Go-for-it Vikings get results from increased aggression
3 years, 1 month ago

Go-for-it Vikings get results from increased aggression

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — With their window tightening for playoff contention, the Minnesota Vikings finally won a close game against a winning team by simply letting loose. “If we get an opportunity to win the game, then we’re going to try to win the game,” coach Mike Zimmer said Monday, the day after beating the Los Angeles Chargers 27-20. Zimmer kept the offense on the field on fourth down twice Sunday. WHAT’S WORKING The special teams units that failed the Vikings so frequently last year and made several noticeable mistakes in the first half of this season have turned it around. WHAT NEEDS HELP Though the Vikings were effective when they sent extra pass rushers on Justin Herbert and rookie safety Camryn Bynum again played well in Harrison Smith’s place, the secondary has been in a precarious position without cornerback Patrick Peterson for the past three games. “I consider myself one of the best linebackers in this league and I’m just going to keep fighting, keep grinding, do what I do, and let the cream rise.” STOCK DOWN RG Oli Udoh was flagged twice for holding, an infraction the Vikings have committed more than any other team in the league this year.

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History of this topic

Lions host Vikings on Sunday night, winner earns No. 1 seed in NFC and loser falls to No. 5 seed
1 week, 1 day ago

Lions host Vikings on Sunday night, winner earns No. 1 seed in NFC and loser falls to No. 5 seed

Associated Press  

Minnesota at Detroit Sunday, 8:20 p.m. EST, NBC BetMGM NFL Odds: Lions by 3 Against the spread: Vikings 11-4-1; Lions 11-5 Series record: Vikings lead 80-44-2 Last meeting: Lions beat Vikings 31-29 on Oct. 20 in Minneapolis. Edge rusher Patrick Jones hurt his knee on a low block last week, but the injury wasn’t serious and he’ll have an opportunity …

Vikings thrive under coach of year favorite O’Connell, a relatable state for Packers with LaFleur
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Vikings thrive under coach of year favorite O’Connell, a relatable state for Packers with LaFleur

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell’s stirring locker room tribute to his team last week at Seattle was respectfully interrupted by seven-year veteran right tackle Brian O’Neill, who flipped the script on the game ball awards by tossing one to the boss in honor of his second 13-win season in three years. The Vikings have obliterated even the most …

The Darnold-Jefferson connection is thriving for the surging Vikings
2 weeks, 4 days ago

The Darnold-Jefferson connection is thriving for the surging Vikings

Associated Press  

Sam Darnold sensed the backside pressure as soon as he dropped back with Minnesota trailing by four points late in the fourth quarter in Seattle, so he moved into a safe space in the pocket and did precisely what the Vikings would prefer him to do with the game on the line. “I’m not going to say too much about …

Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson lead surging Vikings past Seahawks 27-24
Trending News
2 weeks, 5 days ago

Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson lead surging Vikings past Seahawks 27-24

Associated Press  

SEATTLE — Sam Darnold connected with a well-covered Justin Jefferson with 3:51 left for his third TD pass of the game, and the Minnesota Vikings outlasted Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks 27-24 on Sunday to keep pace with Detroit for the top spot in the NFC. After the Seahawks took the lead on Smith’s third TD pass, Darnold led …

Vikings delivered a dominant defensive performance that simply wore down the Bears
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Vikings delivered a dominant defensive performance that simply wore down the Bears

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — Caleb Williams had just trudged off the field after being chased all over the backfield by Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard during another failed third-down play for Chicago when he plopped down on the bench and rolled his head back in exhaustion. “We were really disciplined, but it just felt explosive, guys flying off the edges,” coach Kevin O’Connell …

Vikings take 6-game winning streak into Monday night matchup vs. backsliding Bears
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Vikings take 6-game winning streak into Monday night matchup vs. backsliding Bears

Associated Press  

Chicago at Minnesota Monday, 8 p.m. EST, ABC BetMGM NFL odds: Vikings by 7. The third overall pick in the 2018 draft continued his career-altering season last week against Atlanta by becoming the ninth quarterback in NFL history and first since Aaron Rodgers in 2019 with at least 325 passing yards, five TD passes, a completion rate of 75-plus percent …

The Vikings and their in-gear offense will be a tough team to outscore moving forward
1 month ago

