2016 Minnesota Vikings season

Last updated

2016 Minnesota Vikings season
Owner Zygi Wilf
General manager Rick Spielman
Head coach Mike Zimmer (games 1–12, 14–16)
Mike Priefer (interim, game 13)
Home field U.S. Bank Stadium
Results
Record8–8
Division place3rd NFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers
6
AP All-Pros
1
Uniform
Vikings 2016 Uniform.png

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.

Contents

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.

Offseason

2016 draft

2016 Minnesota Vikings draft [11]
Draft orderPlayer namePositionCollegeContractNotes
RoundSelection
1 23 Laquon Treadwell WR Ole Miss 4 years / $9.93 million [12]
254 Mackensie Alexander CB Clemson 4 years / $4.3 million
386Traded to the Miami Dolphins [A]
4121 Willie Beavers G Western Michigan 4 years / $2.88 million
5160 Kentrell Brothers LB Missouri 4 years / $2.57 million
6180 Moritz Böhringer WR None [B] 4 years / $2.49 millionfrom 49ers [C]
186Traded to the Miami Dolphins [D] from Dolphins [A]
188 David Morgan II TE UTSA 4 years / $2.47 millionfrom Eagles [E]
196Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles [E] from Texans via Patriots and Dolphins [D]
198Traded to the San Diego Chargers [F]
7227 Stephen Weatherly LB Vanderbilt 4 years / $2.42 millionfrom Ravens via Dolphins [D]
240Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles [E] from Bills [G]
244 Jayron Kearse S Clemson 4 years / $2.4 million

Draft trades

  1. 1 2 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]
  2. ↑ He played for the Schwäbisch Hall of the German Football League (GFL).
  3. ↑ 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]
  4. 1 2 3 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]
  5. 1 2 3 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]
  6. ↑ The Vikings traded their sixth-round selection (198th overall) to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for guard Jeremiah Sirles. [17]
  7. ↑ 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]

Roster changes

Re-signings
DatePlayer namePositionContract terms
March 7, 2016 Andrew Sendejo S4 years / $16 million [19]
Adam Thielen WR1 year / $600,000 [20]
March 8, 2016 Audie Cole LB1 year / $760,000 [21]
March 9, 2016 Mike Harris G1 year / $1.9 million [22]
March 15, 2016 Rhett Ellison TE1 year / $2.25 million [23]
Marcus Sherels CB2 years / $4 million [23]
March 16, 2016 Matt Asiata RB1 year / $840,000 [24]
March 18, 2016 Terence Newman CB1 year / $3 million [23]
Justin Trattou DE1 year / $810,000 [25]
April 11, 2016 Chad Greenway LB1 year / $2.75 million [26]
April 18, 2016 Zach Line FB1 year / $1.671 million [27]
September 9, 2016 Joe Berger C1-year extension [28]
Departures
DatePlayer namePositionNoteNew team
March 8, 2016 Mike Wallace WRReleased [29] Baltimore Ravens
Austin Wentworth OTWaived [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 LBWaived Calgary Stampeders (CFL)
May 10, 2016 Johnny Lowdermilk SWaived Tampa Bay Buccaneers
July 25, 2016 Phil Loadholt OTWaivedRetired
August 25, 2016 Melvin White CBWaived
August 30, 2016 Brad Sorensen QBWaived [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 HBWaived
Blake RenaudFB
Isaac Fruechte WR
Moritz Böhringer WR
Willie Beavers OL
Isame Faciane OG
Stephen Weatherly DE
Toby Johnson DT
Brandon Watts OLB
Additions
DatePlayer namePositionPrevious teamContract 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

Preseason

Schedule

The Vikings' preseason opponents and schedule were announced on April 7, 2016.

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueAttendanceNFL.com
recap
1 August 12at Cincinnati Bengals W 17–161–0 Paul Brown Stadium 50,737 Recap
2 August 18at Seattle Seahawks W 18–112–0 CenturyLink Field 68,469 Recap
3 August 28 San Diego Chargers W 23–103–0 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,143 Recap
4 September 1 Los Angeles Rams W 27–254–0U.S. Bank Stadium66,262 Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings0107017
Bengals070916

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: August 12
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT/6:30 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 86 °F (30 °C)
  • Game attendance: 50,737
  • Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings0110718
Seahawks0001111

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

  • Date: August 18
  • Game time: 9:00 p.m. CDT/7:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 83 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 68,469
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 3: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chargers0100010
Vikings668323

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week 4: Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Rams7031525
Vikings0137727

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: September 1
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,262
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich (52)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Regular season

