2015 Minnesota Vikings season

Last updated

2015 Minnesota Vikings season
Owner Zygi Wilf
General manager Rick Spielman
Head coach Mike Zimmer
Home field TCF Bank Stadium
Results
Record11–5
Division place1st NFC North
Playoff finishLost Wild Card Playoffs
(vs. Seahawks) 9–10
Pro Bowlers
5
AP All-Pros
2
Uniform
Vikings 2013-16 Collar (cropped).png

The 2015 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 55th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their second under head coach Mike Zimmer. It marked the last season in which the Vikings played their home games at the University of Minnesota's on-campus TCF Bank Stadium, before moving into U.S. Bank Stadium, which opened in July 2016, located on the site of the now-demolished Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

Contents

The Vikings improved on their 7–9 record from 2014 and clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2012. They also won their first NFC North title since 2009 with a Week 17 victory at the Packers. As a result, they hosted the Seattle Seahawks in the wild card round of the 2015–16 NFL playoffs, but lost 10–9 after kicker Blair Walsh missed a potential game-winning 27 yard field goal in the final seconds. [1]

Offseason

2015 draft

Pro Bowler
2015 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft orderPlayer namePositionCollegeContractNotes
RoundSelection
1 11 Trae Waynes CB Michigan State 4 years / $12.944 million
245 Eric Kendricks LB UCLA 4 years / $5.156 million
376Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs [A]
80Traded to the Detroit Lions [B] from Chiefs [A]
88 Danielle Hunter DE LSU 4 years / $3.077 millionfrom Lions [B]
4110 T. J. Clemmings OT Pittsburgh 4 years / $2.804 million
5137Traded to the Atlanta Falcons [C] from Buccaneers via Bills [D]
143 MyCole Pruitt TE Southern Illinois 4 years / $2.51 millionfrom Lions via Broncos and Bears [B]
146 Stefon Diggs WR Maryland 4 years / $2.5 millionfrom Falcons [C]
149Traded to the Miami Dolphins [E]
6185 Tyrus Thompson OT Oklahoma 4 years / $2.4 millionfrom Falcons [C]
187Traded to the Buffalo Bills [D]
193 B. J. Dubose DE Louisville 4 years / $2.399 millionfrom Chiefs [A]
7228 Austin Shepherd OT Alabama 4 years / $2.349 million
232 Edmond Robinson OLB Newberry 4 years / $2.34 millionfrom 49ers via Dolphins [E]