The Vikings and their in-gear offense will be a tough team to outscore moving forward

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — Sam Darnold pinballed around his collapsed pocket to dodge a sack on third-and-8, before slicing through a skinny opening to sprint right in search of more space as Justin Jefferson’s hand shot up downfield. With O’Connell directing the quarterback development program and calling the plays and Jefferson leading a dangerous and diverse group of pass-catchers, Darnold has …

The Vikings are showing their worth at 10-2 by winning the games that don’t go smoothly
1 month, 1 week ago

The Vikings are showing their worth at 10-2 by winning the games that don’t go smoothly

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings started the season 5-0 in relatively comfortable fashion before losing two tight games in a five-day span. “I think we continue to learn things about our team that will pay a lot of dividends moving forward,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “If you’ve got true belief and authentic belief with all the time we’ve spent together …

Seahawks have taken a bumpy path to first place in the NFC West
1 month, 1 week ago

Seahawks have taken a bumpy path to first place in the NFC West

Associated Press  

SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks took a bumpy path to sole possession of first place in the NFC West. Zach Charbonnet gave Seattle its first lead of the day on an 8-yard touchdown run with 5:37 to go, and the Seahawks’ defense capped another strong outing with a game-sealing stop on fourth down. Dee Williams fumbled on a kickoff in …

The Vikings are still winning despite Sam Darnold’s recent spate of interceptions
1 month, 4 weeks ago

The Vikings are still winning despite Sam Darnold’s recent spate of interceptions

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — The roller-coaster ride for the Minnesota Vikings with Sam Darnold at quarterback has reached a midseason dip, with no space or time to step off. For all they did well Sunday in defeating Jacksonville 12-7 to maintain the second-best record in the NFC at 7-2, the Vikings entered the new week with a significant issue to dissect …

Minnesota Vikings smother New York Jets in London to continue unbeaten NFL start
3 months ago

Minnesota Vikings smother New York Jets in London to continue unbeaten NFL start

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

Vikings Take Control of London Battle with Aaron Rodgers and Jets
3 months, 1 week ago

Vikings Take Control of London Battle with Aaron Rodgers and Jets

Associated Press  

The Minnesota Vikings take their 4-0 record overseas to face Aaron Rodgers and the Jets in London. The game marks the third time the Jets will play in London and their first since a 27-20 loss to Atlanta in 2021. The key matchup is between Vikings WR Justin Jefferson and Jets CB Sauce Gardner. The game is expected to be …

Minnesota Vikings hold off Green Bay Packers to secure fourth straight win
3 months, 1 week ago

Minnesota Vikings hold off Green Bay Packers to secure fourth straight win

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

Vikings put their unbeaten record on the line as they visit the NFC North-rival Packers
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings put their unbeaten record on the line as they visit the NFC North-rival Packers

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Minnesota Vikings already have emerged as one of the NFL’s biggest surprises by winning their first three games after being a consensus pick to finish last in the NFC North. “The first three games of the season mean absolutely nothing if we don’t start continuing to maintain our play style. Jones’ return to Lambeau Aaron …

Vikings’ season of upheaval at quarterback ends with a 7-10 record
1 year ago

Vikings’ season of upheaval at quarterback ends with a 7-10 record

Associated Press  

DETROIT — The emotion of a frustrating season prompted Nick Mullens to take a deep breath before answering a question on Sunday. “We can’t sit back and say ‘Well, we didn’t have Kirk, so this is what happens,’” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. “When the starter goes down, we want to go back there and lead the team to playoffs …

Packers and Vikings stage must-win rematch after months of promise and pain
1 year ago

Packers and Vikings stage must-win rematch after months of promise and pain

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings were enjoying the rarity of a dominant afternoon in Green Bay two months ago, continuing their ascent from an early hole while Packers quarterback Jordan Love’s struggles persisted. “We’ve worked through it as a staff, trying to kind of adjust and adapt to what we think is going to give us the best chance to …

Vikings beat Packers 24-10 but lose Cousins to possible Achilles tendon injury
1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings beat Packers 24-10 but lose Cousins to possible Achilles tendon injury