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueAttendanceNFL.com
recap
1 September 11at Tennessee Titans W 25–161–0 Nissan Stadium 63,816 Recap
2 September 18 Green Bay Packers W 17–142–0 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,813 Recap
3 September 25at Carolina Panthers W 22–103–0 Bank of America Stadium 73,813 Recap
4 October 3 New York Giants W 24–104–0U.S. Bank Stadium66,690 Recap
5 October 9 Houston Texans W 31–135–0U.S. Bank Stadium66,683 Recap
6 Bye
7 October 23at Philadelphia Eagles L 10–215–1 Lincoln Financial Field 69,596 Recap
8 October 31at Chicago Bears L 10–205–2 Soldier Field 60,422 Recap
9 November 6 Detroit Lions L 16–22 (OT)5–3U.S. Bank Stadium66,807 Recap
10 November 13at Washington Redskins L 20–265–4 FedExField 78,216 Recap
11 November 20 Arizona Cardinals W 30–246–4U.S. Bank Stadium66,808 Recap
12 November 24 at Detroit Lions L 13–166–5 Ford Field 63,793 Recap
13 December 1 Dallas Cowboys L 15–176–6U.S. Bank Stadium66,860 Recap
14 December 11at Jacksonville Jaguars W 25–167–6 EverBank Field 62,701 Recap
15 December 18 Indianapolis Colts L 6–347–7U.S. Bank Stadium66,820 Recap
16 December 24at Green Bay Packers L 25–387–8 Lambeau Field 77,856 Recap
17 January 1 Chicago Bears W 38–108–8U.S. Bank Stadium66,808 Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: at Tennessee Titans

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings00121325
Titans370616

at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

Game information

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

Week 2: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers700714
Vikings0107017

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

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

Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings268622
Panthers1000010

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Game information

Week 4: vs. New York Giants

Week 4: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Giants030710
Vikings773724

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 5: vs. Houston Texans

Week 5: Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Texans060713
Vikings14100731

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 7: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings030710
Eagles0117321

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Game information

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

Week 8: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings030710
Bears3107020

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: October 31
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 58 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 60,422
  • Referee: Gene Steratore (114)
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 9: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 9: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234OTTotal
Lions3706622
Vikings0367016

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

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

Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings0200020
Redskins776626

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

  • Date: November 13
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 58 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 78,216
  • Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Chris Spielman and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

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

Week 11: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Cardinals7100724
Vikings71310030

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 20
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,808
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman (34)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 12: at Detroit Lions

NFL on Thanksgiving Day
Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings703313
Lions730616

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

Week 13: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 13: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Cowboys0701017
Vikings303915

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

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

Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings6331325
Jaguars097016

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

  • Date: December 11
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 62,701
  • Referee: John Hussey (35)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 15: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 15: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts10170734
Vikings00336

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 18
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,820
  • Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

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

Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings31001225
Packers141401038

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 77,856
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

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

Week 17: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bears0100010
Vikings71701438

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: January 1, 2017
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,808
  • Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, David Diehl and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Standings

Division

NFC North
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(4) Green Bay Packers 1060.6255–18–4432388W6
(6) Detroit Lions 970.5633–37–5346358L3
Minnesota Vikings 880.5002–45–7327307W1
Chicago Bears 3130.1882–43–9279399L4

Conference

NFC
#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division leaders
1 Dallas Cowboys East1330.8133–39–3.471.440L1
2 Atlanta Falcons South1150.6885–19–3.480.452W4
3 Seattle Seahawks West1051.6563–2–16–5–1.441.425W1
4 Green Bay Packers North1060.6255–18–4.508.453W6
Wild Cards
5 New York Giants East1150.6884–28–4.486.455W1
6 [a] Detroit Lions North970.5633–37–5.475.392L3
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 [a] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South970.5634–27–5.492.434W1
8 Washington Redskins East871.5313–36–6.516.430L1
9 Minnesota Vikings North880.5002–45–7.492.457W1
10 Arizona Cardinals West781.4694–1–16–5–1.463.366W2
11 [b] New Orleans Saints South790.4382–46–6.523.393L1
12 [b] Philadelphia Eagles East790.4382–45–7.559.518W2
13 Carolina Panthers South6100.3751–55–7.518.354L2
14 Los Angeles Rams West4120.2502–43–9.504.500L7
15 Chicago Bears North3130.1882–43–9.521.396L4
16 San Francisco 49ers West2140.1252–42–10.504.250L1
Tiebreakers [c]
  1. 1 2 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.
  2. 1 2 New Orleans finished ahead of Philadelphia based on better record vs. conference opponents.
  3. ↑ 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.