Roster changes

Re-signings
DatePlayer namePositionContract terms
March 8, 2015 Tom Johnson DE3 years / $7 million [5]
March 10, 2015 Matt Asiata RB1 year / $800,000 [6]
March 11, 2015 Joe Berger C2 years / $2.155 million [7]
Cullen Loeffler LS1 year / $1.05 million [8]
March 17, 2015 Mike Harris OT1 year / $1.542 million [9]
July 4, 2015 John Sullivan C3 years / $16.7 million [10]
July 26, 2015 Blair Walsh K4 year / $14 million [11]
Departures
DatePlayer namePositionNoteNew team
February 27, 2015 Charlie Johnson GReleased [12]
March 10, 2015 Matt Cassel QBTraded [D] Buffalo Bills
Jerome Felton FB UFA
March 13, 2015 Christian Ponder QB Oakland Raiders
March 14, 2015 Jasper Brinkley ILB Dallas Cowboys
Greg Jennings WRReleased [13] Miami Dolphins
March 16, 2015 Vladimir Ducasse G UFA Chicago Bears
March 26, 2015 Justin Anderson LBReleased [14] Dallas Cowboys
Jordan McCray GReleased [14]
April 2, 2015 Pat Devlin QBReleased [15] Chicago Bears
August 24, 2015 Cullen Loeffler LSReleased [16]
August 30, 2015 Joe Banyard RBReleased [17] Jacksonville Jaguars
Brandon Bostick TE Arizona Cardinals
Jalil Carter CB
Justin Coleman CB New England Patriots
DaVaris Daniels WR New England Patriots
Stephen Goodin OT Brooklyn Bolts (FXFL)
Josh Kaddu LB
Jordan Leslie WR Jacksonville Jaguars
Caesar Rayford DE Los Angeles Kiss (AFL)
Chrishon Rose DT
DeMarcus Van Dyke CB Atlanta Falcons
September 5, 2015 Babatunde Aiyegbusi OTWaived [18]
October 6, 2015 Gerald Hodges MLBTraded [19] San Francisco 49ers
November 17, 2015 Chase Ford TESigned off Practice Squad Baltimore Ravens
Additions
DatePlayer namePositionPrevious teamContract terms
February 18, 2015 Brandon Bostick TE Green Bay Packers Claimed off waivers [20]
March 11, 2015 Shaun Hill QB St. Louis Rams 2 years / $6.5 million [21]
March 13, 2015 Mike Wallace WR Miami Dolphins Acquired in trade [E]
March 19, 2015 DuJuan Harris RB Green Bay Packers 1 year / $660,000 [22]
March 24, 2015 Casey Matthews LB Philadelphia Eagles 1 years / $825,000 [23]
Taylor Mays S Cincinnati Bengals 1 year / $795,000 [23]
March 26, 2015 Babatunde Aiyegbusi OL Dresden Monarchs (GFL)3 years / $1.575 million [24]
March 27, 2015 Terence Newman CB Cincinnati Bengals 1 year / $2.25 million [23]
April 2, 2015 Mike Kafka QB Tampa Bay Buccaneers [15] 1 year / $660,000 [25]
Caesar Rayford DE Montreal Alouettes (CFL)1 year / $660,000 [26]
April 6, 2015 Kevin McDermott LS Baltimore Ravens 2 years / $1.26 million [27]
May 11, 2015 Isaac Fruechte WR Minnesota Golden Gophers (NCAA)3 years / $1.575 million [28]
June 9, 2015 Chrishon Rose DT East Carolina Pirates (NCAA) [29]
July 24, 2015 Josh Thomas CB Detroit Lions [30]
August 1, 2015 Ryan Whalen WR Cincinnati Bengals [31]
August 14, 2015 Greg Hickman DT Detroit Lions [32]
October 6, 2015 Nick Easton C San Francisco 49ers Acquired in trade [19]

Preseason

Schedule

On February 11, 2015, the National Football League announced that the Vikings would play the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. The game was played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Sunday, August 9. [33] The remainder of the Vikings' preliminary preseason schedule was announced on April 9. The Vikings first hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders before road games against the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans, [34] making this the third consecutive year in which the Vikings face the Titans in the preseason.

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueAttendanceNFL.com
recap
HOF August 9 Pittsburgh Steelers W 14–31–0 Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium (Canton, Ohio)22,364 Recap
1August 15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 26–162–0 TCF Bank Stadium 50,610 Recap
2August 22 Oakland Raiders W 20–123–0TCF Bank Stadium50,656 Recap
3August 29at Dallas Cowboys W 28–144–0 AT&T Stadium 86,082 Recap
4September 3at Tennessee Titans L 17–244–1 Nissan Stadium 61,294 Recap

Game summaries

Hall of Fame Game: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Hall of Fame Game: Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Steelers03003
Vikings077014

at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio

Game information

Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Preseason Week 1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Buccaneers367016
Vikings9143026

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: August 15
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 86 °F (30 °C)
  • Game attendance: 50,610
  • Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders

Preseason Week 2: Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Raiders633012
Vikings0137020

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: August 22
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 79 °F (26 °C)
  • Game attendance: 50,656
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 3: at Dallas Cowboys

Preseason Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings3108728
Cowboys0140014

at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

  • Date: August 29
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 86,082
  • Referee: Ron Torbert (62)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 4: at Tennessee Titans

Preseason Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings037717
Titans1403724

at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: September 3
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 90 °F (32 °C)
  • Game attendance: 61,294
  • Referee: Brad Allen (122)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Regular season

Schedule

The Vikings' 2015 schedule was announced on April 21. [35]

