2013 Minnesota Vikings season

Offseason

2013 draft

Main article: 2013 NFL draft

Notes:

Roster changes

: Denotes this is a reserve/future contract. : Denotes a signing to the Practice Squad.

Preseason

Schedule

The Vikings' preseason opponents and schedule were announced on April 4, 2013. Their preseason began with a loss to the Houston Texans at Mall of America Field on August 9, followed by road defeats against the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers; the game against the 49ers was the Vikings' second preseason matchup against the same opposition in two years. The preseason program concluded on a positive note – a home victory against the Tennessee Titans on August 29.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Houston Texans

First quarter

• HOU – Randy Bullock 48-yard field goal, 10:56. ''Texans 3–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 3:15.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 22-yard field goal, 5:50. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 2:26.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Zach Line 61-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 12:26. ''Vikings 10–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 94 yards, 2:34.'''''
• HOU – DeAndre Hopkins 34-yard pass from T. J. Yates (Randy Bullock kick), 6:24. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 6:02.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 1:19. ''Vikings 13–10. '''Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 0:53.''''' Third quarter
• HOU – Randy Bullock 21-yard field goal, 4:28. ''Tied 13–13. '''Drive: 15 plays, 90 yards, 6:33.''''' Fourth quarter
• HOU – Lestar Jean 2-yard pass from Case Keenum (Randy Bullock kick), 10:26. ''Texans 20–13. '''Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 5:18.'''''
• HOU – Ray Graham 5-yard run (Randy Bullock kick), 4:31. ''Texans 27–13. '''Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 3:59.''''' Top passers
• HOU – T. J. Yates – 13/21, 151 yards, TD
• MIN – Matt Cassel – 12/19, 212 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• HOU – Cierre Wood – 10 rushes, 59 yards
• MIN – Bradley Randle – 3 rushes, 16 yards Top receivers
• HOU – DeAndre Hopkins – 4 receptions, 52 yards, TD
• MIN – Stephen Burton – 3 receptions, 67 yards

Week 2: at Buffalo Bills

First quarter

• MIN – Blair Walsh 36-yard field goal, 0:05. ''Vikings 3–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 5:51.''''' Second quarter
• BUF – Jamie Blatnick fumble recovery in end zone (Dustin Hopkins kick), 8:45. Bills 7–3.
• BUF – Dustin Hopkins 39-yard field goal, 1:12. ''Bills 10–3. '''Drive: 15 plays, 59 yards, 5:19.'''''
• BUF – Dustin Hopkins 35-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Bills 13–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 0:38.''''' Third quarter
• BUF – Brad Smith 4-yard pass from EJ Manuel (Rian Lindell kick), 9:58. ''Bills 20–3. '''Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 5:02.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIN – Joe Banyard 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 9:18. ''Bills 20–10. '''Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:30.'''''
• MIN – Rodney Smith 35-yard pass from McLeod Bethel-Thompson (pass failed), 4:36. ''Bills 20–16. '''Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:11.''''' Top passers
• MIN – McLeod Bethel-Thompson – 10/17, 107 yards, TD
• BUF – Kevin Kolb – 13/21, 111 yards, INT Top rushers
• MIN – Joe Banyard – 7 rushes, 47 yards, TD
• BUF – Tashard Choice – 12 rushes, 54 yards Top receivers
• MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 3 receptions, 39 yards
• BUF – Marcus Easley – 3 receptions, 46 yards

Week 3: at San Francisco 49ers

First quarter

• SF – Phil Dawson 30-yard field goal, 12:56. ''49ers 3–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, −1 yard, 1:01.'''''
• SF – Quinton Patton 5-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (Phil Dawson kick), 2:39. ''49ers 10–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 5:38.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Zach Line 1-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 3:00. ''49ers 10–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 2:18.'''''
• SF – Lavelle Hawkins 105-yard kickoff return (Phil Dawson kick), 2:45. ''49ers 17–7. '''Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:15.'''''
• SF – Phil Dawson 50-yard field goal, 0:27. ''49ers 20–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 1:41.''''' Third quarter
• MIN – Joe Webb 3-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 4:05. ''49ers 20–14. '''Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 5:35.''''' Fourth quarter
• SF – Jewel Hampton 4-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 14:55. ''49ers 27–14. '''Drive: 9 plays, 91 yards, 4:10.'''''
• SF – Anthony Dixon 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 4:12. ''49ers 34–14. '''Drive: 15 plays, 63 yards, 8:09.''''' Top passers
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 17/23, 116 yards, 2 TD, INT
• SF – Colt McCoy – 11/15, 109 yards, INT Top rushers
• MIN – Toby Gerhart – 7 rushes, 20 yards
• SF – Jewel Hampton – 8 rushes, 45 yards, TD Top receivers
• MIN – Stephen Burton – 3 receptions, 31 yards
• SF – Quinton Patton – 4 receptions, 35 yards, TD