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Kirk Cousins threw a pair of touchdown passes before leaving with what the Vikings fear is an Achilles tendon injury, and Minnesota beat the slumping Green Bay Packers 24-10 on Sunday. BENGALS 31, 49ERS 17 SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Joe Burrow threw three touchdown passes, Cincinnati intercepted Brock Purdy on back-to-back passes in the second half, …

Vikings take down 49ers on MNF: Rookie WR Jordan Addison shines in upset win
1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings take down 49ers on MNF: Rookie WR Jordan Addison shines in upset win

New York Times  

By Alec Lewis, Matt Barrows and David Lombardi The Minnesota Vikings pulled out a 22-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers in a primetime clash at U.S. Bank Stadium on Monday night. — Alec Lewis, Vikings writer Vikings’ defense helps seal victory Flustering Purdy was a key factor for the Vikings heading into Monday night’s matchup. — Matt Barrows, 49ers …

The Vikings have the red zone blues with an up-close touchdown rate that’s keeping them down
1 year, 3 months ago

The Vikings have the red zone blues with an up-close touchdown rate that’s keeping them down

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — After Kirk Cousins delivered a must-convert fourth down completion for Minnesota to T.J. Hockenson, the Vikings had the ball at the 6-yard line with 35 seconds remaining when the tight end climbed to his feet. “You have to score touchdowns in the red zone to win in this league,” a dejected Cousins said after a 28-24 defeat to …

The Vikings are focusing on fumble-proofing the rest of their season after slippery 0-2 start
1 year, 3 months ago

The Vikings are focusing on fumble-proofing the rest of their season after slippery 0-2 start

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings started the season just six days ago. “We have to go back and continue to find ways to re-emphasize how important it is when you have the football in your hands playing for the Minnesota Vikings,” coach Kevin O’Connell said after the 34-28 defeat Thursday in Philadelphia. “As a passer it’s hard because you’re pulling …

Rodgers, Packers rout Vikings 41-17, control playoff fate
2 years ago

Rodgers, Packers rout Vikings 41-17, control playoff fate

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Aaron Rodgers and the Packers suddenly are just a win away from an improbable playoff berth. A fourth straight postseason berth seemed out of the question after a 1-7 stretch dropped the Packers to 4-8, but they haven’t lost since and have benefited from favorable results around the league. Green Bay’s latest bit of good fortune …

Vikings edge Giants 27-24 on Joseph’s game-ending 61-yard FG
2 years ago

Vikings edge Giants 27-24 on Joseph’s game-ending 61-yard FG

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Justin Jefferson got the ball just far enough across midfield for Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell to summon Greg Joseph for a kick he’d never before made in a game from that distance. Joseph’s franchise-record 61-yard field goal as time expired gave the Vikings a 27-24 victory on Saturday that prevented the New York Giants from clinching a …

Vikings beat Colts in OT in biggest comeback in NFL history
2 years ago

Vikings beat Colts in OT in biggest comeback in NFL history

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings completed the biggest comeback in NFL history, erasing a 33-point deficit by beating the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 on Greg Joseph’s 40-yard field goal with three seconds left in overtime Saturday to win the NFC North division in their typical dramatic fashion. BILLS 32, DOLPHINS 29 ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Tyler Bass hit a 25-yard field …

Vikings overcome 2 fumble return TD wipeouts in comeback
2 years ago

Vikings overcome 2 fumble return TD wipeouts in comeback

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota’s completion of the biggest comeback in NFL history hit plenty of speed bumps. Sullivan and Brian Asamoah converged on Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman after a short pass on third-and-10, and Sullivan stripped the ball out of Pittman’s arms before scooping it up and sprinting forward for what would have been a 40-yard score. Kirk Cousins threw …

Vikings clinch NFC North with 33-point comeback vs Colts
2 years ago

Vikings clinch NFC North with 33-point comeback vs Colts

Associated Press  

The Minnesota Vikings completed the biggest comeback in NFL history, erasing a 33-point deficit by beating the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 on Greg Joseph’s 40-yard field goal with 3 seconds left in overtime on Saturday to clinch the NFC North division in their typical dramatic fashion. Kirk Cousins passed for 460 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Vikings, who trailed …