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueAttendanceNFL.com
recap
1September 14at San Francisco 49ers L 3–200–1 Levi's Stadium 70,499 Recap
2September 20 Detroit Lions W 26–161–1 TCF Bank Stadium 52,319 Recap
3September 27 San Diego Chargers W 31–142–1TCF Bank Stadium52,400 Recap
4October 4at Denver Broncos L 20–232–2 Sports Authority Field at Mile High 77,029 Recap
5 Bye
6October 18 Kansas City Chiefs W 16–103–2TCF Bank Stadium52,480 Recap
7October 25at Detroit Lions W 28–194–2 Ford Field 60,231 Recap
8November 1at Chicago Bears W 23–205–2 Soldier Field 62,311 Recap
9November 8 St. Louis Rams W 21–18 (OT)6–2TCF Bank Stadium52,406 Recap
10November 15at Oakland Raiders W 30–147–2 O.co Coliseum 54,700 Recap
11November 22 Green Bay Packers L 13–307–3TCF Bank Stadium52,529 Recap
12November 29at Atlanta Falcons W 20–108–3 Georgia Dome 70,610 Recap
13December 6 Seattle Seahawks L 7–388–4TCF Bank Stadium52,430 Recap
14December 10at Arizona Cardinals L 20–238–5 University of Phoenix Stadium 64,784 Recap
15December 20 Chicago Bears W 38–179–5TCF Bank Stadium52,421 Recap
16December 27 New York Giants W 49–1710–5TCF Bank Stadium52,455 Recap
17January 3at Green Bay Packers W 20–1311–5 Lambeau Field 78,412 Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at San Francisco 49ers

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings00033
49ers0731020

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Game information

The Vikings opened their 2015 season on the road against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite allowing San Francisco to start with the ball, the Vikings made a positive start, as Andrew Sendejo blocked a 28-yard field goal attempt from Phil Dawson, which Marcus Sherels returned 44 yards to the San Francisco 26-yard line. Minnesota QB Teddy Bridgewater was unable to complete a single pass on the next drive, forcing Blair Walsh to attempt a 44-yard field goal; however, he pushed it wide right. After forcing the 49ers to punt on the next series, the Vikings were themselves forced to punt immediately afterwards, only for the 49ers' rookie former rugby league star Jarryd Hayne to muff the catch, allowing the Vikings to recover the ball. The next drive saw the Vikings attempt to convert on 4th-and-3, but Bridgewater's completed pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph fell a yard short of a fresh set of downs.

Both sides exchanged punts at the start of the second quarter, with the 49ers eventually returning one 85 yards for a touchdown, only for it to be called back for an illegal block by a San Francisco player. However, the ensuing possession ended with a 49ers touchdown, as they drove 93 yards in just under 5 minutes, before Carlos Hyde finished the series with a 10-yard touchdown run; after finding nowhere to go on his initial run to the right, he beat a Minnesota defender with a spin move and ran back to the left side of the field, where quarterback Colin Kaepernick led him into the end zone. With the Vikings unable to score in the remaining 47 seconds, the first half ended 7–0 to San Francisco.

Minnesota started the third quarter with the ball, but they were unable to make it out of their half before being forced to punt. The 49ers then extended their lead on the ensuing possession, driving 73 yards to the Minnesota 11-yard line to set up a 30-yard field goal attempt for Dawson. The Vikings finally got on the scoreboard early in the fourth quarter, as Walsh finished off a 66-yard drive with a 37-yard field goal, but the 49ers pulled further ahead with a second touchdown for Hyde on a 17-yard run. Bridgewater attempted to spark the Vikings back into the game, but a deep pass intended for Rudolph was intercepted by Tramaine Brock, setting up a 25-yard field goal for Dawson. The next drive saw the Vikings go for it again on 4th-and-8, but Bridgewater was sacked for a loss of 14 yards, allowing the 49ers to kneel out the game.

