 27, 2017	Matt Asiata	RB	UFA	Detroit Lions
May 31, 2017	Mitch Mathews	WR	Waived[19]

Additions

Date	Player name	Position	Previous team	Contract terms
January 3, 2017	Reid Fragel	OT	Kansas City Chiefs	[RFC][20]
	Marshall Koehn	K	Miami Dolphins
	Taylor Symmank	P
March 9, 2017	Riley Reiff	OT	Detroit Lions	5 years / $58.75 million[21]
March 10, 2017	Mike Remmers	OT	Carolina Panthers	5 years / $30 million[22]
March 14, 2017	Datone Jones	DE	Green Bay Packers	1 year / $3.75 million[23]
March 16, 2017	Latavius Murray	RB	Oakland Raiders	3 years / $15.0 million[24]
March 30, 2017	Terrell Sinkfield	CB	BC Lions (CFL)	[25]
	Mitch Mathews	WR	Cleveland Browns
	Nick Truesdell	TE	Cleveland Gladiators (AFL)
March 31, 2017	Case Keenum	QB	Los Angeles Rams	1 year / $2.0 million[26]
April 3, 2017	Ryan Quigley	P	Arizona Cardinals	1 year / $2.0 million[27]
May 10, 2017	Michael Floyd	WR	New England Patriots	1 year / $1.5 million
May 17, 2017	Will Sutton	DT	Chicago Bears	[28]

^{^[RFC]} Denotes this is a reserve/future contract.

Staff

2017 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office Owner/chairman – Zygi Wilf Owner/president – Mark Wilf Owner/vice chairman – Leonard Wilf General manager – Rick Spielman Executive vice president – Football Operations – Rob Brzezinski Chief operating officer – Kevin Warren Assistant general manager – George Paton Director of college scouting – Jamaal Stephenson Director of pro scouting – Ryan Monnens Head coaches Head coach – Mike Zimmer Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Pat Shurmur Quarterbacks – Kevin Stefanski Running backs – Kennedy Polamalu Wide receivers – Darrell Hazell Assistant wide receivers – Drew Petzing Tight ends – Clancy Barone Offensive line – Tony Sparano Assistant offensive line – Andrew Janocko

Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – George Edwards Defensive line – Andre Patterson Assistant defensive line – Robert Rodriguez Linebackers – Adam Zimmer Defensive backs – Jerry Gray Defensive quality control/assistant defensive backs – Jonathan Gannon Defensive assistant – Jeff Howard Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Mike Priefer Assistant special teams – Ryan Ficken Strength and conditioning Head athletic trainer – Eric Sugarman Head strength and conditioning – Mark Uyeyama Assistant strength and conditioning – Derik Keyes Assistant strength and conditioning – Reshard Langford Assistant strength and conditioning – Chaz Mahle

Roster

2017 Minnesota Vikings roster

Quarterbacks (QB)  5 Teddy Bridgewater  7 Case Keenum  1 Kyle Sloter Running backs (RB) 31 Mack Brown 30 C. J. Ham FB 21 Jerick McKinnon 25 Latavius Murray Wide receivers (WR) 13 Stacy Coley 14 Stefon Diggs 18 Michael Floyd 19 Adam Thielen 11 Laquon Treadwell 17 Jarius Wright Tight ends (TE) 86 Kyle Carter 89 David Morgan 82 Kyle Rudolph

Offensive linemen (OL) 61 Joe Berger G/C 76 Aviante Collins T 67 Cornelius Edison C 65 Pat Elflein C 69 Rashod Hill T 63 Danny Isidora G 71 Riley Reiff T 74 Mike Remmers T/G 75 Jeremiah Sirles G Defensive linemen (DL) 90 Tashawn Bower DE 97 Everson Griffen DE 99 Danielle Hunter DE 94 Jaleel Johnson DT 92 Tom Johnson DT 98 Linval Joseph DT 96 Brian Robison DE 93 Shamar Stephen DT 91 Stephen Weatherly DE

Linebackers (LB) 55 Anthony Barr OLB 40 Kentrell Brothers MLB 42 Ben Gedeon OLB 54 Eric Kendricks MLB 59 Emmanuel Lamur OLB 50 Eric Wilson OLB Defensive backs (DB) 20 Mackensie Alexander CB 24 Tramaine Brock CB 41 Anthony Harris SS 27 Jayron Kearse FS 23 Terence Newman CB 29 Xavier Rhodes CB 34 Andrew Sendejo SS 35 Marcus Sherels CB 22 Harrison Smith FS 26 Trae Waynes CB Special teams (ST)  2 Kai Forbath K 44 Jeff Overbaugh LS  4 Ryan Quigley P

Practice squad 12 Rodney Adams WR 79 Dylan Bradley DT 16 Cayleb Jones WR 68 Cedrick Lang T 72 Storm Norton T 95 Ifeadi Odenigbo DE 38 Horace Richardson CB 39 Jack Tocho SS 56 Antwione Williams OLB Reserve 81 Blake Bell TE (IR)  8 Sam Bradford QB (IR) 33 Dalvin Cook RB (IR) 62 Nick Easton G/C (IR) 73 Sharrif Floyd DT (NF-Inj.) 47 Kevin McDermott LS (IR) 43 Bishop Sankey RB (IR) 57 Shaan Washington OLB (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 8 reserve, 9 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

The Vikings' preliminary preseason schedule was announced on April 10.

