2018 Minnesota Vikings season

The 2018 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 58th in the National Football League (NFL), their third playing their home games at U.S. Bank Stadium and their fifth under head coach Mike Zimmer.

2018 Minnesota Vikings season
Owner	Zygi Wilf
General manager	Rick Spielman
Head coach	Mike Zimmer
Home stadium	U.S. Bank Stadium
Results
Record	8–7–1
Division place	2nd NFC North
Playoffs	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	4 OLB Anthony Barr DE Danielle Hunter S Harrison Smith WR Adam Thielen
All-Pros	2 DE Danielle Hunter (2nd team) S Harrison Smith (2nd team)
Uniform
← 2017 Vikings seasons 2019 →

Minnesota in action at Detroit

Following a Week 8 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the team could no longer improve on their 13–3 record from the 2017 season, in which they won the NFC North division and reached the NFC Championship before losing to the eventual Super Bowl LII champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Vikings failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second time in three years when they lost to the division rival Chicago Bears coupled with the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Washington Redskins in the final week of the regular season.

Roster changes

2018 draft

Main article: 2018 NFL draft

2018 Minnesota Vikings draft
Draft order		Player name	Position	College	Contract	Notes
Round	Selection
1	30	Mike Hughes	CB	UCF	4 years / $9.867 million[1]
2	62	Brian O'Neill	OT	Pittsburgh	4 years / $4.407 million[2]
3	94	Traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers[A]
4	102	Jalyn Holmes	DE	Ohio State		from Buccaneers[A]
	130	Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles[B]
5	157	Tyler Conklin	TE	Central Michigan		from Jets[C]
	167	Daniel Carlson	K	Auburn		from Vikings[C] via Jets[D]
6	180	Traded to the New York Jets[D]				from Buccaneers[A]
	204	Traded to the New York Jets[D]
	213	Colby Gossett	G	Appalachian State		Compensatory pick[E]
	218	Ade Aruna	DE	Tulane		Compensatory pick[E]
7	225	Devante Downs	LB	California		from Broncos[F] via Vikings[C] and Jets[D]
	248	Traded to the Seattle Seahawks[G]

Draft trades

1. The Vikings traded their third-round selection (94th overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for Tampa Bay's fourth- and sixth-round selections (102nd and 180th overall).^[3]
2. The Vikings traded their fourth-round selection (130th overall) and 2017 first-round selection (14th overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for quarterback Sam Bradford.^[4]
3. The Vikings traded their fifth- and seventh-round selections (167th and 225th overall) to the Jets in exchange for the Jets' fifth-round selection (157th overall).
4. The Vikings traded two sixth-round selections (180th and 204th overall) to the Jets in exchange for the Jets' fifth- and seventh-round selection (167th and 204th overall).
5. The Vikings were awarded two sixth-round compensatory picks (213th and 218th overall).
6. The Vikings traded their 2019 fifth-round selection to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Denver's seventh-round selection (225th overall) and quarterback Trevor Siemian.^[5]
7. The Vikings traded their seventh-round selection (248th overall) to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for cornerback Tramaine Brock.^[6]

2018 Minnesota Vikings undrafted free agents

Name	Position	College
Jeff Badet	WR	Oklahoma
Mike Boone	RB	Cincinnati
Curtis Cothran	DT	Penn State
Garret Dooley	LB	Wisconsin
Armanti Foreman	WR	Texas
Chris Gonzalez	G	San José State
Holton Hill	CB	Texas
Tyler Hoppes	TE	Nebraska
Hercules Mata'afa	DE	Washington State
Trevon Mathis	CB	Toledo
Tray Matthews	DB	Auburn
Kamryn Pettway	RB	Auburn
Peter Pujals	QB	Holy Cross
Korey Robertson	WR	Southern Miss
Roc Thomas	RB	Jacksonville State
Jake Wieneke	WR	South Dakota State
Jonathan Wynn	LB	Vanderbilt

Transactions

Re-signings

Date	Player name	Position	Contract terms
March 12	Mack Brown	RB	1 year / $630,000[7]
	Anthony Harris	SS	1 year / $705,000[7]
March 16	Dylan Bradley	DT	1 year / $480,000[8]
March 20	Kai Forbath	K	1 year / $790,000[9]
March 28	Marcus Sherels	CB	1 year / $1.4 million[9]
April 30	Terence Newman	CB	1 year / $1.105 million[10]

Departures

Date	Player name	Position	Note	New team
March 14	Sam Bradford	QB	UFA	Arizona Cardinals
	Tramaine Brock	CB		Denver Broncos
	Case Keenum	QB		Denver Broncos
	Jerick McKinnon	RB		San Francisco 49ers
March 16	Jarius Wright	WR	Released[11]	Carolina Panthers
March 18	Teddy Bridgewater	QB	UFA	New York Jets
March 21	Shaan Washington	LB	Waived[12]
	Emmanuel Lamur	OLB	UFA	Oakland Raiders[13]
March 22	Joe Berger	G	Retired[12]
March 23	Tom Johnson	DT	UFA	Seattle Seahawks[14]
	Jeremiah Sirles	G		Carolina Panthers[14]
March 24	Shamar Stephen	DT		Seattle Seahawks[15]

Additions

Date	Player name	Position	Previous team	Contract terms
February 12	Josh Andrews	G	Philadelphia Eagles	[16]
March 15	Kirk Cousins	QB	Washington Redskins	3 years / $84 million[9]
March 16	Sheldon Richardson	DT	Seattle Seahawks	1 year / $8 million[9]
March 19	Trevor Siemian	QB	Denver Broncos	Trade[17]
March 20	Josiah Price	TE	Minnesota Vikings	[12]
	Nick Dooley	LS		[12]
March 22	Tom Compton	G	Chicago Bears	1 year / $900,000[9]
March 29	Reshard Cliett	LB	Kansas City Chiefs	[18]
March 30	Kendall Wright	WR	Chicago Bears	1 year / $1 million[9]
April 5	Tavarres King	WR	New York Giants	[9]
August 22	George Iloka	S	Cincinnati Bengals	1 year / $790,000[19]