Week 2: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 2: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions0100616
Vikings7106326

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 3: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chargers070714
Vikings3714731

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 4: at Denver Broncos

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings01001020
Broncos3107323

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

Week 6: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 6: Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chiefs0001010
Vikings373316

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 7: at Detroit Lions

Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings31210328
Lions1430219

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

Week 8: at Chicago Bears

Week 8: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings7301323
Bears373720

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 62 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 62,311
  • Referee: John Hussey (35)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Holly Sonders
  • Preview, Game Book
Game information

Week 9: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week 9: St. Louis Rams at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234OTTotal
Rams6903018
Vikings10080321

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 10: at Oakland Raiders

Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings101001030
Raiders0140014

at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: November 15
  • Game time: 3:05 p.m. CST/1:05 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 62 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 54,700
  • Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Holly Sonders
  • Preview, Game Book
Game information

Week 11: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 11: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers61031130
Vikings607013

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings7031020
Falcons030710

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 70,610
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman (34)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 13: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 13: Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Seahawks71414338
Vikings00707

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 52,430
  • Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 14: at Arizona Cardinals

Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings7301020
Cardinals1007623

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Game information

Week 15: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 15: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bears073717
Vikings71071438

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 20
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 36 °F (2 °C)
  • Game attendance: 52,421
  • Referee: Brad Allen (122)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Teddy Bridgewater's best game of his career, going 17/20, 231 yards, and 4 touchdowns, along with a rushing touchdown on the ground. Before this game, Bridgewater had only 9 passing touchdowns, and afterwards, he had 13. Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears were stopped to 17 points, while Cutler also having a good game with 26/37 for 231 and 2 touchdowns.

Week 16: vs. New York Giants

Week 16: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Giants037717
Vikings316131749

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 17: at Green Bay Packers

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings3314020
Packers3001013

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: January 3, 2016
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 24 °F (−4 °C)
  • Game attendance: 78,412
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich (52)
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Standings

Division

NFC North
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(3) Minnesota Vikings 1150.6885–18–4365302W3
(5) Green Bay Packers 1060.6253–37–5368323L2
Detroit Lions 790.4383–36–6358400W3
Chicago Bears 6100.3751–53–9335397L1

Conference

NFC
#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division Leaders
1 Carolina Panthers South1510.9385–111–1.441.438W1
2 Arizona Cardinals West1330.8134–210–2.477.457L1
3 Minnesota Vikings North1150.6885–18–4.504.449W3
4 Washington Redskins East970.5634–28–4.465.403W4
Wild Cards
5 [a] Green Bay Packers North1060.6253–37–5.531.450L2
6 [a] Seattle Seahawks West1060.6253–37–5.520.431W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 Atlanta Falcons South880.5001–55–7.480.453L1
8 [b] St. Louis Rams West790.4384–26–6.527.482L1
9 [b] Detroit Lions North790.4383–36–6.535.429W3
10 [b] Philadelphia Eagles East790.4383–34–8.508.473W1
11 [b] New Orleans Saints South790.4383–35–7.504.402W2
12 [c] New York Giants East6100.3752–44–8.500.396L3
13 [c] Chicago Bears North6100.3751–53–9.547.469L1
14 [c] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South6100.3753–35–7.484.406L4
15 San Francisco 49ers West5110.3131–54–8.539.463W1
16 Dallas Cowboys East4120.2503–33–9.531.438L4
Tiebreakers [d]
  1. 1 2 Green Bay finished ahead of Seattle based on head-to-head victory.
  2. 1 2 3 4 St. Louis and Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on conference record. St. Louis finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head victory.
    Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on head-to-head sweep, while Philadelphia finished ahead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
  3. 1 2 3 The New York Giants and Chicago each finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory, while the Giants finished ahead of Chicago based on conference record.
  4. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

Postseason

Schedule

RoundDateOpponent (seed)ResultRecordVenueAttendanceNFL.com
recap
Wild CardJanuary 10, 2016 Seattle Seahawks (6)L 9–100–1 TCF Bank Stadium 52,090 Recap

Game summaries

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs. #6 Seattle Seahawks

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: #6 Seattle Seahawks at #3 Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Seahawks0001010
Vikings30609

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

The Vikings' only points in this game came from the foot of kicker Blair Walsh, whose three field goals put them 9–0 up by the end of the third quarter; however, Seattle outscored them 10–0 in the final period, with a touchdown catch from Doug Baldwin being followed by a 46-yard Steven Hauschka field goal in the first seven minutes of the quarter. The Vikings had a chance to win it with 20 seconds remaining, but Walsh missed a 27-yard field goal, reminding Vikings fans of Gary Anderson's missed field goal in the 1998 NFC Championship Game.

