The 2016 season was the Minnesota Vikings ' 56th in the National Football League (NFL) and their third under head coach Mike Zimmer . After starting the season with five consecutive wins prior to their bye week, the Vikings managed just three victories after the bye and were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 16 with a 38–25 road loss to the Packers.[ 1] They joined the 1978 Redskins , 1993 Saints , 2003 Vikings , 2009 Broncos , 2009 Giants and 2015 Falcons in missing the playoffs after starting 5–0 or better. The Vikings are the only NFL team to have more than once started 5–0 or better and missed the playoffs.
The team's new stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis , opened at the start of the season, with a regular season debut victory on September 18 against division rival Green Bay on NBC Sunday Night Football . It was built on the site of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome , the team's home from 1982 through 2013 . The Vikings played at the outdoor TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota in 2014 and 2015 . This would be the season the Vikings introduced their color rush jersey, the Minnesota Vikings debuted the Jerseys at home against Dallas.
On August 30, starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a season-ending ACL tear and dislocated knee on a non-contact play during team practice.[ 2] Originally, it was reported that Bridgewater's injury would keep him out for around a year and a half, and on January 27, 2017, it was reported that it was possible he could also miss the entire 2017 season.[ 3] The extent of Bridgewater's injury prompted the Vikings to make a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for former number 1 draft pick Sam Bradford , giving up a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2018 Draft in exchange.[ 4] [ 5] Adrian Peterson 's season was also hit by injury after he tore the meniscus in his right knee in the home opener against the Packers.[ 6] [ 7] On September 22, Peterson underwent successful surgery to repair the meniscus. It was also revealed that the knee had a mild LCL sprain, but it did not need surgery.[ 8] He was placed on injured reserve on September 23, 2016,[ 9] and reactivated on December 17,[ 10] but only made six rushing attempts before leaving the game, ending his season. Peterson left the team at the end of the season, ending his 10-year tenure with the Vikings.
Draft trades
^ a b The Vikings traded their third-round selection (86th overall) to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Miami's sixth-round selection (186th overall) and 2017 third- and fourth-round selections.[ 13]
^ He played for the Schwäbisch Hall of the German Football League (GFL).
^ The Vikings traded linebacker Gerald Hodges to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for San Francisco's sixth-round selection (180th) and center Nick Easton .[ 14]
^ a b c The Vikings traded the sixth-round selection they acquired from the Miami Dolphins (186th overall) back to the Dolphins in exchange for Miami's sixth-round selection and the seventh-round selection they acquired from the Ravens (196th and 227th overall).[ 15]
^ a b c The Vikings traded the sixth-round selection they acquired from Miami and their seventh-round selection (196th and 240th overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Philadelphia's sixth-round selection (188th overall).[ 16]
^ The Vikings traded their sixth-round selection (198th overall) to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for guard Jeremiah Sirles .[ 17]
^ The Vikings traded their 2015 sixth-round selection (187th overall) and quarterback Matt Cassel to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Buffalo's 2016 sixth-round selection (240th overall) and a 2015 fifth-round selection (137th overall).[ 18]
Re-signings
Date
Player name
Position
Contract terms
March 7, 2016
Andrew Sendejo
S
4 years / $16 million[ 19]
Adam Thielen
WR
1 year / $600,000[ 20]
March 8, 2016
Audie Cole
LB
1 year / $760,000[ 21]
March 9, 2016