Week 4: vs. Tennessee Titans

First quarter

• TEN – Rob Bironas 28-yard field goal, 6:01. ''Titans 3–0. '''Drive: 18 plays, 70 yards, 8:59.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 14:57. ''Vikings 7–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:04.'''''
• TEN – Justin Hunter 17-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rob Bironas kick), 7:35. ''Titans 10–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:22.'''''
• MIN – Joe Banyard 11-yard pass from McLeod Bethel-Thompson (Blair Walsh kick), 2:29. ''Vikings 14–10. '''Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 5:06.'''''
• TEN – Jack Doyle 2-yard pass from Rusty Smith (Rob Bironas kick), 0:26. ''Titans 17–14. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 2:03.''''' Third quarter
• MIN – Marcus Sherels 109-yard kickoff return (Blair Walsh kick), 14:48. ''Vikings 21–17. '''Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:12.'''''
• TEN – Rob Bironas 29-yard field goal, 3:20. ''Vikings 21–20. '''Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 4:59.''''' Fourth quarter
• TEN – Rob Bironas 24-yard field goal, 12:53. ''Titans 23–21. '''Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 3:49.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 25-yard field goal, 1:38. ''Vikings 24–23. '''Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 2:17.''''' Top passers
• TEN – Rusty Smith – 13/21, 178 yards, TD, INT
• MIN – McLeod Bethel-Thompson – 19/26, 187 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• TEN – Darius Reynaud – 11 rushes, 56 yards
• MIN – Joe Banyard – 13 rushes, 62 yards Top receivers
• TEN – Rashad Ross – 2 receptions, 64 yards
• MIN – Joe Banyard – 7 receptions, 54 yards, TD

Regular season

Schedule

:Team names in bold indicate the Vikings' divisional opponents. : # Blue/red indicates the International Series game in London.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Detroit Lions

First quarter

• MIN – Adrian Peterson 78-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 10:39. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 1 play, 78 yards, 0:13.'''''
• DET – David Akers 33-yard field goal, 4:55. ''Vikings 7–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:44.''''' Second quarter
• DET – David Akers 42-yard field goal, 14:47. ''Vikings 7–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 3:08.'''''
• MIN – Adrian Peterson 4-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 12:17. ''Vikings 14–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:36.'''''
• DET – Joique Bell 2-yard run (David Akers kick), 0:10. ''Vikings 14–13. '''Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 2:04.''''' Third quarter
• DET – Joique Bell 1-yard run (David Akers kick), 10:19. ''Lions 20–14. '''Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:44.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 52-yard field goal, 6:42. ''Lions 20–17. '''Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:37.'''''
• DET – Reggie Bush 77-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (David Akers kick), 5:45. ''Lions 27–17. '''Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:57.'''''
• MIN – Adrian Peterson 4-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 1:37. ''Lions 27–24. '''Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 4:08.''''' Fourth quarter
• DET – Joseph Fauria 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (David Akers kick), 6:47. ''Lions 34–24. '''Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 4:36.''''' Top passers
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 18/28, 236 yards, TD, 3 INT
• DET – Matthew Stafford – 28/43, 357 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 18 rushes, 93 yards, 2 TD
• DET – Reggie Bush – 21 rushes, 90 yards Top receivers
• MIN – Jerome Simpson – 7 receptions, 140 yards
• DET – Reggie Bush – 4 receptions, 101 yards, TD