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	August 10	at Buffalo Bills	W 17–10	1–0	New Era Field	60,459	Recap
2	August 18	at Seattle Seahawks	L 13–20	1–1	CenturyLink Field	68,550	Recap
3	August 27	San Francisco 49ers	W 32–31	2–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,551	Recap
4	August 31	Miami Dolphins	L 9–30	2–2	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,409	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: at Buffalo Bills

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

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter BUF – Steven Hauschka 42-yard field goal, 14:15. Bills 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 2:46. MIN – Kai Forbath 36-yard field goal, 3:26. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 5:47. Third quarter MIN – C. J. Ham 2-yard run (Marshall Koehn kick), 10:34. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:26. MIN – Rodney Adams 2-yard pass from Taylor Heinicke (Kai Forbath kick), 1:09. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 14 plays, 71 yards, 7:28. Fourth quarter BUF – Dezmin Lewis 1-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Austin Rehkow kick), 10:08. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 6:01. Top passers MIN – Case Keenum – 11/16, 121 yards BUF – Nathan Peterman – 13/25, 112 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Terrell Newby – 12 rushes, 26 yards BUF – Jonathan Williams – 4 rushes, 39 yards Top receivers MIN – Stacy Coley – 3 receptions, 67 yards BUF – Sammy Watkins – 4 receptions, 39 yards

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: August 10
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT/6:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 82 °F (28 °C)
• Game attendance: 60,459
• Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
• TV: Fox-9
• Recap, Game Book

Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	3	0	7	13
Seahawks	7	7	6	0	20

Game information

First quarter SEA – Kasen Williams 1-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Blair Walsh kick), 9:36. Seahawks 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 5:24. MIN – Marshall Koehn 29-yard field goal, 3:07. Seahawks 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 6:29. Second quarter SEA – Mike Davis 22-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Blair Walsh kick), 1:57. Seahawks 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:07. MIN – Kai Forbath 51-yard field goal, 0:09. Seahawks 14–6. Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 1:48. Third quarter SEA – Blair Walsh 52-yard field goal, 13:51. Seahawks 17–6. Drive: 4 plays, −16 yards, 1:03. SEA – Blair Walsh 52-yard field goal, 5:15. Seahawks 20–6. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:29. Fourth quarter MIN – Bucky Hodges 21-yard pass from Taylor Heinicke (Marshall Koehn kick), 2:49. Seahawks 20–13. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 1:25. Top passers MIN – Sam Bradford – 7/11, 95 yards SEA – Russell Wilson – 13/18, 206 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Dalvin Cook – 7 rushes, 40 yards SEA – Alex Collins – 10 rushes, 58 yards Top receivers MIN – Stefon Diggs – 4 receptions, 65 yards SEA – Doug Baldwin – 4 receptions, 69 yards

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

• Date: August 18
• Game time: 9:00 p.m. CDT/7:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)
• Game attendance: 68,550
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• TV: Fox-9
• Recap, Game Book

Week 3: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	7	10	7	31
Vikings	0	0	17	15	32

Game information

First quarter SF – Marquise Goodwin 46-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Robbie Gould kick), 10:30. 49ers 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 79 yards, 2:29. Second quarter SF – Carlos Hyde 24-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Robbie Gould kick), 14:55. 49ers 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 88 yards, 5:31. Third quarter MIN – Marshall Koehn 58-yard field goal, 10:59. 49ers 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 1:53. SF – Nick Rose 55-yard field goal, 5:32. 49ers 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 26 yards, 3:07. MIN – Rodney Adams 9-yard pass from Case Keenum (Marshall Koehn kick), 1:43. 49ers 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:49. SF – Raheem Mostert 87-yard pass from C. J. Beathard (Nick Rose kick), 0:49. 49ers 24–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 0:54. MIN – Jerick McKinnon 108-yard kickoff return (Marshall Koehn kick), 0:37. 49ers 24–17. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:12. Fourth quarter SF – Raheem Mostert 4-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 7:48. 49ers 31–17. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:49. MIN – Kyle Carter 16-yard pass from Case Keenum (Marshall Koehn kick), 6:09. 49ers 31–24. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:39. MIN – Terrell Newby 1-yard run (Taylor Heinicke run), 0:00. Vikings 32–31. Drive: 14 plays, 63 yards, 2:44. Top passers SF – Brian Hoyer – 12/17, 176 yards, 2 TD MIN – Case Keenum – 10/14, 139 yards, 2 TD Top rushers SF – Matt Breida – 7 rushes, 29 yards MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 7 rushes, 27 yards Top receivers SF – Raheem Mostert – 2 receptions, 104 yards, TD MIN – Stacy Coley – 4 receptions, 76 yards

Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 27
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,551
• Referee: Ronald Torbert (62)
• TV: NBC
• Recap, Game Book

Week 4: vs. Miami Dolphins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	7	16	0	7	30
Vikings	0	6	0	3	9

Game information

First quarter MIA – Kenyan Drake 1-yard run (Andrew Franks kick), 11:07. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 3:53. Second quarter MIA – Jakeem Grant 65-yard pass from David Fales (Andrew Franks kick), 12:17. Dolphins 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 1:30. MIN – Cayleb Jones 8-yard pass from Taylor Heinicke (kick failed, wide left), 7:38. Dolphins 14–6. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:39. MIA – MarQueis Gray 6-yard pass from David Fales (Andrew Franks kick), 0:24. Dolphins 21–6. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 1:29. MIA – Taylor Heinicke sacked in the end zone by Praise Martin-Oguike for a safety, 0:12. Dolphins 23–6. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 24-yard field goal, 14:53. Dolphins 23–9. Drive: 15 plays, 58 yards, 8:37. MIA – Mitch Mathews 19-yard pass from David Fales (Andrew Franks kick), 11:51. Dolphins 30–9. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 3:02. Top passers MIA – David Fales – 12/20, 193 yards, 3 TD MIN – Mitch Leidner – 14/19, 129 yards Top rushers MIA – Kenyan Drake – 8 rushes, 27 yards, TD MIN – Bronson Hill – 13 rushes, 35 yards Top receivers MIA – Jakeem Grant – 4 receptions, 141 yards, TD MIN – Cayleb Jones – 9 receptions, 127 yards, TD