Mike Harris
G
1 year / $1.9 million[ 22]
March 15, 2016
Rhett Ellison
TE
1 year / $2.25 million[ 23]
Marcus Sherels
CB
2 years / $4 million[ 23]
March 16, 2016
Matt Asiata
RB
1 year / $840,000[ 24]
March 18, 2016
Terence Newman
CB
1 year / $3 million[ 23]
Justin Trattou
DE
1 year / $810,000[ 25]
April 11, 2016
Chad Greenway
LB
1 year / $2.75 million[ 26]
April 18, 2016
Zach Line
FB
1 year / $1.671 million[ 27]
September 9, 2016
Joe Berger
C
1-year extension[ 28]
Departures
Date
Player name
Position
Note
New team
March 8, 2016
Mike Wallace
WR
Released[ 29]
Baltimore Ravens
Austin Wentworth
OT
Waived[ 29]
Retired[ 30]
March 9, 2016
Casey Matthews
ILB
UFA
Jason Trusnik
ILB
UFA
March 14, 2016
Josh Robinson
CB
UFA
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
March 18, 2016
Robert Blanton
S
UFA
Buffalo Bills
April 13, 2016
Alex Singleton
LB
Waived
Calgary Stampeders (CFL )
May 10, 2016
Johnny Lowdermilk
S
Waived
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
July 25, 2016
Phil Loadholt
OT
Waived
Retired
August 25, 2016
Melvin White
CB
Waived
August 30, 2016
Brad Sorensen
QB
Waived[ 31] [ 32]
Terrell Sinkfield
WR
Austin Shepherd
OT
John Sullivan
C
Scott Crichton
DL
Antone Exum
S
Zach Moore
DE
September 3, 2016
C. J. Ham
HB
Waived
Blake Renaud
FB
Isaac Fruechte
WR
Moritz Böhringer
WR
Willie Beavers
OL
Isame Faciane
OG
Stephen Weatherly
DE
Toby Johnson
DT
Brandon Watts
OLB
Additions
Date
Player name
Position
Previous team
Contract terms
March 10, 2016
Alex Boone
G
San Francisco 49ers
4 years / $26.8 million[ 33]
Emmanuel Lamur
LB
Cincinnati Bengals
2 years / $6 million[ 22]
March 18, 2016
Andre Smith
OT
Cincinnati Bengals
1 year / $4.5 million[ 34]
May 10, 2016
C. J. Ham
HB
Augustana (NCAA )
August 1, 2016
Terrance Plummer
LB
Minnesota Vikings
September 3, 2016
Sam Bradford
QB
Philadelphia Eagles
Trade[ 35]
September 4, 2016
Joel Stave
QB
Wisconsin (NCAA )
Practice squad[ 36]
C. J. Ham
HB
Augustana (NCAA )
Moritz Böhringer
WR
Schwäbisch Hall (GFL )
Kyle Carter
TE
Penn State (NCAA )
Willie Beavers
OL
Western Michigan (NCAA )
Isame Faciane
OG
Minnesota Vikings
Stephen Weatherly
DE
Vanderbilt (NCAA )
Toby Johnson
DT
Minnesota Vikings
Tre Roberson
CB
Illinois State (NCAA )
September 4, 2016
Shamiel Gary
S
Miami Dolphins
Practice squad[ 37]
September 13, 2016
Tre Roberson
CB
Illinois State (NCAA )
Practice squad
Julian Wilson
CB
Philadelphia Eagles
September 23, 2016
Ronnie Hillman
HB
Denver Broncos
October 11, 2016
Jake Long
OT
Atlanta Falcons
1 year
Signed and released players
Date signed
Player name
Position
Previous team
Contract terms
Date released
March 7, 2016
Carter Bykowski
OT
Minnesota Vikings
1 year / $600,000[ 38]
August 30, 2016
March 9, 2016
Kenrick Ellis
DT
1 year / $810,000[ 39]
September 3, 2016
March 11, 2016
Travis Lewis
LB
Detroit Lions
1 year / $810,000[ 22]
June 16, 2016
March 14, 2016
Michael Griffin
S
Tennessee Titans
1 year / $3 million[ 22]
September 3, 2016
March 21, 2016
Brian Leonhardt
TE
San Francisco 49ers
1 year / $600,000[ 40]
August 30, 2016
May 1, 2016
Keith Baxter
CB
Marshall (NCAA )
Undrafted FA[ 41]
July 31, 2016
Kyle Carter
TE
Penn State (NCAA )
September 3, 2016
Joel Stave
QB
Wisconsin (NCAA )
Theiren Cockran
DE
Minnesota (NCAA )
August 30, 2016
Jake Ganus
ILB
Georgia (NCAA )
September 3, 2016
Marken Michel
WR
UMass (NCAA )
August 30, 2016
Denzell Perine
OLB
Florida Atlantic (NCAA )
September 2, 2016
Jhurell Pressley
RB
New Mexico (NCAA )
September 3, 2016
Brandon Ross
RB
Maryland (NCAA )
May 23, 2016
May 9, 2016
Tre Roberson
CB
Illinois State (NCAA )
Undrafted FA[ 42]
September 13, 2016
Troy Stoudermire
WR
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL )
[ 42]
August 30, 2016
May 23, 2016
Travis Raciti
DT
Philadelphia Eagles
September 2, 2016
May 31, 2016
Bruce Gaston
DT
Chicago Bears
June 16, 2016
July 27, 2016
Sean Hickey
OT
New York Jets
[ 43]
August 30, 2016
Jason Whittingham
LB
Utah (NCAA )
[ 43]
July 31, 2016
July 30, 2016
Claudell Louis
DT
Buffalo Bills
[ 44]
August 30, 2016
April 13, 2016
Terrance Plummer
LB
Minnesota Vikings
August 31, 2016
August 20, 2016