Staff

2016 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning


Pro Bowl

Five Vikings were selected for the 2017 Pro Bowl: defensive end Everson Griffen, defensive tackle Linval Joseph, return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and free safety Harrison Smith. Rhodes played in his first Pro Bowl, while Griffen, Patterson and Smith participated in their second; Patterson was the first return specialist in Vikings history to go to two Pro Bowls. [48] Linval Joseph replaced Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. [49]

Roster

2016 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, 13 reserve, 9 practice squad

Statistics

Team leaders

CategoryPlayer(s)Total
Passing yards Sam Bradford 3,877
Passing touchdowns Sam Bradford 20
Rushing yards Jerick McKinnon 539
Rushing touchdowns Matt Asiata 6
Receptions Stefon Diggs 84
Receiving yards Adam Thielen 967
Receiving touchdowns Kyle Rudolph 7
Points Kai Forbath 56
Kickoff return yards Cordarrelle Patterson 792
Punt return yards Marcus Sherels 292
Tackles Eric Kendricks 109
Sacks Danielle Hunter 12.5
Interceptions Xavier Rhodes 5
Forced fumbles Linval Joseph
Brian Robison 		3

Source: Minnesota Vikings' official website [50]

League rankings

CategoryTotal yardsYards per gameNFL rank
(out of 32)
Passing offense3,836239.818th
Rushing offense1,20575.332nd
Total offense5,041315.128th
Passing defense3,327207.93rd
Rushing defense1,711106.920th
Total defense5,038314.93rd

Source: NFL.com. [51]

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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">2020 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 60th season in franchise history

The 2020 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 60th in the National Football League (NFL), their fifth playing home games at U.S. Bank Stadium and their seventh under head coach Mike Zimmer. This was the Vikings' first time since 2005 that long-time assistant Kevin Stefanski was not part of the Vikings coaching staff, as he left to become the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns on January 12, 2020. After going 1–5 in their first six games for the first time since 2013, the team failed to improve upon their 10–6 record from 2019 after a Week 11 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and failed to match their 10–6 record after a Week 14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention following a week 16 loss to the New Orleans Saints, and ultimately finished 7–9, their first losing season since 2014. The Vikings conceded 475 points during the season, the third-highest total in franchise history, although they also managed to score 430 points, also the third-most in team history.

<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">2021 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 61st season in franchise history

The 2021 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 61st in the National Football League (NFL), their sixth playing home games at U.S. Bank Stadium and their eighth and final under head coach Mike Zimmer. They were eliminated from playoff contention for the second straight season following a Week 17 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The day after the team's last game of the season, the Vikings fired Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 62nd season in franchise history

The 2022 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 62nd in the National Football League (NFL), their seventh playing home games at U.S. Bank Stadium and their first under new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and new head coach Kevin O'Connell, following the firings of Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer at the end of the 2021 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Chicago Bears season</span> 104th season in franchise history

The 2023 season was the Chicago Bears' 104th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their second under the head coach/general manager tandem of Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 64th season in franchise history

The 2024 season is the Minnesota Vikings' 64th in the National Football League (NFL), their ninth playing their home games at U.S. Bank Stadium, their 20th under the ownership of Zygi Wilf and their third under the head coach/general manager tandem of Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The Vikings improved on their 7–10 record from 2023 after a Week 11 win over the Tennessee Titans and are looking to return to the playoffs after a one-year absence. The Vikings started the season 5–0 for the first time since 2016 following a Week 5 victory against the New York Jets in London.