Vikings take another swing at division clinch vs. Colts
2 years ago

Vikings take another swing at division clinch vs. Colts

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS at MINNESOTA Saturday, 1 p.m. EST, NFL Network FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NFL LINE: Vikings by 4 AGAINST THE SPREAD: Colts 5-8; Vikings 6-6-1 SERIES RECORD: Colts lead 18-7-1 LAST MEETING: Colts beat Vikings 28-11, Sept. 20, 2020, at Indianapolis LAST WEEK: Colts had bye, lost to Cowboys 54-19 on Dec. 4; Vikings lost to Lions 34-23 COLTS OFFENSE: OVERALL, RUSH, …

Vikings searching for solutions on defense after latest leak
2 years ago

Vikings searching for solutions on defense after latest leak

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings have found a winning formula for this season despite a vulnerable defense: producing enough well-timed sacks, stops and turnovers in scoring range to offset the concerning amount of total yards they’ve surrendered. “Ultimately I think we need to generate more rush, however we do it, and then just try to limit explosives.” With the Vikings …

Vikings defense struggles mightily against Lions, raising broader concerns for future
2 years, 1 month ago

Vikings defense struggles mightily against Lions, raising broader concerns for future

New York Times  

DETROIT — From high above the Ford Field turf Sunday afternoon, the men wearing Honolulu blue inside the cavernous stadium looked like an experienced colony of ants. GO DEEPER Lions stay in playoff hunt with win over Vikings Late in the fourth quarter, down on the field, Vikings first-year coach Kevin O’Connell stood alone. “Everybody has to do their individual …

Vikings can clinch NFC North with win or tie against Lions
2 years, 1 month ago

Vikings can clinch NFC North with win or tie against Lions

Associated Press  

MINNESOTA VIKINGS at DETROIT Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, FOX FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NFL LINE: Lions by 1 1/2 AGAINST THE SPREAD: Vikings 6-5-1; Lions 8-3-1 SERIES RECORD: Lions lead 80-40-2 LAST MEETING: Vikings beat Lions 28-24 on Sept. 25, in Minneapolis. He has been progressing through the protocol and took part in practice on Wednesday on a limited basis.. Five Vikings …

Vikings hang on, again, for 27-22 victory over White, Jets
2 years, 1 month ago

Vikings hang on, again, for 27-22 victory over White, Jets

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — In the tension of these habitually tight finishes, the Minnesota Vikings have become quite the confident and comfortable team. Justin Jefferson’s touchdown catch with 8:33 left gave the Vikings a large enough lead to hang on for a 27-22 victory despite a relentless rally by the New York Jets on Sunday. We’re in the red zone, fourth down, …

Clutch Vikings tote ample confidence at 7-1 into tough slate
2 years, 2 months ago

Clutch Vikings tote ample confidence at 7-1 into tough slate

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings have owned the fourth quarter this season, with a plus-33 scoring differential that is the second best in the NFL. Whether it’s due to Kirk Cousins delivering clutch throws to Justin Jefferson and friends, Za’Darius Smith and the defense applying a fierce pass rush, late-game confidence or plain old good luck, the Vikings have reached …

Vikings hang on for 5th straight win, top Cardinals 34-26
2 years, 2 months ago

Vikings hang on for 5th straight win, top Cardinals 34-26

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — The winning touch that so often escaped the Minnesota Vikings last season is back in their hands. Za’Darius Smith had three sacks to help a fired-up defense hang on against Kyler Murray, and the Vikings beat the Cardinals 34-26 on Sunday for their fifth consecutive victory. Dalvin Cook rushed for a season-high 111 yards and a touchdown, Kirk …

Cousins, Vikings snap to life with late TD, beat Bears 29-22
2 years, 3 months ago

Cousins, Vikings snap to life with late TD, beat Bears 29-22

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings established a remarkable rhythm early. Cousins scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 2:26 remaining on Minnesota’s fifth third-down conversion of its go-ahead drive, and the Vikings snapped out of another mid-game slump just in time to beat the Chicago Bears 29-22 on Sunday. “I’m not where I was at the end …

Vikings hang on for 28-25 win over Saints in London
2 years, 3 months ago

Vikings hang on for 28-25 win over Saints in London

Associated Press  

LONDON — Justin Jefferson bounced back from two quiet games and Greg Joseph made amends for a missed extra point. The Vikings star receiver scored a touchdown and beat Marshon Lattimore on a 39-yard reception to set up Joseph’s 47-yard field goal with 24 seconds left and Minnesota hung on for a 28-25 win over New Orleans on Sunday at …