Kevin Monangai
RB
Philadelphia Eagles
Waived[ 45]
August 4, 2016
August 20, 2016
Brad Sorensen
QB
San Diego Chargers
[ 45] [ 46]
August 30, 2016
August 31, 2016
Minnesota Vikings
September 2, 2016
September 6, 2016
Carter Bykowski
OT
Minnesota Vikings
Practice squad
September 13, 2016
The Vikings' preseason opponents and schedule were announced on April 7, 2016.
Week 1: at Cincinnati Bengals
edit
Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
0
10
7 0 17
Bengals
0
7
0 9 16
at Paul Brown Stadium , Cincinnati , Ohio
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
MIN – C. J. Ham 10-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 1:44. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 5:46.
Fourth quarter
CIN – Mike Nugent 23-yard field goal, 4:11. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:47.
CIN – Alex Erickson 80-yard punt return (pass failed), 2:45. Vikings 17–16.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks
edit
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
0
11
0 7 18
Seahawks
0
0
0 11 11
at CenturyLink Field , Seattle , Washington
Date : August 18Game time : 9:00 p.m. CDT/7:00 p.m. PDT Game weather : Sunny, 83 °F (28 °C)Game attendance : 68,469Referee : Ed Hochuli (85)Recap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
SEA – Troymaine Pope 4-yard run (Trevone Boykin run), 12:49. Vikings 11–8. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:13.
SEA – Steven Hauschka 49-yard field goal, 5:46. Tied 11–11. Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 5:50.
MIN – Marcus Sherels 53-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 1:23. Vikings 18–11.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 3: vs. San Diego Chargers
edit
Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Chargers
0
10
0 0 10
Vikings
6
6
8 3 23
at U.S. Bank Stadium , Minneapolis , Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 23-yard field goal, 11:04. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:56.
MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 4:18. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 9 plays, 29 yards, 4:38.
Second quarter
SD – Melvin Gordon 39-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 9:04. Chargers 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:05.
SD – Josh Lambo 32-yard field goal, 2:28. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 4:10.
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 27-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (run failed), 1:18. Vikings 12–10. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 1:10.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 23-yard field goal, 6:24. Vikings 23–10. Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 4:42.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Rams
edit
Week 4: Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Rams
7
0
3 15 25
Vikings
0
13
7 7 27
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date : September 1Game time : 7:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : None (indoor stadium)Game attendance : 66,262Referee : Bill Vinovich (52)Recap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 2:39. Rams 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:19.
MIN – Blair Walsh 34-yard field goal, 0:55. Rams 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, −7 yards, 0:56.
MIN – Jhurell Pressley 28-yard pass from Brad Sorensen (Blair Walsh kick), 0:33. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 1 play, 28 yards, 0:09.
Third quarter
LA – Greg Zuerlein 35-yard field goal, 4:47. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 13 plays, 59 yards, 7:31.
MIN – Jhurell Pressley 106-yard kickoff return (Blair Walsh kick), 4:32. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:15.
Fourth quarter
MIN – C. J. Ham 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 11:37. Vikings 27–10. Drive: 3 plays, 6 yards, 1:17.
LA – Paul McRoberts 2-yard pass from Sean Mannion (Terrence Magee run), 6:14. Vikings 27–18. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 5:23.