Staff

2018 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office Owner/chairman – Zygi Wilf Owner/president – Mark Wilf Owner/vice chairman – Leonard Wilf General manager – Rick Spielman Assistant general manager – George Paton Executive vice president – public affairs – Lester Bagley Executive vice president – football operations – Rob Brzezinski Executive vice president – strategic planning and business initiatives – Jonathan Wilf Executive vice president/chief marketing officer – Steve LaCroix Executive vice president/chief financial officer – Steve Poppen Chief operating officer – Kevin Warren Project executive – Don Becker Consultant – Bud Grant Head coaches Head coach – Mike Zimmer Offensive coaches Interim offensive coordinator/quarterbacks – Kevin Stefanski Assistant quarterbacks – Drew Petzing Running backs – Kennedy Polamalu Wide receivers – Darrell Hazell Tight ends – Todd Downing Co-offensive line – Clancy Barone Co-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 Nickel/defensive backs – Terence Newman Defensive assistant/assistant defensive backs – Jeff Howard Defensive quality control coach – Nick Rallis Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Mike Priefer Assistant special teams – Ryan Ficken Strength and conditioning 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

2018 Minnesota Vikings roster

Quarterbacks (QB)  8 Kirk Cousins  3 Trevor Siemian  1 Kyle Sloter Running backs (RB) 31 Ameer Abdullah 44 Mike Boone 33 Dalvin Cook 30 C. J. Ham FB 25 Latavius Murray Wide receivers (WR) 12 Chad Beebe 14 Stefon Diggs 17 Aldrick Robinson 19 Adam Thielen 11 Laquon Treadwell 15 Brandon Zylstra Tight ends (TE) 83 Tyler Conklin 89 David Morgan 82 Kyle Rudolph

Offensive linemen (OL) 79 Tom Compton G 65 Pat Elflein C 69 Rashod Hill T 63 Danny Isidora G 61 Brett Jones C 75 Brian O'Neill T 71 Riley Reiff T 74 Mike Remmers G Defensive linemen (DL) 90 Tashawn Bower DE 97 Everson Griffen DE 92 Jalyn Holmes DE 99 Danielle Hunter DE 94 Jaleel Johnson DT 96 Tom Johnson DT 98 Linval Joseph DT 93 Sheldon Richardson DT 91 Stephen Weatherly DE

Linebackers (LB) 55 Anthony Barr OLB 40 Kentrell Brothers MLB 57 Devante Downs OLB 42 Ben Gedeon OLB 54 Eric Kendricks MLB 50 Eric Wilson Defensive backs (DB) 20 Mackensie Alexander CB 41 Anthony Harris SS 24 Holton Hill CB 23 George Iloka SS 36 Craig James CB 27 Jayron Kearse FS 29 Xavier Rhodes CB 35 Marcus Sherels CB 22 Harrison Smith FS 26 Trae Waynes CB Special teams (ST)  5 Dan Bailey K 47 Kevin McDermott LS  6 Matt Wile P

Practice squad 85 Jeff Badet WR 78 Adam Bisnowaty T 43 Reshard Cliett OLB 66 Curtis Cothran DT 67 Cornelius Edison C 87 Cole Hikutini TE 37 Jalen Myrick CB 72 Storm Norton T 95 Ifeadi Odenigbo DE 32 Roc Thomas RB Reserve 61 Ade Aruna DE (IR) 76 Aviante Collins T (IR) 62 Nick Easton G (IR) 21 Mike Hughes CB (IR) 68 Cedrick Lang T (IR) 51 Hercules Mata'afa DE (IR) 87 Josiah Price TE (IR) 34 Andrew Sendejo SS (IR) 48 Johnny Stanton FB (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 9 reserve, 10 practice squad

Preseason

The Vikings' preliminary preseason schedule was announced on April 11.

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	August 11	at Denver Broncos	W 42–28	1–0	Broncos Stadium at Mile High	75,530	Recap
2	August 18	Jacksonville Jaguars	L 10–14	1–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,637	Recap
3	August 24	Seattle Seahawks	W 21–20	2–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,676	Recap
4	August 30	at Tennessee Titans	W 13–3	3–1	Nissan Stadium	61,455	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: at Denver Broncos

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	14	10	3	15	42
Broncos	0	14	7	7	28

Game information

First quarter MIN – Stefon Diggs 1-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Daniel Carlson kick), 8:15. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 5:14. MIN – Roc Thomas 13-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (Daniel Carlson kick), 1:36. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 23 yards, 1:14. Second quarter MIN – Daniel Carlson 39-yard field goal, 9:47. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 5:20. DEN – Royce Freeman 23-yard run (Brandon McManus kick), 5:47. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 0:51. MIN – Roc Thomas 78-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (Daniel Carlson kick), 4:59. Vikings 24–7. Drive: 2 plays, 81 yards, 0:48. DEN – Isaiah McKenzie 78-yard punt return (Brandon McManus kick), 1:39. Vikings 24–14. Third quarter MIN – Daniel Carlson 57-yard field goal, 5:50. Vikings 27–14. Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards, 3:43. DEN – Matt LaCosse 36-yard pass from Chad Kelly (Brandon McManus kick), 3:26. Vikings 27–21. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:24. Fourth quarter DEN – Phillip Lindsay 19-yard pass from Chad Kelly (Brandon McManus kick), 10:00. Broncos 28–27. Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 4:43. MIN – Chad Beebe 9-yard pass from Kyle Sloter (Kyle Sloter–Jeff Badet pass), 6:01. Vikings 35–28. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:59. MIN – Kyle Sloter 14-yard run (Daniel Carlson kick), 3:06. Vikings 42–28. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:17. Top passers MIN – Trevor Siemian – 11/17, 165 yards, 2 TD, INT DEN – Chad Kelly – 14/21, 177 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Latavius Murray – 4 rushes, 43 yards DEN – Royce Freeman – 4 rushes, 38 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Roc Thomas – 3 receptions, 102 yards, 2 TD DEN – Matt LaCosse – 2 receptions, 40 yards, TD

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – Game summary

at Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

• Date: August 11
• Game time: 8:00 p.m. CDT/7:00 p.m. MDT
• Game weather: Clear, 90 °F (32 °C)
• Game attendance: 75,530
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• TV: KMSP
• Recap, Game Book

Week 2: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jaguars	0	7	0	7	14
Vikings	3	0	7	0	10

Game information

First quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 44-yard field goal, 7:18. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 30 yards, 4:33. Second quarter JAX – Leonard Fournette 1-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 14:57. Jaguars 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 6:25. Third quarter MIN – Mike Boone 1-yard run (Daniel Carlson kick), 4:23. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 3:33. Fourth quarter JAX – Brandon Wilds 1-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 1:55. Jaguars 14–10. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:08. Top passers JAX – Blake Bortles – 12/20, 159 yards, INT MIN – Kyle Sloter – 10/15, 82 yards Top rushers JAX – T. J. Yeldon – 10 rushes, 39 yards MIN – Mike Boone – 13 rushes, 91 yards, TD Top receivers JAX – T. J. Yeldon – 5 receptions, 73 yards MIN – Cayleb Jones – 2 receptions, 23 yards