Week 4: Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 31
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,409
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• TV: Fox-9
• Recap, Game Book

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	September 11	New Orleans Saints	W 29–19	1–0	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,606	Recap
2	September 17	at Pittsburgh Steelers	L 9–26	1–1	Heinz Field	65,971	Recap
3	September 24	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 34–17	2–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,390	Recap
4	October 1	Detroit Lions	L 7–14	2–2	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,730	Recap
5	October 9	at Chicago Bears	W 20–17	3–2	Soldier Field	61,834	Recap
6	October 15	Green Bay Packers	W 23–10	4–2	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,848	Recap
7	October 22	Baltimore Ravens	W 24–16	5–2	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,751	Recap
8	October 29	at Cleveland Browns	W 33–16	6–2	Twickenham Stadium (London, England)	74,237	Recap
9	Bye
10	November 12	at Washington Redskins	W 38–30	7–2	FedExField	74,476	Recap
11	November 19	Los Angeles Rams	W 24–7	8–2	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,809	Recap
12	November 23	at Detroit Lions	W 30–23	9–2	Ford Field	66,613	Recap
13	December 3	at Atlanta Falcons	W 14–9	10–2	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	71,185	Recap
14	December 10	at Carolina Panthers	L 24–31	10–3	Bank of America Stadium	73,728	Recap
15	December 17	Cincinnati Bengals	W 34–7	11–3	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,833	Recap
16	December 23	at Green Bay Packers	W 16–0	12–3	Lambeau Field	78,092	Recap
17	December 31	Chicago Bears	W 23–10	13–3	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,802	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. New Orleans Saints

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	3	3	3	10	19
Vikings	3	13	3	10	29

Game information

First quarter NO – Wil Lutz 43-yard field goal, 8:21. Saints 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 6:39. MIN – Kai Forbath 24-yard field goal, 1:01. Tied 3–3. Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 7:20. Second quarter NO – Wil Lutz 21-yard field goal, 5:26. Saints 6–3. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 6:49. MIN – Stefon Diggs 18-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 4:08. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:18. MIN – Stefon Diggs 2-yard pass from Sam Bradford (kick failed, wide right), 0:03. Vikings 16–6. Drive: 10 plays, 95 yards, 1:40. Third quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 32-yard field goal, 11:07. Vikings 19–6. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 3:53. NO – Wil Lutz 24-yard field goal, 2:43. Vikings 19–9. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 2:46. Fourth quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 15-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 12:52. Vikings 26–9. Drive: 9 plays, 89 yards, 4:51. NO – Wil Lutz 20-yard field goal, 7:49. Vikings 26–12. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 5:03. MIN – Kai Forbath 45-yard field goal, 4:00. Vikings 29–12. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 3:49. NO – Coby Fleener 8-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:56. Vikings 29–19. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:04. Top passers NO – Drew Brees – 27/37, 291 yards, TD MIN – Sam Bradford – 27/32, 346 yards, 3 TD Top rushers NO – Adrian Peterson – 6 rushes, 18 yards MIN – Dalvin Cook – 22 rushes, 127 yards Top receivers NO – Coby Fleener – 5 receptions, 54 yards, TD MIN – Adam Thielen – 9 receptions, 157 yards

Week 1: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 11
• Game time: 6:10 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,606
• Referee: Gene Steratore (114)
• TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
• Recap, Game Book

Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	3	6	0	9
Steelers	7	7	6	6	26

Game information

First quarter PIT – Martavis Bryant 27-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 3:02. Steelers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 5:43. Second quarter PIT – JuJu Smith-Schuster 4-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 13:31. Steelers 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 3:12. MIN – Kai Forbath 42-yard field goal, 8:50. Steelers 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 51 yards, 4:41. Third quarter PIT – Chris Boswell 46-yard field goal, 12:19. Steelers 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 2:06. MIN – C. J. Ham 1-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 9:57. Steelers 17–9. Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 2:22. PIT – Chris Boswell 29-yard field goal, 5:05. Steelers 20–9. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 4:52. Fourth quarter PIT – Chris Boswell 37-yard field goal, 3:18. Steelers 23–9. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 4:44. PIT – Chris Boswell 43-yard field goal, 1:53. Steelers 26–9. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 0:20. Top passers MIN – Case Keenum – 20/37, 167 yards PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 23/35, 243 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Dalvin Cook – 12 rushes, 64 yards PIT – Le'Veon Bell – 27 rushes, 87 yards Top receivers MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 4 receptions, 45 yards PIT – Martavis Bryant – 3 receptions, 91 yards, TD

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: September 17
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 78 °F (26 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,971
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Kristina Pink
• Recap, Game Book

Week 3: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	3	0	14	0	17
Vikings	7	14	10	3	34