Week 2: at Chicago Bears

First quarter

• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 105-yard kickoff return (Blair Walsh kick), 14:47. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.'''''
• CHI – Martellus Bennett 1-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 12:12. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 2:35.'''''
• CHI – Brandon Marshall 34-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 1:04. ''Bears 14–7. '''Drive: 3 plays, 86 yards, 1:06.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Brian Robison 61-yard fumble return (Blair Walsh kick), 7:34. Tied 14–14.
• CHI – Tim Jennings 44-yard interception return (Robbie Gould kick), 2:51. Bears 21–14.
• MIN – Kyle Rudolph 20-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 1:11. ''Tied 21–21. '''Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:40.'''''
• CHI – Robbie Gould 20-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Bears 24–21. '''Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 1:11.''''' Third quarter
• MIN – Blair Walsh 28-yard field goal, 2:32. ''Tied 24–24. '''Drive: 13 plays, 81 yards, 5:45.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIN – Blair Walsh 28-yard field goal, 8:05. ''Vikings 27–24. '''Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 6:49.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 22-yard field goal, 3:15. ''Vikings 30–24. '''Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:13.'''''
• CHI – Martellus Bennett 16-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 0:10. ''Bears 31–30. '''Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 3:05.''''' Top passers
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 16/30, 227 yards, TD, INT
• CHI – Jay Cutler – 28/39, 290 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 26 rushes, 100 yards
• CHI – Matt Forté – 19 rushes, 90 yards Top receivers
• MIN – Greg Jennings – 5 receptions, 84 yards
• CHI – Brandon Marshall – 7 receptions, 113 yards, TD

Week 3: vs. Cleveland Browns

First quarter

• MIN – Adrian Peterson 2-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 9:13. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:47.'''''
• CLE – Josh Gordon 47-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Billy Cundiff kick), 4:42. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 2:13.''''' Second quarter
• CLE – Jordan Cameron 19-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Billy Cundiff kick), 14:55. ''Browns 14–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:26.'''''
• MIN – Christian Ponder 6-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 4:43. ''Tied 14–14. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:43.'''''
• CLE – Billy Cundiff 38-yard field goal, 6:07. ''Browns 17–14. '''Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:05.'''''
• CLE – Jordan Cameron 11-yard pass from Spencer Lanning (Billy Cundiff kick), 3:39. ''Browns 24–14. '''Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 1:33.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 43-yard field goal, 1:08. ''Browns 24–17. '''Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:20.''''' Third quarter
• MIN – Christian Ponder 8-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 2:36. ''Tied 24–24. '''Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 0:49.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 10:47. ''Vikings 27–24. '''Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 5:14.'''''
• CLE – Jordan Cameron 7-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Spencer Lanning kick), 0:51. ''Browns 31–27. '''Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 2:30.''''' Top passers
• CLE – Brian Hoyer – 30/54, 321 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 25/42, 228 yards, INT Top rushers
• CLE – Josh Aubrey – 1 rush, 34 yards
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 25 rushes, 88 yards, TD Top receivers
• CLE – Josh Gordon – 10 receptions, 146 yards, TD
• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson – 2 receptions, 49 yards

Week 4: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL International Series First quarter

• MIN – Blair Walsh 54-yard field goal, 12:08. ''Vikings 3–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 2:52.'''''
• MIN – Greg Jennings 70-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 8:06. ''Vikings 10–0. '''Drive: 3 plays, 76 yards, 0:56.'''''
• PIT – Le'Veon Bell 8-yard run (Shaun Suisham kick), 4:02. ''Vikings 10–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:04.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Adrian Peterson 60-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 12:42. ''Vikings 17–7. '''Drive: 1 play, 60 yards, 0:10.'''''
• PIT – Shaun Suisham 26-yard field goal, 3:39. ''Vikings 17–10. '''Drive: 15 plays, 78 yards, 9:03.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 37-yard field goal, 0:39. ''Vikings 20–10. '''Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:00.''''' Third quarter
• PIT – Le'Veon Bell 1-yard run (Shaun Suisham kick), 11:28. ''Vikings 20–17. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:32.'''''
• MIN – Adrian Peterson 7-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 7:52. ''Vikings 27–17. '''Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:36.'''''
• MIN – Greg Jennings 16-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 5:11. ''Vikings 34–17. '''Drive: 2 plays, 37 yards, 0:27.''''' Fourth quarter
• PIT – Jerricho Cotchery 15-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 12:42. ''Vikings 34–24. '''Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 3:13.'''''
• PIT – Shaun Suisham 28-yard field goal, 3:37. ''Vikings 34–27. '''Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 3:12.''''' Top passers
• PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 36/51, 383 yards, TD, INT
• MIN – Matt Cassel – 16/25, 248 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
• PIT – Le'Veon Bell – 16 rushes, 57 yards, 2 TD
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 23 rushes, 140 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• PIT – Jerricho Cotchery – 5 receptions, 103 yards, TD
• MIN – Jerome Simpson – 7 receptions, 124 yards