Week 2: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 18
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,637
• Referee: Shawn Hochuli (83)
• TV: KMSP
• Recap, Game Book

Week 3: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	0	10	3	7	20
Vikings	0	6	0	15	21

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (pass failed), 13:42. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 13 plays, 97 yards, 7:17. SEA – Chris Carson 6-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 7:36. Seahawks 7–6. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:06. SEA – Sebastian Janikowski 35-yard field goal, 2:39. Seahawks 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards, 3:54. Third quarter SEA – Sebastian Janikowski 55-yard field goal, 10:09. Seahawks 13–6. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:11. Fourth quarter MIN – Jake Wieneke 1-yard pass from Kyle Sloter (Daniel Carlson kick), 9:09. Tied 13–13. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:28. SEA – David Moore 36-yard pass from Alex McGough (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 4:10. Seahawks 20–13. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:59. MIN – Chad Beebe 25-yard pass from Kyle Sloter (Kyle Sloter–Jake Wieneke pass), 0:47. Vikings 21–20. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 1:38. Top passers SEA – Alex McGough – 5/14, 140 yards, TD, INT MIN – Kirk Cousins – 17/28, 182 yards Top rushers SEA – Mike Davis – 8 rushes, 31 yards MIN – Mike Boone – 9 rushes, 26 yards Top receivers SEA – Caleb Scott – 2 receptions, 69 yards MIN – Chad Beebe – 5 receptions, 59 yards, TD

Week 3: Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 24
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,676
• Referee: Brad Allen (122)
• TV: KMSP
• Recap, Game Book

Week 4: at Tennessee Titans

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	3	3	7	13
Titans	3	0	0	0	3

Game information

First quarter TEN – Ryan Succop 24-yard field goal, 2:00. Titans 3–0. Drive: 16 plays, 69 yards, 9:31. Second quarter MIN – Daniel Carlson 39-yard field goal, 1:55. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 6:36. Third quarter MIN – Daniel Carlson 22-yard field goal, 7:05. Vikings 6–3. Drive: 15 plays, 48 yards, 7:55. Fourth quarter MIN – Brandon Zylstra 24-yard pass from Kyle Sloter (Daniel Carlson kick), 7:18. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 1:33. Top passers MIN – Kyle Sloter – 11/15, 130 yards, TD TEN – Luke Falk – 13/24, 114 yards Top rushers MIN – Mike Boone – 15 rushes, 56 yards TEN – Dalyn Dawkins – 17 rushes, 53 yards Top receivers MIN – Brandon Zylstra – 4 receptions, 54 yards, TD TEN – Cameron Batson – 4 receptions, 46 yards

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans – Game summary

at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

• Date: August 30
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Cloudy, 83 °F (28 °C)
• Game attendance: 61,455
• Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
• TV: KMSP
• Recap, Game Book

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	September 9	San Francisco 49ers	W 24–16	1–0	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,673	Recap
2	September 16	at Green Bay Packers	T 29–29 (OT)	1–0–1	Lambeau Field	78,461	Recap
3	September 23	Buffalo Bills	L 6–27	1–1–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,800	Recap
4	September 27	at Los Angeles Rams	L 31–38	1–2–1	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum	72,027	Recap
5	October 7	at Philadelphia Eagles	W 23–21	2–2–1	Lincoln Financial Field	69,696	Recap
6	October 14	Arizona Cardinals	W 27–17	3–2–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,801	Recap
7	October 21	at New York Jets	W 37–17	4–2–1	MetLife Stadium	77,982	Recap
8	October 28	New Orleans Saints	L 20–30	4–3–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,801	Recap
9	November 4	Detroit Lions	W 24–9	5–3–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,825	Recap
10	Bye
11	November 18	at Chicago Bears	L 20–25	5–4–1	Soldier Field	61,651	Recap
12	November 25	Green Bay Packers	W 24–17	6–4–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,872	Recap
13	December 2	at New England Patriots	L 10–24	6–5–1	Gillette Stadium	65,878	Recap
14	December 10	at Seattle Seahawks	L 7–21	6–6–1	CenturyLink Field	69,007	Recap
15	December 16	Miami Dolphins	W 41–17	7–6–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,841	Recap
16	December 23	at Detroit Lions	W 27–9	8–6–1	Ford Field	61,641	Recap
17	December 30	Chicago Bears	L 10–24	8–7–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	66,878	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	3	10	3	16
Vikings	3	7	14	0	24

Game information

First quarter MIN – Daniel Carlson 48-yard field goal, 3:56. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 3:21. Second quarter MIN – Stefon Diggs 22-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Daniel Carlson kick), 13:39. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 2:32. SF – Robbie Gould 42-yard field goal, 11:42. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 1:57. Third quarter MIN – Mike Hughes 28-yard interception return (Daniel Carlson kick), 10:41. Vikings 17–3. SF – Robbie Gould 33-yard field goal, 9:15. Vikings 17–6. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 1:26. MIN – Kyle Rudolph 11-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Daniel Carlson kick), 4:22. Vikings 24–6. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:53. SF – Dante Pettis 22-yard pass from Jimmy Garoppolo (Robbie Gould kick), 0:31. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:51. Fourth quarter SF – Robbie Gould 22-yard field goal, 8:09. Vikings 24–16. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 5:34. Top passers SF – Jimmy Garoppolo – 15/33, 261 yards, TD, 3 INT MIN – Kirk Cousins – 20/36, 244 yards, 2 TD Top rushers SF – Matt Breida – 11 rushes, 46 yards MIN – Latavius Murray – 11 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers SF – George Kittle – 5 receptions, 90 yards MIN – Adam Thielen – 6 receptions, 102 yards

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 9
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,673
• Referee: Clay Martin (19)
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Game Book

The Vikings began the 2018 season with a home game against the San Francisco 49ers, their first home game since the Minneapolis Miracle in the divisional round of the 2017–18 NFL playoffs. The game saw quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson make their regular season debuts for the Vikings,^[20][21] as well as the return of second-year running back Dalvin Cook, who had torn his ACL early in the 2017 season.^[22] The two teams traded punts to start the game, before the Vikings put a drive together on their second possession, culminating with a 48-yard field goal by rookie kicker Daniel Carlson. The 49ers then failed to pick up a first down on their next possession, giving the Vikings good field position on their own 47-yard line off the ensuing punt as the first quarter drew to a close. Runs by Latavius Murray and a 17-yard pass from Cousins to Cook gave the Vikings a third-and-3 situation on the San Francisco 22-yard-line, from where Cousins threw a 22-yard strike to Stefon Diggs, the 100th touchdown pass of his career. On the ensuing San Francisco possession, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo linked up with tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Trent Taylor to get them into Minnesota territory, before a pass interference penalty against Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes put the 49ers just outside the red zone; however, the Minnesota defense stood firm and allowed just a 42-yard Robbie Gould field goal; however, on the Vikings' next drive, Cook fumbled the ball at the end of a 15-yard run, allowing San Francisco to regain possession. They marched down to the Vikings' 1-yard line, only for defensive tackle Linval Joseph to force a fumble from running back Alfred Morris, which safety Harrison Smith subsequently recovered. The Vikings were able to get out from under the shadow of their own goalposts and closed out the half with a 10–3 lead.