Game information

First quarter MIN – Dalvin Cook 1-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 10:58. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:02. TB – Nick Folk 40-yard field goal, 6:18. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:40. Second quarter MIN – Jarius Wright 2-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 10:25. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 5:57. MIN – Stefon Diggs 17-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 0:47. Vikings 21–3. Drive: 6 plays, 92 yards, 3:04. Third quarter MIN – Stefon Diggs 59-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 12:25. Vikings 28–3. Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards, 1:03. TB – Cameron Brate 15-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Nick Folk kick), 8:47. Vikings 28–10. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 3:38. MIN – Kai Forbath 20-yard field goal, 2:24. Vikings 31–10. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 6:23. TB – DeSean Jackson 25-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Nick Folk kick), 0:00. Vikings 31–17. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:24. Fourth quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 37-yard field goal, 8:40. Vikings 34–17. Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 3:45. Top passers TB – Jameis Winston – 28/40, 328 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT MIN – Case Keenum – 25/33, 369 yards, 3 TD Top rushers TB – Jacquizz Rodgers – 5 rushes, 15 yards MIN – Dalvin Cook – 27 rushes, 97 yards, TD Top receivers TB – DeSean Jackson – 4 receptions, 84 yards, TD MIN – Stefon Diggs – 8 receptions, 173 yards, 2 TD

Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 24
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,390
• Referee: John Hussey (35)
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Peter Schrager
• Recap, Game Book

Week 4: vs. Detroit Lions

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	0	3	11	0	14
Vikings	0	7	0	0	7

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter DET – Matt Prater 29-yard field goal, 10:47. Lions 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 82 yards, 8:02. MIN – Dalvin Cook 5-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 1:07. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 4:33. Third quarter DET – Matt Prater 37-yard field goal, 10:41. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 3:37. DET – Ameer Abdullah 3-yard run (Matthew Stafford–T. J. Jones pass), 8:00. Lions 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 2:25. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 19/31, 209 yards MIN – Case Keenum – 16/30, 219 yards Top rushers DET – Ameer Abdullah – 20 rushes, 94 yards, TD MIN – Dalvin Cook – 13 rushes, 66 yards, TD Top receivers DET – Marvin Jones – 2 receptions, 42 yards MIN – Stefon Diggs – 5 receptions, 98 yards

Week 4: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 1
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,730
• Referee: Bill Vinovich (52)
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Peter Schrager
• Recap, Game Book

Week 5: at Chicago Bears

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	3	14	3	20
Bears	2	0	7	8	17

Game information

First quarter CHI – Sam Bradford sacked in the end zone by Leonard Floyd for a safety, 1:31. Bears 2–0. Second quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 26-yard field goal, 1:02. Vikings 3–2. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:26. Third quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 13-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 8:16. Vikings 10–2. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:44. CHI – Benny Cunningham 38-yard pass from Pat O'Donnell (Connor Barth kick), 5:23. Vikings 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:53. MIN – Jerick McKinnon 58-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 3:31. Vikings 17–9. Drive: 5 plays, 82 yards, 1:52. Fourth quarter CHI – Zach Miller 20-yard pass from Mitchell Trubisky (Mitchell Trubisky run), 12:24. Tied 17–17. Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 6:07. MIN – Kai Forbath 26-yard field goal, 0:12. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:08. Top passers MIN – Case Keenum – 17/21, 140 yards, TD CHI – Mitchell Trubisky – 12/25, 128 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 16 rushes, 95 yards, TD CHI – Jordan Howard – 19 rushes, 76 yards Top receivers MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 6 receptions, 51 yards CHI – Kendall Wright – 4 receptions, 46 yards

Week 5: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Date: October 9
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 70 °F (21 °C)
• Game attendance: 61,834
• Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
• TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
• Recap, Game Book

Week 6: vs. Green Bay Packers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	0	10	0	0	10
Vikings	0	14	3	6	23

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIN – Jerick McKinnon 27-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 14:53. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 42 yards, 0:11. GB – Davante Adams 14-yard pass from Brett Hundley (Mason Crosby kick), 10:40. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 1:24. MIN – Jerick McKinnon 3-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 7:22. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 3:18. GB – Mason Crosby 26-yard field goal, 1:51. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 2:11. Third quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 36-yard field goal, 9:35. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 5:25. Fourth quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 34-yard field goal, 14:57. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:16. MIN – Kai Forbath 53-yard field goal, 10:47. Vikings 23–10. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:29. Top passers GB – Brett Hundley – 18/33, 157 yards, TD, 3 INT MIN – Case Keenum – 24/38, 239 yards, TD, INT Top rushers GB – Aaron Jones – 13 rushes, 41 yards MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 16 rushes, 69 yards, TD Top receivers GB – Jordy Nelson – 6 receptions, 60 yards MIN – Adam Thielen – 9 receptions, 97 yards

Week 6: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 15
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,848
• Referee: Ronald Torbert (62)
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
• Recap, Game Book

Week 7: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Ravens	3	3	3	7	16
Vikings	3	6	9	6	24

Game information

First quarter BAL – Justin Tucker 48-yard field goal, 8:30. Ravens 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 4:11. MIN – Kai Forbath 52-yard field goal, 3:39. Tied 3–3. Drive: 12 plays, 41 yards, 4:51. Second quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 51-yard field goal, 12:55. Vikings 6–3. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 2:50. BAL – Justin Tucker 57-yard field goal, 9:56. Tied 6–6. Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards, 2:59. MIN – Kai Forbath 43-yard field goal, 0:35. Vikings 9–6. Drive: 15 plays, 60 yards, 7:01. Third quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 43-yard field goal, 10:53. Vikings 12–6. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 4:07. MIN – Latavius Murray 29-yard run (kick failed, hit right upright), 7:58. Vikings 18–6. Drive: 3 plays, 45 yards, 1:21. BAL – Justin Tucker 47-yard field goal, 2:58. Vikings 18–9. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 5:00. Fourth quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 34-yard field goal, 11:54. Vikings 21–9. Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 2:15. MIN – Kai Forbath 32-yard field goal, 3:03. Vikings 24–9. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:47. BAL – Chris Moore 13-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 0:00. Vikings 24–16. Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 3:03. Top passers BAL – Joe Flacco – 27/39, 186 yards, TD MIN – Case Keenum – 20/31, 188 yards, INT Top rushers BAL – Alex Collins – 10 rushes, 30 yards MIN – Latavius Murray – 18 rushes, 113 yards, TD Top receivers BAL – Benjamin Watson – 5 receptions, 38 yards MIN – Jarius Wright – 3 receptions, 54 yards