Week 6: vs. Carolina Panthers

First quarter

• CAR – Steve Smith 2-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:03. ''Panthers 7–0. '''Drive: 15 plays, 62 yards, 9:29.''''' Second quarter
• CAR – Mike Tolbert 10-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 3:43. ''Panthers 14–0. '''Drive: 14 plays, 82 yards, 6:34.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 22-yard field goal, 0:14. ''Panthers 14–3. '''Drive: 15 plays, 76 yards, 3:29.''''' Third quarter
• CAR – Brandon LaFell 79-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 13:56. ''Panthers 21–3. '''Drive: 3 plays, 86 yards, 1:04.'''''
• CAR – Cam Newton 7-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 6:10. ''Panthers 28–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 5:50.''''' Fourth quarter
• CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 7:40. ''Panthers 35–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 3:02.'''''
• MIN – Kyle Rudolph 23-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 1:00. ''Panthers 35–10. '''Drive: 11 plays, 89 yards, 2:38.''''' Top passers
• CAR – Cam Newton – 20/26, 242 yards, 3 TD
• MIN – Matt Cassel – 32/44, 241 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 17 rushes, 64 yards
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 10 rushes, 62 yards Top receivers
• CAR – Brandon LaFell – 4 receptions, 107 yards, TD
• MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 9 receptions, 97 yards, TD

Week 7: at New York Giants

First quarter

• NYG – Josh Brown 35-yard field goal, 5:24. ''Giants 3–0. '''Drive: 17 plays, 68 yards, 9:36.'''''
• MIN – Marcus Sherels 86-yard punt return (Blair Walsh kick), 0:23. Vikings 7–3. Second quarter
• NYG – Rueben Randle 24-yard pass from Eli Manning (Josh Brown kick), 9:33. ''Giants 10–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:34.''''' Third quarter
• NYG – Peyton Hillis 1-yard run (Josh Brown kick), 8:37. ''Giants 17–7. '''Drive: 2 plays, 3 yards, 0:41.''''' Fourth quarter
• NYG – Josh Brown 23-yard field goal, 12:13. ''Giants 20–7. '''Drive: 16 plays, 75 yards, 8:31.'''''
• NYG – Josh Brown 36-yard field goal, 11:03. ''Giants 23–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:00.''''' Top passers
• MIN – Josh Freeman – 20/53, 190 yards, INT
• NYG – Eli Manning – 23/39, 200 yards, TD Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 13 rushes, 28 yards
• NYG – Peyton Hillis – 18 rushes, 36 yards, TD Top receivers
• MIN – Greg Jennings – 4 receptions, 41 yards
• NYG – Victor Cruz – 5 receptions, 50 yards