The Vikings defense forced a three-and-out to begin the second half, but only managed one first down on their ensuing possession before having to punt; however, three plays later, with the 49ers at third-and-8 from their own 20-yard line, the Vikings' rookie cornerback Mike Hughes intercepted a pass from Garoppolo and returned it 28 yards for a touchdown to put the Vikings up 17–3. Garoppolo responded immediately, however, completing a 56-yard pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk to put the 49ers inside the Vikings' 20. As in the first half, though, the Minnesota defense held up and limited the 49ers to a 33-yard field goal. Cousins focused his attention on his wide receivers to begin the next Vikings possession, completing passes of 11 and 34 yards to Adam Thielen, the latter being the Vikings' longest completed pass of the day, to get into 49ers territory. Cook continued to run the ball, while Cousins' attention shifted to his tight ends, first completing a nine-yard pass to David Morgan II before an 11-yard completion to Kyle Rudolph for the Vikings' third touchdown of the day. A 36-yard completion from Garoppolo to Kittle was the highlight of the subsequent San Francisco drive, which culminated in a 22-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Dante Pettis with 30 seconds left in the quarter. The Vikings went three-and-out on their next possession; they soon had the ball back, as cornerback Xavier Rhodes intercepted Garoppolo, only to again have to punt, giving San Francisco the ball back at their own 14-yard line. A 39-yard pass from Garoppolo to Pettis got the 49ers into the Vikings' half, but a tackle for a five-yard loss by Smith led to another third-down situation for San Francisco; Garoppolo's third-down pass was incomplete, which should have meant them having to punt, only for Richardson to be flagged for roughing the passer, giving the 49ers a 15-yard advantage and an automatic first down. They were able to get down to the Vikings' 4-yard line, but were unable to get the ball into the end zone and again had to settle for a field goal, reducing the margin to 8 points. The Vikings again had to punt on their next possession, but a 10-yard sack by Smith on the next series meant San Francisco had to do the same, giving the Vikings the ball back with six minutes left to play. A combination of runs from Murray and Cook allowed the Vikings to take three minutes off the clock, but a scramble run from Cousins came up just short of another first down; however, the Vikings were able to draw the 49ers' defense offside, giving them a free five yards and the first down. They were able to take another minute off the clock before punting, giving the 49ers the ball with 1:49 to play. Needing a touchdown to stand a chance of taking the game to overtime, Garoppolo had to go for it, but was intercepted by Smith on the second play of the drive, allowing the Vikings to run out the clock and claim their first win of the season.

Week 2: at Green Bay Packers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Vikings	7	0	0	22	0	29
Packers	7	10	3	9	0	29

Game information

First quarter GB – Josh Jackson blocked punt recovery in end zone (Mason Crosby kick), 7:28. Packers 7–0. MIN – Laquon Treadwell 14-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Daniel Carlson kick), 3:04. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 4:24. Second quarter GB – Davante Adams 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 12:28. Packers 14–7. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:36. GB – Mason Crosby 37-yard field goal, 0:00. Packers 17–7. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 1:37. Third quarter GB – Mason Crosby 40-yard field goal, 6:32. Packers 20–7. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 5:04. Fourth quarter MIN – Stefon Diggs 3-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Daniel Carlson kick), 14:17. Packers 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 4:02. GB – Mason Crosby 31-yard field goal, 7:35. Packers 23–14. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 6:42. MIN – Stefon Diggs 75-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Daniel Carlson kick), 7:18. Packers 23–21. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:17. GB – Mason Crosby 48-yard field goal, 2:13. Packers 26–21. Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 5:05. GB – Mason Crosby 36-yard field goal, 1:45. Packers 29–21. Drive: 4 plays, −5 yards, 0:19. MIN – Adam Thielen 22-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Kirk Cousins–Stefon Diggs pass), 0:31. Tied 29–29. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 1:14. Overtime No scoring plays. Top passers MIN – Kirk Cousins – 35/48, 425 yards, 4 TD, INT GB – Aaron Rodgers – 30/42, 281 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Dalvin Cook – 10 rushes, 38 yards GB – Jamaal Williams – 16 rushes, 59 yards Top receivers MIN – Adam Thielen – 12 receptions, 131 yards, TD GB – Jimmy Graham – 6 receptions, 95 yards

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Date: September 16
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 80 °F (27 °C)
• Game attendance: 78,461
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Game Book

Week 2 saw the Vikings travel to Lambeau Field to take on their archrivals, the Green Bay Packers, against whom Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr effectively ended Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' 2017 season with a hit that broke Rodgers' collarbone.

The Packers received the ball first and were forced to punt. On the ensuing drive, the Packers forced the Vikings to go three-and-out, but the punt from the Vikings' Matt Wile was blocked by Geronimo Allison and recovered by the Packers' Josh Jackson for a touchdown. On Minnesota's next drive, quarterback Kirk Cousins led the Vikings on an eight-play, 57-yard touchdown drive to tie the game at 7–7, with the scoring pass going to Laquon Treadwell for 14 yards. Green Bay followed that with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Davante Adams early in the second quarter, making the game 14–7. After trading punts and a missed 48-yard field goal for the Vikings by rookie kicker Daniel Carlson, the Packers' Mason Crosby made a 37-yard field goal at the end of the first half to send the Packers to the locker room leading 17–7.