Pro Bowl

Running back Adrian Peterson was the only Minnesota Viking selected for the 2016 Pro Bowl. It was Peterson's seventh Pro Bowl selection, tying him for the fourth-most in Vikings franchise history with offensive tackle Ron Yary. [36] After Houston Texans DE J. J. Watt suffered an injury in the wildcard round game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen was called up to replace him, his first career Pro Bowl selection. [37] Griffen was followed by a fellow first-time Pro Bowler, safety Harrison Smith, on January 25, after Earl Thomas of the Seattle Seahawks was ruled out of the game due to injury. [38] The next day, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and linebacker Anthony Barr were added to the Pro Bowl roster as replacements for injured Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer and New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins respectively. [39]

Roster

2015 Minnesota Vikings roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

 Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

 Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 10 reserve, 10 practice squad

Staff

2015 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning


Statistics

Team leaders

CategoryPlayer(s)Value
Passing yards Teddy Bridgewater 3,231
Passing touchdowns Teddy Bridgewater 14
Rushing yards Adrian Peterson 1,485
Rushing touchdowns Adrian Peterson 11
Receptions Stefon Diggs 52
Receiving yards Stefon Diggs 720
Receiving touchdowns Kyle Rudolph 5
Points Blair Walsh 135
Kickoff return yards Cordarrelle Patterson 1,019
Punt return yards Marcus Sherels 311
Tackles Eric Kendricks 92
Sacks Everson Griffen 10.5
Interceptions Terence Newman 3
Forced fumbles Anthony Barr 3

Source: Minnesota Vikings' official website [40]

League rankings

CategoryTotal yardsYards per gameNFL rank
(out of 32)
Passing offense2,928183.031st
Rushing offense2,211138.24th
Total offense5,139321.229th
Passing defense3,759234.912th
Rushing defense1,748109.217th
Total defense5,507344.213th

Source: NFL.com. [41]

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 The Vikings traded their third-round selection (76th overall) to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for Kansas City's third- and sixth-round selections (80th and 193rd overall). [2]
  2. 1 2 3 The Vikings traded the third-round selection they received from Kansas City (80th overall) to the Detroit Lions in exchange for Detroit's third-round selection and the fifth-round selection they received from Chicago via Denver (88th and 143rd overall). [2]
  3. 1 2 3 The Vikings traded the fifth-round selection they received from Tampa Bay via Buffalo (137th overall) to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for Atlanta's fifth- and sixth-round selections (146th and 185th overall). [2]
  4. 1 2 3 The Vikings traded their sixth-round selection (187th overall) and QB Matt Cassel to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the fifth-round selection Buffalo received from Tampa Bay (137th overall) and a 2016 seventh-round selection (240th overall). [3]
  5. 1 2 3 The Vikings traded their fifth-round selection (149th overall) to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for the seventh-round selection Miami received from San Francisco (232nd overall) and WR Mike Wallace. [4]

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The 2012 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 52nd in the National Football League (NFL), as well as their second full season under head coach Leslie Frazier. They looked to improve upon their 3–13 season the year before, and did so after defeating the Tennessee Titans in Week 5; their win over the Houston Texans in Week 16 made this their first winning season since 2009. The Vikings also made the playoffs for the first time since 2009 with a Week 17 win over the Green Bay Packers to give them a 10–6 regular season record, but were defeated by the same opponents in the Wild Card playoff round the following week. Adrian Peterson was named the league's Most Valuable Player after rushing for 2,097 yards, just nine yards short of breaking the single-season record held by Eric Dickerson since 1984.

The 2013 Tennessee Titans season was the franchise's 44th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 54th overall, the 17th in the state of Tennessee and the third and final under head coach Mike Munchak. It was also the final season under the ownership of founder Bud Adams, who died on October 21. The Titans slightly improved on their 6–10 record from 2012 but missed the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 54th season in franchise history

The 2014 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 54th in the National Football League (NFL) and their first under head coach Mike Zimmer. It was the first of two seasons in which the Vikings played at the outdoor TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Construction of U.S. Bank Stadium began on the site of the team's former home, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, with a target of opening for the 2016 season. This for first time since 2002 Kevin Williams was not on the opening day roster and for first time since 2007 Jared Allen was not on the opening day roster they both left in free agency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 New Orleans Saints season</span> NFL team season