Week 8: vs. Green Bay Packers

First quarter

• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 109-yard kickoff return (Blair Walsh kick), 14:47. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.'''''
• GB – Jordy Nelson 11-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 7:23. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 7:24.''''' Second quarter
• GB – Mason Crosby 30-yard field goal, 10:29. ''Packers 10–7. '''Drive: 17 plays, 70 yards, 8:24.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 36-yard field goal, 5:09. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 5:20.'''''
• GB – Jordy Nelson 76-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 3:38. ''Packers 17–10. '''Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:31.'''''
• GB – Micah Hyde 93-yard punt return (Mason Crosby kick), 1:30. Packers 24–10.
• MIN – Adrian Peterson 8-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 0:04. ''Packers 24–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 1:26.''''' Third quarter
• GB – Eddie Lacy 1-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 6:50. ''Packers 31–17. '''Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 8:10.''''' Fourth quarter
• GB – James Starks 25-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 14:16. ''Packers 38–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 5:32.'''''
• GB – Mason Crosby 20-yard field goal, 6:10. ''Packers 41–17. '''Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 6:36.'''''
• MIN – Toby Gerhart 13-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 4:42. ''Packers 41–24. '''Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 1:28.'''''
• GB – Mason Crosby 45-yard field goal, 2:53. ''Packers 44–24. '''Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 1:49.'''''
• MIN – Christian Ponder 19-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 1:24. ''Packers 44–31. '''Drive: 5 plays, 73 yards, 1:29.''''' Top passers
• GB – Aaron Rodgers – 24/29, 285 yards, 2 TD
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 14/21, 145 yards Top rushers
• GB – Eddie Lacy – 29 rushes, 94 yards, TD
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 13 rushes, 60 yards, TD Top receivers
• GB – Jordy Nelson – 7 receptions, 123 yards, 2 TD
• MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 4 receptions, 51 yards With Josh Freeman ruled out after suffering a concussion in the previous game, Christian Ponder reclaimed his spot as starting quarterback. Cordarrelle Patterson got the game off to a good start for the Vikings, returning the opening kickoff 109 yards for a touchdown to tie the NFL record. However, Aaron Rodgers responded for the Packers by leading his offense on a 14-play, 90-yard drive, culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson. The sides then exchanged field goals before Rodgers found Nelson again in the second quarter for a 76-yard touchdown. On the Vikings' next possession, they were forced to punt, but Micah Hyde was able to return the kick 93 yards for another Packers touchdown to make the score 24–10. A controversial pass interference call against Packers cornerback Tramon Williams late in the half set the Vikings up with a first down on the Packers' 14-yard line; two plays later, Adrian Peterson had the ball in the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown, which kept the Vikings in with a chance going into the second half.

But the Packers offense remained unstoppable as Rodgers again led a long drive, capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Eddie Lacy after they had converted three times on third down and once on fourth down during the series. After another three-and-out for the Vikings, the Packers offense picked up four first downs in the space of five plays on the way to a 25-yard touchdown run for James Starks. The Vikings again went three-and-out on their next possession, but this time their defense was able to stop Green Bay at the goal line, limiting them to a 20-yard Mason Crosby field goal to make the score 41–17 with just over six minutes to play. Patterson again had a big return on the ensuing kickoff, taking it 51 yards to the Minnesota 42-yard line to set up a short field. Five plays later, Toby Gerhart narrowed the deficit to 17 points with a 13-yard touchdown run. Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson was penalized on the onside kick that followed for touching the ball before it had gone 10 yards, allowing the Packers to run down the clock before Crosby slotted another field goal, this time from 45 yards. Inside the two-minute warning, Ponder threw an incompletion on fourth down, only for Tramon Williams to again be penalized for pass interference against Patterson, allowing Ponder the opportunity for a 19-yard touchdown run two plays later. The Vikings were unable to recover the onside kick, and Green Bay knelt out the clock for a 44–31 win.

Week 9: at Dallas Cowboys

First quarter

• DAL – Dan Bailey 41-yard field goal, 6:51. ''Cowboys 3–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:15.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 23-yard field goal, 2:08. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 4:43.''''' Second quarter
• DAL – Dan Bailey 44-yard field goal, 6:35. ''Cowboys 6–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 6:56.'''''
• MIN – Christian Ponder 6-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 1:41. ''Vikings 10–6. '''Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 4:54.''''' Third quarter
• DAL – Jason Witten 26-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 11:38. ''Cowboys 13–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 3:22.'''''
• DAL – Nick Hayden fumble recovery in end zone (Dan Bailey kick), 11:28. Cowboys 20–10.
• MIN – Kyle Rudolph 31-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 8:11. ''Cowboys 20–17. '''Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 3:17.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIN – Adrian Peterson 11-yard run (kick wide right), 5:40. ''Vikings 23–20. '''Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 4:52.'''''
• DAL – Dwayne Harris 7-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 0:35. ''Cowboys 27–23. '''Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 2:09.''''' Top passers
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 25/37, 236 yards, TD, INT
• DAL – Tony Romo – 34/51, 337 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 25 rushes, 140 yards, TD
• DAL – DeMarco Murray – 4 rushes, 31 yards Top receivers
• MIN – Greg Jennings – 6 receptions, 56 yards
• DAL – Jason Witten – 8 receptions, 102 yards, TD Following the high-scoring loss to the Packers, the Vikings, continuing with Christian Ponder as their quarterback, travel to Arlington, Texas to face the Dallas Cowboys. The first quarter was all field goals, as Dallas scored first with a 41-yarder by Dan Bailey, followed by a 23-yarder for the Vikings by Blair Walsh. In the second quarter, Bailey made another field goal from 44 yards to put the Cowboys up by 3, but the Vikings took a 10–6 lead into halftime, capping the ensuing 79-yard drive with a 6-yard run by Ponder.