The Vikings received the ball after halftime, but their drive stalled and were forced to punt. Green Bay followed that up with a 40-yard field goal from Crosby with 6:32 left in the third quarter. After trading punts, the Vikings scored another touchdown on a three-yard pass to Stefon Diggs early in the fourth quarter to reduce the Packers' lead to six points. Green Bay followed that up with Crosby's third field goal of the day, this time from 31 yards, but the Vikings responded quickly on their next drive, as Cousins hit Diggs with a 75-yard touchdown pass to make it a 23–21 lead for the Packers. Crosby then made his fourth field goal of the day from 48 yards with 2:13 left in the fourth quarter. Cousins threw an interception on the first play of the Vikings' next drive, leading to a fifth Crosby field goal from 36 yards with 1:45 remaining, putting the Packers up 29–21. Cousins then led the Vikings 75 yards in eight plays, resulting in a 22-yard touchdown pass to Adam Thielen, but the Vikings needed a two-point conversion to tie the game. Cousins then connected with Diggs to tie the game at 29–29, with 31 seconds remaining in regulation. Green Bay was able to move down the field and into field goal range, but Crosby's 52-yard attempt missed left and the game went to overtime.

The Vikings won the overtime coin toss and received the ball. They moved 39 yards in seven plays, but Carlson's 49-yard attempt sailed wide right. Green Bay then was forced to punt after chewing 3:45 off the clock, and the Vikings started their next drive with 3:57 left to play. After moving 63 yards, the Vikings were at the Packers' 17-yard line with four seconds remaining in overtime, but Carlson missed his third field goal attempt of the game, this time from 35 yards, and again wide right. Carlson was waived the next day, replaced by veteran kicker Dan Bailey.

Week 3: vs. Buffalo Bills

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

Game information

First quarter BUF – Josh Allen 10-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 10:01. Bills 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:59. BUF – Steven Hauschka 30-yard field goal, 7:24. Bills 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:57. BUF – Jason Croom 26-yard pass from Josh Allen (Steven Hauschka kick), 5:09. Bills 17–0. Drive: 2 plays, 25 yards, 0:48. Second quarter BUF – Josh Allen 1-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 12:14. Bills 24–0. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 5:45. BUF – Steven Hauschka 50-yard field goal, 6:16. Bills 27–0. Drive: 8 plays, 17 yards, 3:46. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 4-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (pass failed), 2:59. Bills 27–6. Drive: 13 plays, 92 yards, 4:20. Top passers BUF – Josh Allen – 15/22, 196 yards, TD MIN – Kirk Cousins – 40/55, 296 yards, TD, INT Top rushers BUF – Chris Ivory – 20 rushes, 56 yards MIN – Mike Boone – 2 rushes, 11 yards Top receivers BUF – Chris Ivory – 3 receptions, 70 yards MIN – Adam Thielen – 14 receptions, 105 yards

Week 3: Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 23
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,800
• Referee: Alex Kemp (55)
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
• Recap, Game Book

Week 4: at Los Angeles Rams

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	13	8	3	31
Rams	7	21	10	0	38

Game information

First quarter MIN – Aldrick Robinson 16-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 7:55. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:05. LAR – Todd Gurley 8-yard pass from Jared Goff (Sam Ficken kick), 1:55. Tied 7–7. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:00. Second quarter MIN – Dan Bailey 37-yard field goal, 10:05. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 6:50. LAR – Cooper Kupp 70-yard pass from Jared Goff (Sam Ficken kick), 9:28. Rams 14–10. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:37. MIN – Aldrick Robinson 17-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 8:04. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:24. LAR – Cooper Kupp 19-yard pass from Jared Goff (Sam Ficken kick), 3:47. Rams 21–17. Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 1:50. LAR – Brandin Cooks 47-yard pass from Jared Goff (Sam Ficken kick), 1:26. Rams 28–17. Drive: 2 plays, 73 yards, 0:15. MIN – Dan Bailey 39-yard field goal, 0:02. Rams 28–20. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 1:24. Third quarter LAR – Sam Ficken 34-yard field goal, 5:21. Rams 31–20. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 3:01. MIN – Adam Thielen 45-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Kirk Cousins–Latavius Murray pass), 3:35. Rams 31–28. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:46. LAR – Robert Woods 31-yard pass from Jared Goff (Sam Ficken kick), 1:09. Rams 38–28. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:26. Fourth quarter MIN – Dan Bailey 40-yard field goal, 3:46. Rams 38–31. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 4:35. Top passers MIN – Kirk Cousins – 36/50, 422 yards, 3 TD LAR – Jared Goff – 26/33, 465 yards, 5 TD Top rushers MIN – Kirk Cousins – 4 rushes, 28 yards LAR – Todd Gurley – 17 rushes, 83 yards Top receivers MIN – Adam Thielen – 8 receptions, 135 yards, TD LAR – Cooper Kupp – 9 receptions, 162 yards, 2 TD

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

• Date: September 27
• Game time: 7:20 p.m. CDT/5:20 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Clear, 75 °F (24 °C)
• Game attendance: 72,027
• Referee: Brad Allen (122)
• TV announcers (Fox/NFLN): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink; (Amazon Prime): Hannah Storm and Andrea Kremer
• Recap, Game Book

This was the first NFL broadcast in history to have an all-female announcing team (accessible only to Amazon Prime viewers).

Week 5: at Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	14	3	3	23
Eagles	0	3	3	15	21

Game information

First quarter MIN – Dan Bailey 37-yard field goal, 5:02. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 2:02. Second quarter PHI – Jake Elliott 30-yard field goal, 12:24. Tied 3–3. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 2:11. MIN – Linval Joseph 64-yard fumble return (Dan Bailey kick), 4:12. Vikings 10–3. MIN – Adam Thielen 3-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 0:21. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 2:24. Third quarter MIN – Dan Bailey 22-yard field goal, 7:32. Vikings 20–3. Drive: 6 plays, 91 yards, 2:01. PHI – Jake Elliott 28-yard field goal, 2:57. Vikings 20–6. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:35. Fourth quarter PHI – Wendell Smallwood 12-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Wendell Smallwood run), 12:05. Vikings 20–14. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 4:14. MIN – Dan Bailey 52-yard field goal, 2:47. Vikings 23–14. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 6:24. PHI – Zach Ertz 7-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Jake Elliott kick), 1:09. Vikings 23–21. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 1:38. Top passers MIN – Kirk Cousins – 30/37, 301 yards, TD PHI – Carson Wentz – 24/35, 311 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Latavius Murray – 11 rushes, 42 yards PHI – Jay Ajayi – 8 rushes, 29 yards Top receivers MIN – Adam Thielen – 7 receptions, 116 yards, TD PHI – Zach Ertz – 10 receptions, 110 yards, TD

Week 5: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Date: October 7
• Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT/3:25 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 79 °F (26 °C)
• Game attendance: 69,696
• Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
• TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
• Recap, Game Book

Week 6: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	3	7	0	7	17
Vikings	10	3	14	0	27