Jefferson, Vikings beat Packers 23-7 for O’Connell’s 1st win
2 years, 3 months ago

Jefferson, Vikings beat Packers 23-7 for O’Connell’s 1st win

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Having boldly stated before the season his goal to be the best receiver in the league, Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson can already stake a claim to this subjective yet coveted status. Jefferson smashed rival Green Bay for 184 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a record-setting first half, giving new Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell a 23-7 win in his …

Packers rout Vikings 37-10 in cold to take NFC’s No. 1 seed
3 years ago

Packers rout Vikings 37-10 in cold to take NFC’s No. 1 seed

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers once again have made sure they won’t have to leave Lambeau Field for the conference playoffs. The Packers have won 13 straight regular-season home games but lost 31-26 at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in last season’s NFC championship game. “Last year we didn’t get that good Green …

Vikings outlast Rodgers, Packers 34-31 on game-ending FG
3 years, 1 month ago

Vikings outlast Rodgers, Packers 34-31 on game-ending FG

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Much to coach Mike Zimmer’s consternation, the Minnesota Vikings have made quite the habit of these white-knuckle, high-stress finishes. “You know how they say, ‘Sunday is fun day?’ It’s not, at all,” an exhausted Zimmer said after the game was decided on the final snap for a sixth time in 10 games. “I think continuing to have these …

NFL Week 11: Vikings defeat Packers on last-second field goal; Bengals beat Raiders
3 years, 1 month ago

NFL Week 11: Vikings defeat Packers on last-second field goal; Bengals beat Raiders

LA Times  

MINNEAPOLIS — Greg Joseph made a 29-yard field goal as time expired to give the Minnesota Vikings a 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, finishing a classic back-and-forth with Aaron Rodgers by making sure the three-time NFL MVP didn’t get to touch the ball last. Kirk Cousins passed for 341 yards and three touchdowns for the Vikings, …

Cousins throws 3 TDs, Vikings end with 37-35 win over Lions
4 years ago

Cousins throws 3 TDs, Vikings end with 37-35 win over Lions

Associated Press  

DETROIT — Kirk Cousins danced in the end zone after running for a go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter and the Minnesota Vikings went on to celebrate the end of a disappointing season with a 37-35 win over the lowly Detroit Lions on Sunday. “We were really close to being in the playoffs,” Cousins said after throwing three touchdowns …

Rodgers at ease as Packers roll past Vikings 43-34
4 years, 3 months ago

Rodgers at ease as Packers roll past Vikings 43-34

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — After Green Bay won last season at Minnesota to clinch the division, Aaron Rodgers paused to take a video of some jubilant Packers fans still lingering in the stadium as he walked to the bus. Rodgers took full advantage of the young cornerbacks and the empty building in Minnesota, beginning his 13th season as Green Bay’s starting quarterback …

Packers clinch NFC North with 23-10 win over Vikings
5 years ago

Packers clinch NFC North with 23-10 win over Vikings

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Sporting fresh division title shirts that few expected them to wear this year, the Green Bay Packers had the message printed across their chests in the jubilant visitors’ locker room: “The North is not enough.” With Aaron Rodgers taking a back seat while the ground game and the pass rush led the way, the Packers became NFC North …

Vikings overcome 20-0 deficit at half to beat Broncos 27-23
5 years, 1 month ago

Vikings overcome 20-0 deficit at half to beat Broncos 27-23

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings had barely moved the ball at all, when they gathered in a humbled locker room after an awful first half. The Vikings erased a 20-0 halftime deficit with touchdowns on each of their four drives in the second half, fending off the Broncos by forcing three straight incomplete passes in the end zone over the …

Vikings go back to drawing board after latest disappointment
6 years ago

Vikings go back to drawing board after latest disappointment

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — After finishing one game short of the Super Bowl last season and spending big to make Kirk Cousins their franchise player, the Minnesota Vikings were surrounded by high expectations from the start. I think, if anything, it will sharpen us and give us an edge as we prepare for next year, and I think that’s a good …

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