References

  1. ↑ "NFL: After 5-0 Start, Vikings Eliminated From Playoff Race". KSFY ABC. December 24, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  2. ↑ Goessling, Ben (August 30, 2016). "Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater dislocates knee, tears ACL in drill". ESPN . Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Report: Bridgewater likely to miss 2017 season". SI.com. January 27, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  4. ↑ Orr, Conor (September 3, 2016). "Sam Bradford traded to Vikings for two draft picks". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  5. ↑ Smith, Alex (September 3, 2016). "Sam Bradford Traded To Minnesota". philadelphiaeagles.com. Philadelphia Eagles. Archived from the original on September 18, 2016. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  6. ↑ Rosenthal, Gregg (September 19, 2016). "Adrian Peterson has torn meniscus". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  7. ↑ Rosenthal, Gregg (September 21, 2016). "Will this be Adrian Peterson's last stand in Minnesota?". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
  8. ↑ Patra, Kevin (September 22, 2016). "Adrian Peterson undergoes successful knee surgery". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  9. ↑ Gantt, Darin (September 23, 2016). "Vikings put Adrian Peterson on injured reserve". ProFootballTalk. NBC Sports. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  10. 1 2 Orr, Conor (December 17, 2016). "Vikings activate RB Adrian Peterson (knee) from IR". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  11. ↑ "2016 NFL Draft Tracker - Minnesota Vikings". NFL.com. National Football League. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  12. ↑ Boilard, Kevin (May 13, 2016). "Report: Laquon Treadwell's contract worth nearly $10 million". 247Sports. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
  13. ↑ Tomasson, Chris (April 29, 2016). "Vikings trade out of third round, getting three picks from Miami". TwinCities.com. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  14. ↑ Alper, Josh (October 6, 2015). "Vikings trade Gerald Hodges to 49ers for Nick Easton and a pick". NBCSports.com. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  15. ↑ Nogle, Kevin (April 30, 2016). "Miami Dolphins pick Jakeem Grant in sixth round". SBNation. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  16. ↑ "Vikings trade up in 6th round, select TE Morgan out of Texas-San Antonio". Fox Sports. April 30, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  17. ↑ Alper, Josh (September 5, 2015). "Chargers trade Jeremiah Sirles to Vikings as they hit 53 players". ProFootballTalk. NBC Sports. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  18. ↑ Smith, Michael David (March 4, 2015). "Bills acquire Matt Cassel in trade with Vikings". NBC Sports. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  19. ↑ Florio, Mike (March 5, 2016). "Vikings re-sign Andrew Sendejo". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Adam Thielen Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  21. ↑ Tomasson, Chris (March 8, 2016). "Vikings linebacker Audie Cole signs new deal". TwinCities.com. Digital First Media. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  22. 1 2 3 4 Tomasson, Chris (March 9, 2016). "Vikings have deals with offensive linemen Alex Boone, Mike Harris". TwinCities.com. Digital First Media. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  23. 1 2 3 "Vikings re-sign Sherels, Ellison, Newman". FoxSports.com. Associated Press. March 15, 2016. Retrieved March 15, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Matt Asiata Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Justin Trattou Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Chad Greenway Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  27. ↑ Alper, Josh (April 18, 2016). "Zach Line remains with Vikings". ProFootballTalk. NBC Sports. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  28. ↑ "Vikings Sign Joe Berger to a 1-Year Extension". Minnesota Vikings Football. Archived from the original on September 10, 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  29. 1 2 "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.
  30. ↑ 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.
  31. ↑ "Vikings Announce Roster Moves". Vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings. August 30, 2016. Archived from the original on September 23, 2017. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  32. ↑ "Vikings Release John Sullivan, Announce Other Roster Moves". Vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings. August 30, 2016. Archived from the original on August 31, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  33. ↑ "Transactions roundup: Vikings to add guard Alex Boone". NFL.com . National Football League. March 9, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Ben Goessling on Twitter". Twitter. March 17, 2016. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
  35. ↑ "Vikings Acquire QB Sam Bradford". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. September 3, 2016. Archived from the original on September 4, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  36. ↑ "Vikings Sign 9 Players To Practice Squad". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. September 4, 2016. Archived from the original on September 5, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  37. ↑ "Minnesota Vikings Sign Shamiel Gary To Practice Squad". dailynorseman.com. Daily Norseman. September 4, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  38. ↑ "Carter Bykowski Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  39. ↑ "Kenrick Ellis Contract, Salary Cap Details & Breakdowns". Spotrac. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  40. ↑ Goessling, Ben (March 18, 2016). "Vikings sign Brian Leonhardt to one-year deal". ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  41. ↑ Gates, Christopher (May 1, 2016). "2016 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings Undrafted Free Agent Tracker". DailyNorseman.com. SB Nation. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  42. 1 2 Peters, Craig (May 9, 2016). "Former Gopher Stoudermire Joins Vikings; QB Roberson Going to DB". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. Archived from the original on May 10, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  43. 1 2 Peters, Craig (July 27, 2016). "Vikings Add to Offensive Line, Linebacker Groups". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. Archived from the original on July 28, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  44. ↑ Vensel, Matt (July 30, 2016). "Vikings sign DT Claudell Louis". StarTribune. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
  45. 1 2 Tomasson, Chris (August 20, 2016). "Vikings sign Brad Sorensen for depth at quarterback". TwinCities.com. Digital First Media. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  46. ↑ "Vikings Place Bridgewater on IR, Announce Other Roster Moves". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. August 31, 2016. Archived from the original on September 2, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  47. ↑ "Mike Zimmer has emergency eye surgery, won't coach Thursday". ESPN. December 1, 2016.
  48. ↑ "Four Vikings Selected To Pro Bowl". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. December 21, 2016. Archived from the original on December 22, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2016.
  49. ↑ "Linval Joseph Selected To First Career Pro Bowl". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. January 12, 2017. Archived from the original on January 23, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
  50. ↑ "Minnesota Vikings Team Statistics". Minnesota Vikings. January 3, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
  51. ↑ "NFL.com Statistics". NFL.com. December 27, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2016.
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