Game information

First quarter ARI – Phil Dawson 26-yard field goal, 8:18. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 2:47. MIN – Latavius Murray 21-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 5:33. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:45. MIN – Dan Bailey 37-yard field goal, 2:03. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 3:23. Second quarter ARI – Budda Baker 36-yard fumble return (Phil Dawson kick), 4:13. Tied 10–10. MIN – Dan Bailey 48-yard field goal, 0:07. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 1:13. Third quarter MIN – Adam Thielen 13-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 10:06. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:54. MIN – Kirk Cousins 7-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 6:37. Vikings 27–10. Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards, 1:11. Fourth quarter ARI – David Johnson 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 6:57. Vikings 27–17. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 2:48. Top passers ARI – Josh Rosen – 21/31, 240 yards, INT MIN – Kirk Cousins – 24/34, 233 yards, TD, INT Top rushers ARI – David Johnson – 18 rushes, 55 yards, TD MIN – Latavius Murray – 24 rushes, 155 yards, TD Top receivers ARI – Christian Kirk – 6 receptions, 77 yards MIN – Adam Thielen – 11 receptions, 123 yards, TD

Week 6: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 14
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,801
• Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
• TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Ronde Barber and Shane Bacon
• Recap, Game Book

Week 7: at New York Jets

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	3	10	17	37
Jets	7	0	3	7	17

Game information

First quarter MIN – Adam Thielen 34-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 13:22. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 1:38. NYJ – Chris Herndon 12-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Jason Myers kick), 1:01. Vikings 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 86 yards, 3:26. Second quarter MIN – Dan Bailey 26-yard field goal, 10:13. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 27 yards, 2:50. Third quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 11-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 8:15. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 5:06. MIN – Dan Bailey 22-yard field goal, 5:49. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 2:06. NYJ – Jason Myers 55-yard field goal, 2:39. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 9 yards, 3:10. Fourth quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 38-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 13:38. Vikings 27–10. Drive: 2 plays, 51 yards, 1:08. NYJ – Sam Darnold 1-yard run (Jason Myers kick), 10:27. Vikings 27–17. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:11. MIN – Aldrick Robinson 34-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 5:16. Vikings 34–17. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:17. MIN – Dan Bailey 43-yard field goal, 3:22. Vikings 37–17. Drive: 4 plays, −3 yards, 1:07. Top passers MIN – Kirk Cousins – 25/40, 241 yards, 2 TD NYJ – Sam Darnold – 17/42, 206 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers MIN – Latavius Murray – 15 rushes, 69 yards, 2 TD NYJ – Isaiah Crowell – 11 rushes, 29 yards Top receivers MIN – Adam Thielen – 9 receptions, 110 yards, TD NYJ – Trenton Cannon – 4 receptions, 69 yards

Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at New York Jets – Game summary

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: October 21
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Cloudy, 46 °F (8 °C)
• Game attendance: 77,982
• Referee: Shawn Smith (14)
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Shannon Spake
• Recap, Game Book

Week 8: vs. New Orleans Saints

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	7	10	10	3	30
Vikings	7	6	0	7	20

Game information

First quarter NO – Alvin Kamara 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 10:33. Saints 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 4:27. MIN – Stefon Diggs 1-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 3:16. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 91 yards, 7:17. Second quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 11:57. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:05. NO – Wil Lutz 52-yard field goal, 7:27. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 4:30. NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 0:30. Saints 17–13. Drive: 2 plays, 18 yards, 0:27. Third quarter NO – Wil Lutz 42-yard field goal, 8:19. Saints 20–13. Drive: 9 plays, 21 yards, 4:09. NO – P. J. Williams 45-yard interception return (Wil Lutz kick), 5:58. Saints 27–13. Fourth quarter NO – Wil Lutz 42-yard field goal, 9:35. Saints 30–13. Drive: 15 plays, 60 yards, 8:15. MIN – Adam Thielen 1-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 4:26. Saints 30–20. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:09. Top passers NO – Drew Brees – 18/23, 120 yards, TD, INT MIN – Kirk Cousins – 31/41, 359 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers NO – Mark Ingram II – 13 rushes, 63 yards MIN – Latavius Murray – 13 rushes, 56 yards, TD Top receivers NO – Michael Thomas – 5 receptions, 81 yards MIN – Stefon Diggs – 10 receptions, 119 yards, TD

Week 8: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 28
• Game time: 7:20 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,801
• Referee: Craig Wrolstad (4)
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
• Recap, Game Book

This was a rematch of the Minneapolis Miracle from last year's divisional playoff game. There would be no miracle in this one however, as the Saints won 30–20 as the Vikings fell to 4–3–1.

Week 9: vs. Detroit Lions

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	0	6	0	3	9
Vikings	7	10	0	7	24

Game information

First quarter MIN – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 9:53. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 5:07. Second quarter DET – Matt Prater 35-yard field goal, 13:16. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 48 yards, 8:16. DET – Matt Prater 35-yard field goal, 4:45. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 28 yards, 5:44. MIN – Adam Thielen 2-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 3:20. Vikings 14–6. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:25. MIN – Dan Bailey 39-yard field goal, 0:04. Vikings 17–6. Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 0:35. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter MIN – Danielle Hunter 32-yard fumble return (Dan Bailey kick), 6:57. Vikings 24–6. DET – Matt Prater 37-yard field goal, 1:11. Vikings 24–9. Drive: 17 plays, 69 yards, 5:46. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 25/36, 199 yards MIN – Kirk Cousins – 18/22, 164 yards, TD, INT Top rushers DET – Kerryon Johnson – 12 rushes, 37 yards MIN – Dalvin Cook – 10 rushes, 89 yards Top receivers DET – Marvin Jones – 6 receptions, 66 yards MIN – Laquon Treadwell – 2 receptions, 37 yards

Week 9: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 4
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,825
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Shannon Spake
• Recap, Game Book

Week 11: at Chicago Bears

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	0	3	17	20
Bears	3	11	0	11	25