LA – Aaron Green 26-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 1:53. Rams 27–25. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 2:02.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week
Date
Opponent
Result
Record
Venue
Attendance
NFL.com recap
1
September 11
at Tennessee Titans
W 25–16
1–0
Nissan Stadium
63,816
Recap
2
September 18
Green Bay Packers
W 17–14
2–0
U.S. Bank Stadium
66,813
Recap
3
September 25
at Carolina Panthers
W 22–10
3–0
Bank of America Stadium
73,813
Recap
4
New York Giants
W 24–10
4–0
U.S. Bank Stadium
66,690
Recap
5
October 9
Houston Texans
W 31–13
5–0
U.S. Bank Stadium
66,683
Recap
6
Bye
7
October 23
at Philadelphia Eagles
L 10–21
5–1
Lincoln Financial Field
69,596
Recap
8
at Chicago Bears
L 10–20
5–2
Soldier Field
60,422
Recap
9
November 6
Detroit Lions
L 16–22 (OT)
5–3
U.S. Bank Stadium
66,807
Recap
10
November 13
at Washington Redskins
L 20–26
5–4
FedExField
78,216
Recap
11
November 20
Arizona Cardinals
W 30–24
6–4
U.S. Bank Stadium
66,808
Recap
12
November 24
at Detroit Lions
L 13–16
6–5
Ford Field
63,793
Recap
13
Dallas Cowboys
L 15–17
6–6
U.S. Bank Stadium
66,860
Recap
14
December 11
at Jacksonville Jaguars
W 25–16
7–6
EverBank Field
62,701
Recap
15
December 18
Indianapolis Colts
L 6–34
7–7
U.S. Bank Stadium
66,820
Recap
16
at Green Bay Packers
L 25–38
7–8
Lambeau Field
77,856
Recap
17
January 1
Chicago Bears
W 38–10
8–8
U.S. Bank Stadium
66,808
Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Week 1: at Tennessee Titans
edit
Game information
First quarter
TEN – Ryan Succop 28-yard field goal, 4:45. Titans 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:24.
Second quarter
Third quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 50-yard field goal, 13:56. Titans 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:04.
MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 5:59. Titans 10–6. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 5:31.
MIN – Eric Kendricks 77-yard interception return (kick failed, wide left), 1:24. Vikings 12–10.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 45-yard field goal, 11:17. Vikings 15–10. Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 4:05.
MIN – Danielle Hunter 24-yard fumble return (Blair Walsh kick), 11:03. Vikings 22–10.
MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 2:36. Vikings 25–10. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:33.
TEN – DeMarco Murray 4-yard pass from Marcus Mariota (pass failed), 0:28. Vikings 25–16. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 2:08.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Shaun Hill started at quarterback in the team's first game, as Sam Bradford was rested until the second game.
Week 2: vs. Green Bay Packers
edit
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 8-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 10:14. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:46.
MIN – Blair Walsh 46-yard field goal, 0:27. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:14.
Third quarter
MIN – Stefon Diggs 25-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 2:11. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 2:46.
Fourth quarter
GB – Aaron Rodgers 10-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 12:41. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:30.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Sam Bradford made his first start for the Vikings in week 2 against the Packers just 15 days after being traded. Despite not having much time to learn the offense, Bradford outplayed Aaron Rodgers but ended up hurting his left hand in the first half due to a hit by Clay Matthews . Bradford finished the game completing 22-of-31 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns, helping lead the Vikings to their first win in their new stadium .
Week 3: at Carolina Panthers
edit
Game information
First quarter
CAR – Graham Gano 48-yard field goal, 10:52. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 4:08.
CAR – Cam Newton 3-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 5:20. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:51.
MIN – Cam Newton sacked in the end zone by Danielle Hunter for a safety, 1:44. Panthers 10–2.
Second quarter
MIN – Marcus Sherels 54-yard punt return (kick failed, wide right), 3:21. Panthers 10–8.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 28-yard field goal, 13:14. Vikings 19–10. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 2:46.
MIN – Blair Walsh 31-yard field goal, 5:07. Vikings 22–10. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 5:55.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 4: vs. New York Giants
edit
Week 4: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Giants
0
3
0 7 10
Vikings
7
7
3 7 24
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 7-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 7:59. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:56.
NYG – Josh Brown 40-yard field goal, 0:02. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 44 yards, 2:44.