The 2014 season was the New Orleans Saints' 48th in the National Football League (NFL), their 39th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their eighth under head coach Sean Payton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Green Bay Packers season</span> NFL team season

The 2015 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise's 97th season overall, 95th in the National Football League (NFL), and the tenth under head coach Mike McCarthy. With a Week 15 win over the Oakland Raiders, the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff spot for the seventh consecutive season, but they failed to win their fifth consecutive NFC North title after a Week 17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, the fifth-seeded Packers traveled to Washington to face the fourth-seeded Redskins in the wild-card round. They beat the Redskins 35–18, and then traveled to Arizona for a rematch against the second-seeded Arizona Cardinals, where the Packers' season ended as they lost to the Cardinals in overtime, 26–20. One highlight of the Packers' season was a stunning come-from-behind victory over their division rivals Detroit Lions, which resulted in a 61-yard game-winning Hail Mary pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to tight end Richard Rodgers II as time expired.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Kansas City Chiefs season</span> NFL team season

The 2015 season was the Kansas City Chiefs' 46th in the National Football League (NFL), their 56th overall and their third under the head coach/general manager tandem of Andy Reid and John Dorsey. The Chiefs went through a poor start in their first six games as they were 1–5, and lost their star running back, Jamaal Charles, to a torn ACL in his right knee during an 18–17 Week 5 loss at home against the Chicago Bears. In week 16, after their ninth consecutive victory and the Baltimore Ravens defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chiefs clinched a playoff berth, their second in three years. They are the first team since the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals to start the season 1–5 and qualify for the playoffs. They also set the franchise record for the most consecutive victories, winning 10 in a row. In their Wild Card matchup, the Chiefs were set up to play against the Houston Texans. The Chiefs shutout the Texans 30–0 to earn their first playoff win in 22 years, ending what was at the time, until the Bengals broke the record the night the Chiefs won, an NFL record for consecutive playoff losses. The shutout was the Chiefs first ever playoff shutout and remains, as of the 2023–24 playoffs, the most recent playoff shutout in the NFL. The following week, they were defeated by the New England Patriots in the divisional round 27–20.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 56th season in franchise history

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. 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Minnesota Vikings season</span> NFL team season

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Minnesota Vikings season</span> NFL team 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 59th season in franchise history

The 2019 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 59th in the National Football League (NFL), their fourth playing home games at U.S. Bank Stadium and their sixth under head coach Mike Zimmer. They improved on their 8–7–1 campaign from 2018 with a Week 14 win over the Detroit Lions, and returned to the playoffs following a one-year absence after the Los Angeles Rams lost to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16. That week, the Vikings were eliminated from contention for the NFC North division title, losing 23–10 to the Green Bay Packers. They defeated the New Orleans Saints 26–20 in overtime in the Wild Card round but lost 27–10 to the eventual NFC champion San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Chicago Bears season</span> 102nd season in franchise history

The 2021 season was the Chicago Bears' 102nd season in the National Football League (NFL), their 103rd overall, and their fourth and final under head coach Matt Nagy. This was the first season under the NFL's new 17-game schedule.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 63rd season in franchise history

The 2023 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 63rd in the National Football League (NFL), their eighth playing their home games at U.S. Bank Stadium and their second under the head coach/general manager tandem of Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