Game information

First quarter CHI – Cody Parkey 33-yard field goal, 5:58. Bears 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:54. Second quarter CHI – Anthony Miller 18-yard pass from Mitchell Trubisky (Mitchell Trubisky–Josh Bellamy pass), 6:00. Bears 11–0. Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 7:13. CHI – Cody Parkey 41-yard field goal, 0:50. Bears 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 3:57. Third quarter MIN – Dan Bailey 36-yard field goal, 0:07. Bears 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 13 yards, 3:15. Fourth quarter MIN – Dan Bailey 36-yard field goal, 11:46. Bears 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 11 yards, 2:33. CHI – Eddie Jackson 27-yard interception return (Mitchell Trubisky–Adam Shaheen pass), 8:30. Bears 22–6. MIN – Aldrick Robinson 13-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Kirk Cousins–Adam Thielen pass), 4:51. Bears 22–14. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 3:39. CHI – Cody Parkey 48-yard field goal, 2:48. Bears 25–14. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 2:03. MIN – Stefon Diggs 5-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (pass failed), 0:48. Bears 25–20. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 2:00. Top passers MIN – Kirk Cousins – 30/46, 262 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT CHI – Mitchell Trubisky – 20/31, 165 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers MIN – Dalvin Cook – 9 rushes, 12 yards CHI – Jordan Howard – 18 rushes, 63 yards Top receivers MIN – Stefon Diggs – 13 receptions, 126 yards, TD CHI – Taylor Gabriel – 7 receptions, 52 yards

Week 11: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Date: November 18
• Game time: 7:20 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 33 °F (1 °C)
• Game attendance: 61,651
• Referee: John Parry (132)
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
• Recap, Game Book

Week 12: vs. Green Bay Packers

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

Game information

First quarter GB – Davante Adams 15-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 5:54. Packers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 3:37. MIN – Dalvin Cook 26-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 2:53. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:01. Second quarter GB – Aaron Jones 6-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 14:16. Packers 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:37. MIN – Stefon Diggs 30-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 11:01. Tied 14–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:15. Third quarter MIN – Dan Bailey 37-yard field goal, 3:27. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 3:54. MIN – Adam Thielen 14-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 0:27. Vikings 24–14. Drive: 4 plays, 31 yards, 1:19. Fourth quarter GB – Mason Crosby 38-yard field goal, 2:20. Vikings 24–17. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 2:31. Top passers GB – Aaron Rodgers – 17/28, 198 yards, TD MIN – Kirk Cousins – 29/38, 342 yards, 3 TD Top rushers GB – Aaron Jones – 17 rushes, 72 yards, TD MIN – Latavius Murray – 11 rushes, 33 yards Top receivers GB – Davante Adams – 5 receptions, 69 yards, TD MIN – Adam Thielen – 8 receptions, 125 yards, TD

Week 12: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 25
• Game time: 7:20 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,872
• Referee: Bill Vinovich (52)
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
• Recap, Game Book

Week 13: at New England Patriots

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	7	3	0	10
Patriots	7	3	7	7	24

Game information

First quarter NE – James Develin 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:33. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:52. Second quarter NE – Stephen Gostkowski 20-yard field goal, 5:45. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 15 plays, 68 yards, 8:16. MIN – Adam Thielen 5-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 0:15. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 1:37. Third quarter MIN – Dan Bailey 39-yard field goal, 2:20. Tied 10–10. Drive: 12 plays, 41 yards, 4:01. NE – Josh Gordon 24-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:35. Patriots 17–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:45. Fourth quarter NE – James Develin 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 10:54. Patriots 24–10. Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 3:12. Top passers MIN – Kirk Cousins – 32/44, 201 yards, TD, 2 INT NE – Tom Brady – 24/32, 311 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Dalvin Cook – 9 rushes, 84 yards NE – Sony Michel – 17 rushes, 63 yards Top receivers MIN – Stefon Diggs – 5 receptions, 49 yards NE – James White – 9 receptions, 92 yards

Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at New England Patriots – Game summary

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: December 2
• Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 53 °F (12 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,878
• Referee: Craig Wrolstad (4)
• TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
• Recap, Game Book

Week 14: at Seattle Seahawks

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	0	0	7	7
Seahawks	0	3	0	18	21

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SEA – Sebastian Janikowski 37-yard field goal, 14:11. Seahawks 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 6:39. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter SEA – Sebastian Janikowski 35-yard field goal, 13:22. Seahawks 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:39. SEA – Chris Carson 2-yard run (Russell Wilson–Tyler Lockett pass), 2:53. Seahawks 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 2:45. SEA – Justin Coleman 29-yard fumble return (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 2:35. Seahawks 21–0. MIN – Dalvin Cook 6-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 1:10. Seahawks 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 1:25. Top passers MIN – Kirk Cousins – 20/33, 208 yards, TD SEA – Russell Wilson – 10/20, 72 yards, INT Top rushers MIN – Dalvin Cook – 13 rushes, 55 yards SEA – Chris Carson – 22 rushes, 90 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Stefon Diggs – 4 receptions, 76 yards SEA – Tyler Lockett – 5 receptions, 42 yards

Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

• Date: December 10
• Game time: 7:15 p.m. CST/5:15 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 48 °F (9 °C)
• Game attendance: 69,007
• Referee: Brad Allen (122)
• TV announcers (ESPN): Joe Tessitore, Jason Witten, Booger McFarland and Lisa Salters
• Recap, Game Book

Week 15: vs. Miami Dolphins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	0	10	7	0	17
Vikings	21	0	3	17	41

Game information

First quarter MIN – Stefon Diggs 13-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 11:40. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 3:20. MIN – Dalvin Cook 13-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 6:21. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:59. MIN – Latavius Murray 18-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 1:32. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:38. Second quarter MIA – Minkah Fitzpatrick 50-yard interception return (Jason Sanders kick), 7:44. Vikings 21–7. MIA – Jason Sanders 25-yard field goal, 0:14. Vikings 21–10. Drive: 14 plays, 61 yards, 6:03. Third quarter MIA – Kalen Ballage 75-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 14:49. Vikings 21–17. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:11. MIN – Dan Bailey 36-yard field goal, 8:40. Vikings 24–17. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:19. Fourth quarter MIN – Dan Bailey 34-yard field goal, 13:01. Vikings 27–17. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:35. MIN – Aldrick Robinson 40-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 9:54. Vikings 34–17. Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 2:04. MIN – Dalvin Cook 21-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 7:49. Vikings 41–17. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:59. Top passers MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 11/24, 108 yards MIN – Kirk Cousins – 14/21, 215 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers MIA – Kalen Ballage – 12 rushes, 123 yards, TD MIN – Dalvin Cook – 19 rushes, 136 yards, 2 TD Top receivers MIA – Danny Amendola – 3 receptions, 30 yards MIN – Tyler Conklin – 2 receptions, 53 yards

Week 15: Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 16
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,841
• Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
• Recap, Game Book