Third quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 44-yard field goal, 7:39. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 2:16.
Fourth quarter
NYG – Orleans Darkwa 1-yard run (Josh Brown kick), 13:38. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 5 plays, 91 yards, 1:47.
MIN – Jerick McKinnon 4-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 9:20. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:18.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 5: vs. Houston Texans
edit
Week 5: Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Texans
0
6
0 7 13
Vikings
14
10
0 7 31
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 19-yard field goal, 9:58. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 15 plays, 58 yards, 6:19.
MIN – Marcus Sherels 79-yard punt return (Blair Walsh kick), 8:46. Vikings 24–0.
HOU – Nick Novak 38-yard field goal, 5:42. Vikings 24–3. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:04.
HOU – Nick Novak 30-yard field goal, 1:37. Vikings 24–6. Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 2:04.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 7: at Philadelphia Eagles
edit
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 48-yard field goal, 9:01. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 50 yards, 4:57.
PHI – Josh Huff 98-yard kick return (Carson Wentz run), 8:48. Eagles 8–3. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.
PHI – Caleb Sturgis 35-yard field goal, 0:07. Eagles 11–3. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 2:35.
Third quarter
PHI – Dorial Green-Beckham 5-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Caleb Sturgis kick), 5:45. Eagles 18–3. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 5:51.
Fourth quarter
PHI – Caleb Sturgis 21-yard field goal, 6:09. Eagles 21–3. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 5:20.
MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 14-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 0:34. Eagles 21–10. Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 3:56.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Sam Bradford faces his former team for the first time after he was traded from the Eagles prior to the start of the season. The Vikings streak came to a halt as they lost the game 21-10.
Week 8: at Chicago Bears
edit
Week 8: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
0
3
0 7 10
Bears
3
10
7 0 20
at Soldier Field , Chicago, Illinois
Date : Game time : 7:30 p.m. CDTGame weather : Cloudy, 58 °F (14 °C)Game attendance : 60,422Referee : Gene Steratore (114)TV announcers (ESPN) : Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa SaltersRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
CHI – Connor Barth 30-yard field goal, 8:28. Bears 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 3:40.
Second quarter
CHI – Connor Barth 28-yard field goal, 12:44. Bears 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:33.
CHI – Jordan Howard 2-yard run (Connor Barth kick), 7:49. Bears 13–0. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:36.
MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 0:25. Bears 13–3. Drive: 15 plays, 59 yards, 7:24.
Third quarter
CHI – Alshon Jeffery 11-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Connor Barth kick), 9:52. Bears 20–3. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:08.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Stefon Diggs 25-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 5:41. Bears 20–10. Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 3:10.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 9: vs. Detroit Lions
edit
Week 9: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 OT Total
Lions
3
7
0 6 6 22
Vikings
0
3
6 7 0 16
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
DET – Matt Prater 47-yard field goal, 7:14. Lions 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 5:00.
Second quarter
MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 13:20. Tied 3–3. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 4:35.
DET – Anquan Boldin 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 0:05. Lions 10–3. Drive: 17 plays, 84 yards, 9:45.
Third quarter
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 1-yard pass from Sam Bradford (kick hit right upright), 4:02. Lions 10–9. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 5:33.
Fourth quarter
DET – Matt Prater 53-yard field goal, 12:33. Lions 13–9. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:08.
MIN – Rhett Ellison 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 0:23. Vikings 16–13. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 3:51.
DET – Matt Prater 58-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 16–16. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 0:23.
Overtime
DET – Golden Tate 28-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, 8:21. Lions 22–16. Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards, 6:39.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Although it was Stefon Diggs' big day, having caught 13 passes for 80 yards, it wasn't enough as the Vikings dropped 5-3.
Week 10: at Washington Redskins
edit
Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
0
20
0 0 20
Redskins
7
7
6 6 26
at FedExField , Landover, Maryland
Date : November 13Game time : 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Sunny, 58 °F (14 °C)Game attendance : 78,216Referee : Pete Morelli (135)TV announcers (Fox) : Dick Stockton, Chris Spielman and Kristina PinkRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
WAS – Vernon Davis 38-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick), 14:18. Redskins 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 91 yards, 4:58.
MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 5:39. Redskins 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:52.
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 20-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Blair Walsh kick), 0:58. Tied 14–14. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:40.
MIN – Adam Thielen 3-yard pass from Sam Bradford (kick wide right), 0:00. Vikings 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 33 yards, 0:50.
Third quarter
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 30-yard field goal, 8:53. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 6:07.
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 37-yard field goal, 0:38. Tied 20–20. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 5:16.
Fourth quarter
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 50-yard field goal, 9:33. Redskins 23–20. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:21.
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 28-yard field goal, 2:31. Redskins 26–20. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 3:13.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
This was the last game for Blair Walsh in a Vikings uniform as he was released days after this game.
Week 11: vs. Arizona Cardinals
edit
Week 11: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Cardinals
7
10
0 7 24
Vikings
7
13
10 0 30
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date : November 20Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : None (indoor stadium)Game attendance : 66,808Referee : Clete Blakeman (34)TV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin AndrewsRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 34-yard field goal, 10:04. Cardinals 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 6:26.
MIN – Matt Asiata 2-yard run (kick blocked), 7:16. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:48.
MIN – Xavier Rhodes 100-yard interception return (Kai Forbath kick), 3:07. Vikings 20–10.
ARI – Jermaine Gresham 29-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:50. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:17.
Third quarter
MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 104-yard kickoff return (Kai Forbath kick), 14:47. Vikings 27–17.
MIN – Kai Forbath 27-yard field goal, 0:04. Vikings 30–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:06.
Fourth quarter
ARI – David Johnson 4-yard pass (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 7:24. Vikings 30–24. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 1:46.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 12: at Detroit Lions
edit
NFL on Thanksgiving Day
Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
7
0
3 3 13
Lions
7
3
0 6 16
at Ford Field , Detroit, Michigan
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
DET – Matt Prater 29-yard field goal, 6:45. Lions 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 3:05.
Third quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 30-yard field goal, 7:03. Tied 10–10. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 2:42.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 28-yard field goal, 12:38. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 7:36.
DET – Matt Prater 48-yard field goal, 1:45. Tied 13–13. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 3:17.
DET – Matt Prater 40-yard field goal, 0:00. Lions 16–13. Drive: 2 plays, −2 yards, 0:30.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 13: vs. Dallas Cowboys
edit
Week 13: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Cowboys
0
7
0 10 17
Vikings
3
0
3 9 15
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 48-yard field goal, 2:28. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 3:17.
Second quarter
Third quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 36-yard field goal, 2:10. Cowboys 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 4:52.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 33-yard field goal, 14:11. Vikings 9–7. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 0:56.
DAL – Dez Bryant 8-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 10:22. Cowboys 14–9. Drive: 1 play, 8 yards, 0:06.
DAL – Dan Bailey 39-yard field goal, 4:15. Cowboys 17–9. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 2:22.
MIN – Jerick McKinnon 3-yard pass from Sam Bradford (pass failed), 0:25. Cowboys 17–15. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:44.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Head coach Mike Zimmer missed this game after undergoing emergency eye surgery the night before. Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer served as interim coach for the game.[ 47]
Week 14: at Jacksonville Jaguars
edit
Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
6
3
3 13 25
Jaguars
0
9
7 0 16
at EverBank Field , Jacksonville, Florida
Date : December 11Game time : 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : 71 °F (22 °C)Game attendance : 62,701Referee : John Hussey (35)TV announcers (Fox) : Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura OkminRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 43-yard field goal, 12:20. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:40.
MIN – Kai Forbath 32-yard field goal, 7:53. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:35.
Second quarter
JAX – Jason Myers 45-yard field goal, 13:07. Vikings 6–3. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 3:00.
MIN – Kai Forbath 40-yard field goal, 10:49. Vikings 9–3. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 2:18.
JAX – Jason Myers 55-yard field goal, 6:18. Vikings 9–6. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 4:31.
JAX – Jason Myers 24-yard field goal, 0:09. Tied 9–9. Drive: 10 plays, 92 yards, 1:47.
Third quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 46-yard field goal, 8:29. Vikings 12–9. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 2:53.