References

  1. ↑ Kapadia, Sheil (January 10, 2016). "Russell Wilson, Seahawks escape with victory against Vikings". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 "2015 NFL Draft trade tracker: Details of all the moves". NFL.com. May 2, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  3. ↑ Smith, Michael David (March 4, 2015). "Bills acquire Matt Cassel in trade with Vikings". NBC Sports . Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  4. ↑ Alper, Josh (March 13, 2015). "Mike Wallace traded to Vikings". NBCSports.com. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  5. ↑ Goessling, Ben (March 13, 2015). "Breaking down Tom Johnson's contract". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Matt Asiata Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  7. ↑ Tomasson, Chris (March 10, 2015). "Joe Berger re-signs with Vikings on two-year deal". TwinCities.com. Digital First Media. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  8. ↑ Tomasson, Chris (March 14, 2015). "Cullen Loeffler took pay cut of more than $200,000 to remain with Vikings". TwinCities.com. Digital First Media. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  9. ↑ Berhow-Goll, Dean (March 17, 2015). "Vikings re-sign OT Mike Harris". 247Sports. Archived from the original on March 19, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  10. ↑ "John Sullivan Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  11. ↑ Goessling, Ben (July 27, 2015). "Kicker Blair Walsh gets contract extension from Vikings". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  12. ↑ Gates, Christopher (February 27, 2015). "Minnesota Vikings Cut Charlie Johnson". DailyNorseman.com. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Vikings Release Greg Jennings". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. March 14, 2015. Archived from the original on July 10, 2015. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  14. 1 2 Peters, Craig (March 26, 2015). "Vikings Sign 6-9, 351-pound Polish Lineman". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. Archived from the original on August 25, 2015. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  15. 1 2 Peters, Craig (April 2, 2015). "Vikings Add Veteran Quarterback". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. Archived from the original on April 29, 2015. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  16. ↑ "Vikings Release Cullen Loeffler". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. August 24, 2015. Archived from the original on August 25, 2015. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  17. ↑ "Vikings Announce Roster Moves". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. August 30, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  18. ↑ Tomasson, Chris (September 5, 2015). "Babatunde Aiyegbusi experiment over as massive tackle waived by Vikings". TwinCities.com. Digital First Media. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  19. 1 2 Alper, Josh (October 6, 2015). "Vikings trade Gerald Hodges to 49ers for Nick Easton and a pick". NBCSports.com. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Brandon Bostick claimed by Vikings one day after being waived". SportingNews.com. February 18, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  21. ↑ Goessling, Ben (March 10, 2015). "Breaking down Shaun Hill's contract". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  22. ↑ Gates, Christopher (March 19, 2015). "Minnesota Vikings Sign Running Back DuJuan Harris". Daily Norseman. Vox Media. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  23. 1 2 3 Goessling, Ben (April 3, 2015). "Breaking down contracts for Terence Newman, Casey Matthews and Taylor Mays". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Babatunde Aiyegbusi Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  25. ↑ Goessling, Ben (July 30, 2015). "Mike Kafka: Vikings QB on the field, entrepreneur off it". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  26. ↑ Berhow-Goll, Dean (April 1, 2015). "Defensive end Caesar Rayford signs with Vikings". 247Sports. Archived from the original on April 5, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  27. ↑ "Kevin McDermott Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Archived from the original on April 17, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  28. ↑ "Isaac Fruechte Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  29. ↑ Vensel, Matt (June 9, 2015). "Vikings sign rookie DT Chrishon Rose". StarTribune. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  30. ↑ Berhow-Goll, Dean (July 24, 2015). "Vikings announce signing of CB Josh Thomas". 247Sports. Archived from the original on July 27, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  31. ↑ Vensel, Matt (August 1, 2015). "Vikings sign wideout Ryan Whalen". StarTribune. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  32. ↑ Vensel, Matt (August 14, 2015). "Vikings sign Hickman, waive Lutman". StarTribune. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  33. ↑ Sessler, Marc (February 11, 2015). "Steelers, Vikings to square off in Hall of Fame Game". NFL.com. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  34. ↑ "Vikings Announce 2015 Preseason Schedule". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. April 9, 2015. Archived from the original on April 11, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  35. ↑ Hanzus, Dan (April 20, 2015). "NFL will release 2015 schedule on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET". NFL.com. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  36. ↑ "Adrian Peterson Selected To 7th Career Pro Bowl". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. December 22, 2015. Archived from the original on December 30, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  37. ↑ "Everson Griffen Named To First Career Pro Bowl". Vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. January 14, 2016. Archived from the original on January 16, 2016. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  38. ↑ Young, Lindsey (January 25, 2016). "Harrison Smith Headed to 1st Career Pro Bowl". Vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. Archived from the original on March 30, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
  39. ↑ "Teddy Bridgewater and Anthony Barr Selected To The Pro Bowl". Vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. January 25, 2016. Archived from the original on January 29, 2018. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  40. ↑ "Minnesota Vikings Team Statistics". Minnesota Vikings. January 4, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  41. ↑ "NFL.com Statistics". NFL.com. January 4, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
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