Week 16: at Detroit Lions

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	14	3	10	27
Lions	3	6	0	0	9

Game information

First quarter DET – Matt Prater 47-yard field goal, 7:30. Lions 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 2:40. Second quarter DET – Matt Prater 35-yard field goal, 10:39. Lions 6–0. Drive: 9 plays, 21 yards, 4:11. DET – Matt Prater 48-yard field goal, 4:05. Lions 9–0. Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards, 4:17. MIN – Stefon Diggs 8-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 1:32. Lions 9–7. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 2:33. MIN – Kyle Rudolph 44-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 0:00. Vikings 14–9. Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 0:36. Third quarter MIN – Dan Bailey 24-yard field goal, 8:54. Vikings 17–9. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 6:06. Fourth quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 4-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 13:25. Vikings 24–9. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 5:38. MIN – Dan Bailey 29-yard field goal, 4:15. Vikings 27–9. Drive: 4 plays, −1 yard, 2:15. Top passers MIN – Kirk Cousins – 21/28, 253 yards, 3 TD DET – Matthew Stafford – 18/32, 116 yards Top rushers MIN – Dalvin Cook – 16 rushes, 73 yards DET – Zach Zenner – 8 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 9 receptions, 122 yards, 2 TD DET – Kenny Golladay – 6 receptions, 58 yards

Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

• Date: December 23
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 61,641
• Referee: Walt Anderson (66)
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
• Recap, Game Book

Week 17: vs. Chicago Bears

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

Game information

First quarter CHI – Jordan Howard 6-yard run (Cody Parkey kick), 10:38. Bears 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 3:46. Second quarter CHI – Jordan Howard 1-yard run (kick failed, hit right upright), 7:17. Bears 13–0. Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 5:39. MIN – Dan Bailey 45-yard field goal, 0:53. Bears 13–3. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 1:04. Third quarter MIN – Stefon Diggs 2-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 1:51. Bears 13–10. Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 7:35. Fourth quarter CHI – Tarik Cohen 3-yard run (Mitchell Trubisky–Nick Kwiatkoski pass), 7:46. Bears 21–10. Drive: 16 plays, 75 yards, 9:05. CHI – Cody Parkey 42-yard field goal, 4:25. Bears 24–10. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 2:29. Top passers CHI – Mitchell Trubisky – 18/26, 163 yards MIN – Kirk Cousins – 20/33, 132 yards, TD Top rushers CHI – Jordan Howard – 21 rushes, 109 yards, 2 TD MIN – Dalvin Cook – 11 rushes, 39 yards Top receivers CHI – Taylor Gabriel – 4 receptions, 61 yards MIN – Stefon Diggs – 8 receptions, 47 yards, TD

Week 17: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 30
• Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,878
• Referee: Clete Blakeman (34)
• TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
• Recap, Game Book

Standings

Division

NFC North
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(3) Chicago Bears	12	4	0	.750	5–1	10–2	421	283	W4
Minnesota Vikings	8	7	1	.531	3–2–1	6–5–1	360	341	L1
Green Bay Packers	6	9	1	.406	1–4–1	3–8–1	376	400	L1
Detroit Lions	6	10	0	.375	2–4	4–8	324	360	W1

Conference

NFC v t e
#	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	SOS	SOV	STK
Division leaders
1[a]	New Orleans Saints	South	13	3	0	.813	4–2	9–3	.482	.488	L1
2[a]	Los Angeles Rams	West	13	3	0	.813	6–0	9–3	.480	.428	W2
3	Chicago Bears	North	12	4	0	.750	5–1	10–2	.430	.419	W4
4	Dallas Cowboys	East	10	6	0	.625	5–1	9–3	.488	.444	W2
Wild Cards
5	Seattle Seahawks	West	10	6	0	.625	3–3	8–4	.484	.400	W2
6	Philadelphia Eagles	East	9	7	0	.563	4–2	6–6	.518	.486	W3
Did not qualify for the postseason
7	Minnesota Vikings	North	8	7	1	.531	3–2–1	6–5–1	.504	.355	L1
8[b]	Atlanta Falcons	South	7	9	0	.438	4–2	7–5	.482	.348	W3
9[b]	Washington Redskins	East	7	9	0	.438	2–4	6–6	.486	.371	L2
10[b]	Carolina Panthers	South	7	9	0	.438	2–4	5–7	.508	.518	W1
11	Green Bay Packers	North	6	9	1	.406	1–4–1	3–8–1	.488	.417	L1
12	Detroit Lions	North	6	10	0	.375	2–4	4–8	.504	.427	W1
13[c]	New York Giants	East	5	11	0	.313	1–5	4–8	.527	.487	L3
14[c]	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	South	5	11	0	.313	2–4	4–8	.523	.506	L4
15	San Francisco 49ers	West	4	12	0	.250	1–5	2–10	.504	.406	L2
16	Arizona Cardinals	West	3	13	0	.188	2–4	3–9	.527	.302	L4
Tiebreakers[d]
New Orleans finished ahead of LA Rams based on head-to-head victory, claiming the No. 1 seed. Atlanta finished ahead of Washington based on head-to-head victory. Atlanta finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head sweep. Washington finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head victory. NY Giants finished ahead of Tampa Bay 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.

Pro Bowl

Four Vikings players were elected to the Pro Bowl when the rosters were announced on December 18, 2018, with both outside linebacker Anthony Barr and safety Harrison Smith named to their fourth Pro Bowls. Wide receiver Adam Thielen was named to his second Pro Bowl, having received his first nomination in 2017, while defensive end Danielle Hunter received his first Pro Bowl selection.^[23]

Statistics

Team leaders

Category	Player(s)	Total
Passing yards	Kirk Cousins	4,298
Passing touchdowns	Kirk Cousins	30
Rushing yards	Dalvin Cook	615
Rushing touchdowns	Latavius Murray	6
Receptions	Adam Thielen	113
Receiving yards	Adam Thielen	1,373
Receiving touchdowns	Stefon Diggs Adam Thielen	9
Points	Dan Bailey	93
Kickoff return yards	Ameer Abdullah	258
Punt return yards	Marcus Sherels	276
Tackles	Eric Kendricks	108
Sacks	Danielle Hunter	14.5
Interceptions	Anthony Harris Harrison Smith	3
Forced fumbles	Anthony Barr Mike Hughes George Iloka Jaleel Johnson Linval Joseph Eric Kendricks Harrison Smith Stephen Weatherly	1

Source: Minnesota Vikings' official website^[24]

League rankings

Category	Total yards	Yards per game	NFL rank (out of 32)
Passing offense	3,497	269.0	8th
Rushing offense	1,110	85.4	30th
Total offense	4,607	354.4	17th
Passing defense	2,803	215.6	5th
Rushing defense	1,404	108.0	13th
Total defense	4,207	323.6	5th

Source: NFL.com^[25]