JAX – Bryan Walters 14-yard pass from Blake Bortles (Jason Myers kick), 3:50. Jaguars 16–12. Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 4:39.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 14:13. Vikings 18–16. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 4:37.
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 3-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 2:13. Vikings 25–16. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 2:51.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 15: vs. Indianapolis Colts
edit
Week 15: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Colts
10
17
0 7 34
Vikings
0
0
3 3 6
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date : December 18Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : None (indoor stadium)Game attendance : 66,820Referee : Jerome Boger (23)TV announcers (CBS) : Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon Recap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
IND – Adam Vinatieri 48-yard field goal, 9:01. Colts 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 5:59.
IND – Robert Turbin 1-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 2:22. Colts 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 4:57.
Second quarter
IND – Erik Swoope 27-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Adam Vinatieri kick), 7:16. Colts 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 92 yards, 5:39.
IND – Robert Turbin 6-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 0:33. Colts 24–0. Drive: 13 plays, 91 yards, 5:35.
IND – Adam Vinatieri 50-yard field goal, 0:00. Colts 27–0. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:19.
Third quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 32-yard field goal, 3:51. Colts 27–3. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 4:10.
Fourth quarter
IND – Phillip Dorsett 50-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Adam Vinatieri kick), 14:55. Colts 34–3. Drive: 7 plays, 88 yards, 3:56.
MIN – Kai Forbath 51-yard field goal, 11:57. Colts 34–6. Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, 2:58.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Adrian Peterson returned to action and had six carries for 22 yards against the Colts.[ 10] This was the last game he'd ever play for the Vikings.
Week 16: at Green Bay Packers
edit
Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
3
10
0 12 25
Packers
14
14
0 10 38
at Lambeau Field , Green Bay, Wisconsin
Date : Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)Game attendance : 77,856Referee : Jeff Triplette (42)TV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin AndrewsRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
GB – Jordy Nelson 21-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 7:13. Packers 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:40.
MIN – Kai Forbath 22-yard field goal, 3:37. Packers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:36.
GB – Davante Adams 20-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 1:49. Packers 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 1:48.
Second quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 26-yard field goal, 12:30. Packers 14–6. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 4:19.
GB – Jordy Nelson 2-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 8:11. Packers 21–6. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards, 1:36.
MIN – Adam Thielen 71-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 7:24. Packers 21–13. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:47.
GB – Aaron Rodgers 6-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 0:24. Packers 28–13. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 0:30.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
GB – Mason Crosby 48-yard field goal, 14:55. Packers 31–13. Drive: 10 plays, 14 yards, 4:05.
GB – Richard Rodgers II 13-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 9:02. Packers 38–13. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 4:23.
MIN – Stefon Diggs 3-yard pass from Sam Bradford (kick failed, hit right upright), 4:20. Packers 38–19. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 4:42.
MIN – Adam Thielen 8-yard pass from Sam Bradford (run failed), 0:32. Packers 38–25. Drive: 10 plays, 34 yards, 3:07.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
With the loss, the Vikings dropped to 7–8 and were officially eliminated from postseason contention. The loss also made the Vikings the first team to twice start 5–0 or better, and on both occasions miss the playoffs (they also missed the playoffs in 2003 after starting 6–0).
Week 17: vs. Chicago Bears
edit
Week 17: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Bears
0
10
0 0 10
Vikings
7
17
0 14 38
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date : January 1, 2017Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : None (indoor stadium)Game attendance : 66,808Referee : Terry McAulay (77)TV announcers (Fox) : Dick Stockton, David Diehl and Kristina PinkRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 21-yard field goal, 14:53. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 14 plays, 93 yards, 7:33.
MIN – Kyle Rudolph 22-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 12:51. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 3 plays, 35 yards, 1:22.
CHI – Matt Barkley 2-yard pass from Cameron Meredith (Connor Barth kick), 1:48. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 17 plays, 85 yards, 7:56.
MIN – Jarius Wright 1-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Kai Forbath kick), 0:18. Vikings 24–7. Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 0:42.
CHI – Connor Barth 29-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 2 plays, 31 yards, 0:18.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
MIN – Jerick McKinnon 10-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 12:11. Vikings 31–10. Drive: 4 plays, 40 yards, 1:56.