After the half, Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo completed two consecutive 26-yard passes to tight end Jason Witten to give them an early touchdown and restore their three-point lead. On the very next play from scrimmage, Ponder fumbled the ball as he was sacked in the end zone, and the Cowboys' Nick Hayden recovered it for a touchdown, meaning the Vikings went from 10–6 up to 20–10 down in the space of two scrimmage plays. The Vikings responded immediately with a quick, six-play drive, culminating with a 31-yard pass from Ponder to Kyle Rudolph to cut the Cowboys' lead back to three points.

After a series of punts going into the fourth quarter, Adrian Peterson scored for the Vikings with an 11-yard run with almost six minutes to go, but Walsh pushed the extra point kick wide right, giving the Vikings a three-point lead over the Cowboys. Vikings cornerback A. J. Jefferson intercepted Romo on the Cowboys' ensuing drive, putting the Vikings in a position to potentially take over the game, but the offense went three-and-out and was forced to punt. The Cowboys progressed downfield quickly, never faced with a third down, and scored with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Romo to Dwayne Harris, the third time the Vikings had given up a game-winning score in 2013. With less than 30 seconds to play, but they were unable to make any significant territorial gains and Ponder's last-second hail mary fell short, giving the Cowboys a 27–23 win.

Week 10: vs. Washington Redskins

First quarter

• WAS – Kai Forbath 20-yard field goal, 8:16. ''Redskins 3–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:53.'''''
• MIN – Adrian Peterson 18-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 5:10. ''Vikings 7–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 3:06.'''''
• WAS – Pierre Garçon 8-yard pass from Robert Griffin III (Kai Forbath kick), 1:17. ''Redskins 10–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 3:53.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 2-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 12:59. ''Vikings 14–10. '''Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 3:18.'''''
• WAS – Jordan Reed 11-yard pass from Robert Griffin III (Kai Forbath kick), 5:02. ''Redskins 17–14. '''Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:57.'''''
• WAS – Logan Paulsen 1-yard pass from Robert Griffin III (Kai Forbath kick), 0:10. ''Redskins 24–14. '''Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 3:57.''''' Third quarter
• WAS – Kai Forbath 40-yard field goal, 9:22. ''Redskins 27–14. '''Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 5:38.'''''
• MIN – John Carlson 28-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 4:32. ''Redskins 27–21. '''Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:50.'''''
• MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 0:57. ''Vikings 28–27. '''Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 2:00.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIN – Blair Walsh 39-yard field goal, 9:54. ''Vikings 31–27. '''Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 2:38.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal, 3:36. ''Vikings 34–27. '''Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 4:47.''''' Top passers
• WAS – Robert Griffin III – 24/37, 281 yards, 3 TD
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 17/21, 174 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
• WAS – Alfred Morris – 26 rushes, 139 yards
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 20 rushes, 75 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• WAS – Pierre Garçon – 7 receptions, 119 yards, TD
• MIN – John Carlson – 7 receptions, 98 yards, TD