Week 7: Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 22
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,751
• Referee: Carl Cheffers (51)
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Jamie Erdahl
• Recap, Game Book

Week 8: at Cleveland Browns

NFL London Games

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	9	11	10	33
Browns	6	7	3	0	16

Game information

First quarter CLE – Isaiah Crowell 26-yard run (kick failed, hit right upright), 11:20. Browns 6–0. Drive: 2 plays, 37 yards, 0:29. MIN – Kai Forbath 35-yard field goal, 5:27. Browns 6–3. Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 3:26. Second quarter MIN – Adam Thielen 18-yard pass from Case Keenum (kick blocked), 2:48. Vikings 9–6. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:12. CLE – DeShone Kizer 1-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 0:40. Browns 13–9. Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 2:08. MIN – Kai Forbath 34-yard field goal, 0:00. Browns 13–12. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 0:40. Third quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 43-yard field goal, 13:32. Vikings 15–13. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:19. CLE – Zane Gonzalez 23-yard field goal, 5:34. Browns 16–15. Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 4:57. MIN – Jerick McKinnon 1-yard run (Jerick McKinnon run), 1:16. Vikings 23–16. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:18. Fourth quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 4-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 10:06. Vikings 30–16. Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards, 4:47. MIN – Kai Forbath 51-yard field goal, 1:09. Vikings 33–16. Drive: 4 plays, −1 yard, 1:42. Top passers MIN – Case Keenum – 27/43, 288 yards, TD, INT CLE – DeShone Kizer – 18/34, 179 yards Top rushers MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 14 rushes, 50 yards, TD CLE – Isaiah Crowell – 11 rushes, 64 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Adam Thielen – 5 receptions, 98 yards, TD CLE – Isaiah Crowell – 4 receptions, 54 yards

Week 8: Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

at Twickenham Stadium, London, England

• Date: October 29
• Game time: 2:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. CDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 56 °F (13 °C)
• Game attendance: 74,237
• Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
• TV announcers (NFLN): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Jamie Erdahl
• Recap, Game Book

Week 10: at Washington Redskins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	21	7	3	38
Redskins	10	7	3	10	30

Game information

First quarter WAS – Maurice Harris 36-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Nick Rose kick), 10:57. Redskins 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:03. MIN – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 8:18. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:39. WAS – Nick Rose 28-yard field goal, 0:08. Redskins 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 4:33. Second quarter MIN – Stefon Diggs 3-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 11:45. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:23. WAS – Kirk Cousins 1-yard run (Nick Rose kick), 4:37. Redskins 17–14. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 7:08. MIN – Adam Thielen 7-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 1:49. Vikings 21–17. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 2:48. MIN – David Morgan II 1-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 0:22. Vikings 28–17. Drive: 3 plays, 23 yards, 1:16. Third quarter MIN – Jarius Wright 7-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 12:22. Vikings 35–17. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:38. WAS – Nick Rose 21-yard field goal, 8:24. Vikings 35–20. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 3:58. Fourth quarter WAS – Kirk Cousins 2-yard run (Nick Rose kick), 14:47. Vikings 35–27. Drive: 2 plays, 2 yards, 0:06. MIN – Kai Forbath 53-yard field goal, 7:45. Vikings 38–27. Drive: 13 plays, 40 yards, 7:02. WAS – Nick Rose 55-yard field goal, 1:14. Vikings 38–30. Drive: 13 plays, 41 yards, 2:29. Top passers MIN – Case Keenum – 21/29, 304 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT WAS – Kirk Cousins – 26/45, 327 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Latavius Murray – 17 rushes, 68 yards, TD WAS – Samaje Perine – 9 rushes, 35 yards Top receivers MIN – Adam Thielen – 8 receptions, 166 yards, TD WAS – Jamison Crowder – 4 receptions, 76 yards

Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

• Date: November 12
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 44 °F (7 °C)
• Game attendance: 74,476
• Referee: Bill Vinovich (52)
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Game Book

Week 11: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	7	0	0	0	7
Vikings	0	7	0	17	24

Game information

First quarter LAR – Todd Gurley 6-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 10:42. Rams 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:18. Second quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 8-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 13:31. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 3:09. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 2-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 14:15. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 11 plays, 71 yards, 6:01. MIN – Adam Thielen 65-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 10:14. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 5 plays, 93 yards, 2:23. MIN – Kai Forbath 39-yard field goal, 2:23. Vikings 24–7. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 5:55. Top passers LAR – Jared Goff – 23/37, 225 yards MIN – Case Keenum – 27/38, 280 yards, TD Top rushers LAR – Todd Gurley – 15 rushes, 37 yards, TD MIN – Latavius Murray – 15 rushes, 95 yards, 2 TD Top receivers LAR – Robert Woods – 8 receptions, 81 yards MIN – Adam Thielen – 6 receptions, 123 yards, TD

Week 11: Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 19
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,809
• Referee: Walt Anderson (66)
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis, Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Game Book

Week 12: at Detroit Lions

NFL on Thanksgiving Day

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	13	7	7	3	30
Lions	0	10	6	7	23