MIN – Everson Griffen 20-yard fumble return (Kai Forbath kick), 9:51. Vikings 38–10.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
#
Team
Division
W
L
T
PCT
DIV
CONF
SOS
SOV
STK
Division leaders
1
Dallas Cowboys
East
13
3
0
.813
3–3
9–3
.471
.440
L1
2
Atlanta Falcons
South
11
5
0
.688
5–1
9–3
.480
.452
W4
3
Seattle Seahawks
West
10
5
1
.656
3–2–1
6–5–1
.441
.425
W1
4
Green Bay Packers
North
10
6
0
.625
5–1
8–4
.508
.453
W6
Wild Cards
5
New York Giants
East
11
5
0
.688
4–2
8–4
.486
.455
W1
6[ a]
Detroit Lions
North
9
7
0
.563
3–3
7–5
.475
.392
L3
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[ a]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
South
9
7
0
.563
4–2
7–5
.492
.434
W1
8
Washington Redskins
East
8
7
1
.531
3–3
6–6
.516
.430
L1
9
Minnesota Vikings
North
8
8
0
.500
2–4
5–7
.492
.457
W1
10
Arizona Cardinals
West
7
8
1
.469
4–1–1
6–5–1
.463
.366
W2
11[ b]
New Orleans Saints
South
7
9
0
.438
2–4
6–6
.523
.393
L1
12[ b]
Philadelphia Eagles
East
7
9
0
.438
2–4
5–7
.559
.518
W2
13
Carolina Panthers
South
6
10
0
.375
1–5
5–7
.518
.354
L2
14
Los Angeles Rams
West
4
12
0
.250
2–4
3–9
.504
.500
L7
15
Chicago Bears
North
3
13
0
.188
2–4
3–9
.521
.396
L4
16
San Francisco 49ers
West
2
14
0
.125
2–4
2–10
.504
.250
L1
Tiebreakers [ c]
^ a b Detroit finished ahead of Tampa Bay for the No. 6 seed and qualified for the last playoff spot based on record vs. common opponents—Detroit's cumulative record against Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New Orleans was 3–2, while Tampa Bay's cumulative record against the same four teams was 2–3.
^ a b New Orleans finished ahead of Philadelphia based on better record vs. conference opponents.
^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.
2016 Minnesota Vikings staff
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
Source: Minnesota Vikings' official website[ 50]
Category
Total yards
Yards per game
NFL rank(out of 32)
Passing offense
3,836
239.8
18th
Rushing offense
1,205
75.3
32nd
Total offense
5,041
315.1
28th
Passing defense
3,327
207.9
3rd
Rushing defense
1,711
106.9
20th
Total defense
5,038
314.9
3rd
Source: NFL.com.[ 51]
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^ a b Orr, Conor (December 17, 2016). "Vikings activate RB Adrian Peterson (knee) from IR" . NFL.com . NFL Enterprises. Retrieved December 17, 2016 .
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^ a b c "Vikings re-sign Sherels, Ellison, Newman" . FoxSports.com . Associated Press. March 15, 2016. Retrieved March 15, 2016 .
^ "Matt Asiata Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns" . Spotrac. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2016 .
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^ "Chad Greenway Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns" . Spotrac. Retrieved May 1, 2016 .
^ Alper, Josh (April 18, 2016). "Zach Line remains with Vikings" . ProFootballTalk . NBC Sports. Retrieved April 18, 2016 .
^ "Vikings Sign Joe Berger to a 1-Year Extension" . Minnesota Vikings Football. Archived from the original on September 10, 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2016 .
^ a b "Vikings Release Mike Wallace, Waive Austin Wentworth" . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football. March 8, 2016. Archived from the original on March 8, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2016 .
^ Tomasson, Chris (March 13, 2016). "Guard Austin Wentworth says NFL career over after one Vikings season after suffering leg clots and losing muscle" . TwinCities.com . Pioneer Press. Retrieved March 15, 2016 .
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^ Goessling, Ben (March 18, 2016). "Vikings sign Brian Leonhardt to one-year deal" . ESPN . ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved March 20, 2016 .
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^ Vensel, Matt (July 30, 2016). "Vikings sign DT Claudell Louis" . StarTribune. Retrieved July 30, 2016 .
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