Game information

First quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 1-yard pass from Case Keenum (kick blocked), 5:29. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:59. MIN – Case Keenum 9-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 3:55. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 0:56. Second quarter DET – Matt Prater 32-yard field goal, 10:15. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 5:33. MIN – Kyle Rudolph 22-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 0:37. Vikings 20–3. Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 1:21. DET – Marvin Jones 6-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 0:10. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:27. Third quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 2-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 12:52. Vikings 27–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:08. DET – Matt Prater 32-yard field goal, 7:08. Vikings 27–13. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 5:44. DET – Matt Prater 50-yard field goal, 1:03. Vikings 27–16. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 4:01. Fourth quarter DET – Marvin Jones 43-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 14:16. Vikings 27–23. Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 0:33. MIN – Kai Forbath 36-yard field goal, 3:42. Vikings 30–23. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 2:39. Top passers MIN – Case Keenum – 21/30, 282 yards, 2 TD DET – Matthew Stafford – 20/35, 250 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Latavius Murray – 20 rushes, 84 yards, TD DET – Theo Riddick – 5 rushes, 20 yards Top receivers MIN – Adam Thielen – 8 receptions, 89 yards DET – Marvin Jones – 6 receptions, 109 yards, 2 TD

Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

• Date: November 23
• Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST/11:30 a.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,613
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
• Recap, Game Book

Week 13: at Atlanta Falcons

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	7	0	7	14
Falcons	3	3	3	0	9

Game information

First quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 38-yard field goal, 5:24. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 58 yards, 7:24. Second quarter MIN – Jerick McKinnon 2-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 10:01. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 5:04. ATL – Matt Bryant 36-yard field goal, 5:47. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:14. Third quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 47-yard field goal, 11:57. Falcons 9–7. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:03. Fourth quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 6-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 14:56. Vikings 14–9. Drive: 15 plays, 89 yards, 8:15. Top passers MIN – Case Keenum – 25/30, 227 yards, 2 TD ATL – Matt Ryan – 16/29, 173 yards Top rushers MIN – Latavius Murray – 16 rushes, 76 yards ATL – Devonta Freeman – 12 rushes, 74 yards Top receivers MIN – Adam Thielen – 4 receptions, 51 yards ATL – Mohamed Sanu – 3 receptions, 43 yards

Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: December 3
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
• Game attendance: 71,185
• Referee: Brad Allen (122)
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Game Book

Week 14: at Carolina Panthers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	6	0	11	24
Panthers	7	7	10	7	31

Game information

First quarter CAR – Jonathan Stewart 60-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 10:55. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 1:35. MIN – Kyle Rudolph 18-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 6:28. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:27. Second quarter CAR – Jonathan Stewart 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 14:16. Panthers 14–7. Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards, 7:12. MIN – Kai Forbath 30-yard field goal, 5:02. Panthers 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 4:03. MIN – Kai Forbath 22-yard field goal, 0:07. Panthers 14–13. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 2:26. Third quarter CAR – Devin Funchess 18-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 8:42. Panthers 21–13. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 6:18. CAR – Graham Gano 41-yard field goal, 6:51. Panthers 24–13. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:37. Fourth quarter MIN – Adam Thielen 52-yard pass from Case Keenum (Case Keenum–Blake Bell pass), 5:36. Panthers 24–21. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:28. MIN – Kai Forbath 27-yard field goal, 3:07. Tied 24–24. Drive: 4 plays, −3 yards, 1:29. CAR – Jonathan Stewart 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 1:47. Panthers 31–24. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:20. Top passers MIN – Case Keenum – 27/44, 280 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT CAR – Cam Newton – 13/25, 137 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 7 rushes, 46 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 16 rushes, 103 yards, 3 TD Top receivers MIN – Adam Thielen – 6 receptions, 105 yards, TD CAR – Devin Funchess – 3 receptions, 59 yards, TD

Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

• Date: December 10
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Sunny, 41 °F (5 °C)
• Game attendance: 73,728
• Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
• Recap, Game Book

Week 15: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bengals	0	0	0	7	7
Vikings	17	7	3	7	34

Game information

First quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 10:31. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:29. MIN – Eric Kendricks 31-yard interception return (Kai Forbath kick), 5:54. Vikings 14–0. MIN – Kai Forbath 53-yard field goal, 1:30. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:10. Second quarter MIN – Stefon Diggs 20-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 6:41. Vikings 24–0. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 4:24. Third quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 35-yard field goal, 6:34. Vikings 27–0. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 5:29. Fourth quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 1-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 12:53. Vikings 34–0. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 3:38. CIN – Giovani Bernard 2-yard run (Randy Bullock kick), 6:22. Vikings 34–7. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:56. Top passers CIN – Andy Dalton – 11/22, 113 yards, 2 INT MIN – Case Keenum – 20/23, 236 yards, 2 TD Top rushers CIN – Giovani Bernard – 15 rushes, 37 yards, TD MIN – Latavius Murray – 20 rushes, 76 yards, TD Top receivers CIN – Brandon LaFell – 8 receptions, 81 yards MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 7 receptions, 114 yards

Week 15: Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 17
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,833
• Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
• Recap, Game Book

Week 16: at Green Bay Packers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	10	0	3	3	16
Packers	0	0	0	0	0

Game information

First quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 49-yard field goal, 8:28. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, 3:50. MIN – Stefon Diggs 4-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 0:56. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:09. Second quarter No scoring plays. Third quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 20-yard field goal, 1:20. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 6:12. Fourth quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 27-yard field goal, 2:56. Vikings 16–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:00. Top passers MIN – Case Keenum – 14/25, 139 yards, TD GB – Brett Hundley – 17/40, 130 yards, 2 INT Top rushers MIN – Latavius Murray – 21 rushes, 69 yards GB – Jamaal Williams – 15 rushes, 58 yards Top receivers MIN – Stefon Diggs – 5 receptions, 60 yards, TD GB – Lance Kendricks – 4 receptions, 36 yards

Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Date: December 23
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Clear, 10 °F (−12 °C)
• Game attendance: 78,092
• Referee: Carl Cheffers (51)
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
• Recap, Game Book

Week 17: vs. Chicago Bears

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	0	7	0	3	10
Vikings	7	9	7	0	23

Game information

First quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 9:07. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:45. Second quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 9:30. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 71 yards, 6:08. CHI – Bryce Callahan 59-yard punt return (Mike Nugent kick), 5:50. Vikings 14–7. MIN – Penalty on Mitchell Trubisky enforced in the end zone for a safety, 2:25. Vikings 16–7. Third quarter MIN – Stefon Diggs 15-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 0:14. Vikings 23–7. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:36. Fourth quarter CHI – Mike Nugent 55-yard field goal, 8:22. Vikings 23–10. Drive: 5 plays, 11 yards, 1:31. Top passers CHI – Mitchell Trubisky – 20/36, 178 yards MIN – Case Keenum – 21/29, 189 yards, TD Top rushers CHI – Tarik Cohen – 3 rushes, 13 yards MIN – Latavius Murray – 20 rushes, 111 yards, 2 TD Top receivers CHI – Dontrelle Inman – 5 receptions, 94 yards MIN – Stefon Diggs – 6 receptions, 65 yards, TD

Week 17: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 31
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,802
• Referee: Craig Wrolstad (4)
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Game Book

Standings

Division

NFC North
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(2) Minnesota Vikings	13	3	0	.813	5–1	10–2	382	252	W3
Detroit Lions	9	7	0	.563	5–1	8–4	410	376	W1
Green Bay Packers	7	9	0	.438	2–4	5–7	320	384	L3
Chicago Bears	5	11	0	.313	0–6	1–11	264	320	L1

Conference

NFC v t e
#	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	SOS	SOV	STK
Division leaders
1[a]	Philadelphia Eagles	East	13	3	0	.813	5–1	10–2	.461	.433	L1
2[a]	Minnesota Vikings	North	13	3	0	.813	5–1	10–2	.492	.447	W3
3[b]	Los Angeles Rams	West	11	5	0	.688	4–2	7–5	.504	.460	L1
4[b][c]	New Orleans Saints	South	11	5	0	.688	4–2	8–4	.535	.483	L1
Wild Cards
5[c]	Carolina Panthers	South	11	5	0	.688	3–3	7–5	.539	.500	L1
6	Atlanta Falcons	South	10	6	0	.625	4–2	9–3	.543	.475	W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[d]	Detroit Lions	North	9	7	0	.563	5–1	8–4	.496	.368	W1
8[d]	Seattle Seahawks	West	9	7	0	.563	4–2	7–5	.492	.444	L1
9[d]	Dallas Cowboys	East	9	7	0	.563	5–1	7–5	.496	.438	W1
10	Arizona Cardinals	West	8	8	0	.500	3–3	5–7	.488	.406	W2
11[e]	Green Bay Packers	North	7	9	0	.438	2–4	5–7	.539	.357	L3
12[e]	Washington Redskins	East	7	9	0	.438	1–5	5–7	.539	.429	L1
13	San Francisco 49ers	West	6	10	0	.375	1–5	3–9	.512	.438	W5
14[f]	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	South	5	11	0	.313	1–5	3–9	.555	.375	W1
15[f]	Chicago Bears	North	5	11	0	.313	0–6	1–11	.559	.500	L1
16	New York Giants	East	3	13	0	.188	1–5	1–11	.531	.458	W1
Tiebreakers[g]
Philadelphia claimed the No. 1 seed over Minnesota based on winning percentage vs. common opponents. Philadelphia's cumulative record against Carolina, Chicago, the Los Angeles Rams and Washington was 5–0, compared to Minnesota's 4–1 cumulative record against the same four teams. LA Rams claimed the No. 3 seed over New Orleans based on head-to-head victory. New Orleans clinched the NFC South division over Carolina based on head-to-head sweep. Detroit finished ahead of Dallas and Seattle based on conference record, while Seattle finished ahead of Dallas based on head-to-head victory. Green Bay finished ahead of Washington based on record vs. common opponents. Green Bay's cumulative record against Dallas, Minnesota, New Orleans and Seattle was 2–3, compared to Washington's 1–4 cumulative record against the same four teams. Tampa Bay finished ahead of Chicago based on head-to-head victory. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

Postseason

See also: 2017–18 NFL playoffs

Schedule

Round	Date	Opponent (seed)	Result	Record	Venue	NFL.com recap
Wild Card	Bye
Divisional	January 14	New Orleans Saints (4)	W 29–24	1–0	U.S. Bank Stadium	Recap
NFC Championship	January 21	at Philadelphia Eagles (1)	L 7–38	1–1	Lincoln Financial Field	Recap

Game summaries

NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (4) New Orleans Saints

Main article: Minneapolis Miracle

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	0	0	7	17	24
Vikings	10	7	0	12	29

Game information

First quarter MIN – Jerick McKinnon 14-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 9:45. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 4:15. MIN – Kai Forbath 20-yard field goal, 4:42. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:27. Second quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 9:58. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 6:08. Third quarter NO – Michael Thomas 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:18. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:40. Fourth quarter NO – Michael Thomas 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 13:09. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 3:00. MIN – Kai Forbath 49-yard field goal, 10:12. Vikings 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 2:57. NO – Alvin Kamara 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 3:01. Saints 21–20. Drive: 4 plays, 40 yards, 2:20. MIN – Kai Forbath 53-yard field goal, 1:29. Vikings 23–21. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 1:32. NO – Wil Lutz 43-yard field goal, 0:25. Saints 24–23. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 1:04. MIN – Stefon Diggs 61-yard pass from Case Keenum (run failed), 0:00. Vikings 29–24. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 0:25. Top passers NO – Drew Brees – 25/40, 294 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT MIN – Case Keenum – 25/40, 318 yards, TD, INT Top rushers NO – Alvin Kamara – 11 rushes, 43 yards MIN – Latavius Murray – 19 rushes, 50 yards, TD Top receivers NO – Michael Thomas – 7 receptions, 85 yards, 2 TD MIN – Stefon Diggs – 6 receptions, 137 yards, TD

NFC Divisional Playoffs: (4) New Orleans Saints at (2) Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: January 14, 2018
• Game time: 3:40 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,612
• Referee: Gene Steratore (114)
• TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers
• Recap, Game Book

NFC Championship: at (1) Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	0	0	0	7
Eagles	7	17	7	7	38

Game information

First quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 25-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 10:14. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:46. PHI – Patrick Robinson 50-yard interception return (Jake Elliott kick), 6:26. Tied 7–7. Second quarter PHI – LeGarrette Blount 11-yard run (Jake Elliott kick), 13:37. Eagles 14–7. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:20. PHI – Alshon Jeffery 53-yard pass from Nick Foles (Jake Elliott kick), 1:09. Eagles 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 2:07. PHI – Jake Elliott 38-yard field goal, 0:00. Eagles 24–7. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards, 0:29. Third quarter PHI – Torrey Smith 41-yard pass from Nick Foles (Jake Elliott kick), 10:05. Eagles 31–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:55. Fourth quarter PHI – Alshon Jeffery 5-yard pass from Nick Foles (Jake Elliott kick), 14:10. Eagles 38–7. Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 7:11. Top passers MIN – Case Keenum – 28/48, 271 yards, TD, 2 INT PHI – Nick Foles – 26/33, 352 yards, 3 TD Top rushers MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 10 rushes, 40 yards PHI – Jay Ajayi – 18 rushes, 73 yards Top receivers MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 11 receptions, 86 yards PHI – Zach Ertz – 8 receptions, 93 yards

NFC Championship: (2) Minnesota Vikings at (1) Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Date: January 21, 2018
• Game time: 6:40 p.m. EST/5:40 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 47 °F (8 °C)
• Game attendance: 69,596
• Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
• TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers
• Recap, Game Book

With their win against the Saints in the NFC Divisional Round, Minnesota became the first team in the Super Bowl era to advance to the conference championship game the same year they hosted the Super Bowl. Despite going to Lincoln Financial Field as three-point favorites, primarily due to a general lack of confidence in Eagles second-string quarterback Nick Foles, the Vikings lost in a massive upset to the number 1 seeded Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 38–7. Although the Vikings took an early lead on their opening drive via a pass from Case Keenum to Kyle Rudolph, the Eagles leveled the scores on a 50-yard Patrick Robinson interception return before scoring a further 31 unanswered points over the final three-quarters. This loss extended the Vikings' NFC title drought to 41 seasons, second only to the Detroit Lions' 48.

Pro Bowl

Four Vikings players were elected to the Pro Bowl when the rosters were announced on December 19, 2017, with three-time selection Everson Griffen, two-time selection Xavier Rhodes and first-timer Adam Thielen all named as starters, while Griffen's fellow third-timer Anthony Barr was named on the bench at outside linebacker behind the Cardinals' Chandler Jones and the Redskins' Ryan Kerrigan.^[29][30] Safety Harrison Smith was rated as the best safety in the league by Pro Football Focus over the course of the season, but was not included in the roster for the Pro Bowl, leading to some considering him to be one of the biggest snubs of the season.^[31][32][33]

Smith was eventually named to the NFC's Pro Bowl roster on January 22, after New York Giants safety Landon Collins withdrew due to injury. Kyle Rudolph was also included after Jimmy Graham pulled out with an injury, while Linval Joseph took the place of the Super Bowl-bound Philadelphia Eagles' Fletcher Cox. Smith will be appearing in his third straight Pro Bowl, while Rudolph and Joseph are appearing in their second career Pro Bowls.^[34] Barr and Griffen also pulled out of the Pro Bowl due to injury, replaced by Thomas Davis and Michael Bennett respectively.^[35]

Statistics

Team leaders

Category	Player(s)	Total
Passing yards	Case Keenum	3,547
Passing touchdowns	Case Keenum	22
Rushing yards	Latavius Murray	842
Rushing touchdowns	Latavius Murray	8
Receptions	Adam Thielen	91
Receiving yards	Adam Thielen	1,276
Receiving touchdowns	Stefon Diggs Kyle Rudolph	8
Points	Kai Forbath	130
Kickoff return yards	Jerick McKinnon	312
Punt return yards	Marcus Sherels	372
Tackles	Eric Kendricks	113
Sacks	Everson Griffen	13.0
Interceptions	Harrison Smith	5
Forced fumbles	Everson Griffen	3

Source: Minnesota Vikings' official website^[36]

League rankings

Category	Total yards	Yards per game	NFL rank (out of 32)
Passing offense	3,753	234.6	11th
Rushing offense	1,957	122.3	7th
Total offense	5,710	356.9	11th
Passing defense	3,078	192.4	2nd
Rushing defense	1,337	83.6	2nd
Total defense	4,415	275.9	1st

Source: NFL.com^[37]