Week 11: at Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

• SEA – Steven Hauschka 50-yard field goal, 11:25. ''Seahawks 3–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 1 yard, 2:04.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 32-yard field goal, 4:40. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 6:45.'''''
• SEA – Marshawn Lynch 4-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 11:25. ''Seahawks 10–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 78 yards, 2:10.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Jarius Wright 38-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 11:28. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:32.'''''
• SEA – Marshawn Lynch 1-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 6:26. ''Seahawks 17–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 5:02.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 45-yard field goal, 0:48. ''Seahawks 17–13. '''Drive: 11 plays, 44 yards, 5:38.'''''
• SEA – Doug Baldwin 19-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 0:10. ''Seahawks 24–13. '''Drive: 5 plays, 46 yards, 0:38.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays Fourth quarter
• SEA – Marshawn Lynch 6-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 13:14. ''Seahawks 31–13. '''Drive: 2 plays, 18 yards, 0:39.'''''
• SEA – Walter Thurmond 29-yard interception return (Steven Hauschka kick), 12:30. Seahawks 38–13.
• SEA – Steven Hauschka 26-yard field goal, 10:12. ''Seahawks 41–13. '''Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:28.'''''
• MIN – Jarius Wright 21-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 2:18. ''Seahawks 41–20. '''Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:53.''''' Top passers
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 13/22, 129 yards, TD, 2 INT
• SEA – Russell Wilson – 13/18, 230 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
• MIN – Toby Gerhart – 7 rushes, 67 yards
• SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 17 rushes, 54 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• MIN – Jarius Wright – 3 receptions, 69 yards, 2 TD
• SEA – Zach Miller – 4 receptions, 69 yards

Week 12: at Green Bay Packers

First quarter

• GB – Scott Tolzien 6-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 4:59. ''Packers 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards, 5:59.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 36-yard field goal, 1:37. ''Packers 7–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 3:22.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Blair Walsh 47-yard field goal, 4:24. ''Packers 7–6. '''Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 4:23.'''''
• MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 0:50. ''Vikings 13–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 2:24.''''' Third quarter
• MIN – Rhett Ellison 12-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 8:22. ''Vikings 20–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 3:28.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIN – Blair Walsh 29-yard field goal, 14:22. ''Vikings 23–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 6:04.'''''
• GB – Eddie Lacy 3-yard run (pass failed), 11:42. ''Vikings 23–13. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:40.'''''
• GB – Jarrett Boykin 6-yard pass from Matt Flynn (Mason Crosby kick), 3:30. ''Vikings 23–20. '''Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 5:10.'''''
• GB – Mason Crosby 27-yard field goal, 0:46. ''Tied 23–23. '''Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 1:41.''''' Overtime
• GB – Mason Crosby 20-yard field goal, 10:25. ''Packers 26–23. '''Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 4:35.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 35-yard field goal, 3:49. ''Tied 26–26. '''Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 6:36.''''' Top passers
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 21/30, 233 yards, TD
• GB – Matt Flynn – 21/36, 218 yards, TD Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 32 rushes, 146 yards, TD
• GB – Eddie Lacy – 25 rushes, 110 yards, TD Top receivers
• MIN – Jerome Simpson – 2 receptions, 54 yards
• GB – James Jones – 7 receptions, 80 yards

The Vikings traveled to Green Bay in week 12 to face a Packers team missing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who had suffered a fractured left collarbone three weeks earlier. After successive punts from each side started the game, the Packers were the first to score as backup QB Scott Tolzien ran in for a 6-yard touchdown, but two field goals from Blair Walsh and a 1-yard touchdown run for Adrian Peterson meant the Vikings took a 13–7 lead into halftime. They extended their lead midway through the third quarter as Christian Ponder hit tight end Rhett Ellison for a 12-yard touchdown, and Walsh made it a 16-point lead with a 29-yard field goal on the second play of the fourth quarter.

The Packers pulled the struggling Tolzien after the Ellison touchdown and replaced him with the recently re-signed Matt Flynn. Flynn then led the Packers on three consecutive scoring drives in the fourth quarter, starting with a 3-yard touchdown run for Eddie Lacy. Flynn's pass to Andrew Quarless on the two-point attempt fell incomplete, but Flynn was able to find Jarrett Boykin for a 6-yard touchdown on the next drive to reduce the Vikings' lead to three points. Inside the two-minute warning, Flynn combined with James Jones for a 28-yard completion on 4th-and-6, setting up Mason Crosby for the game-tying, 27-yard field goal. The Packers won the overtime coin toss and took the opening possession down to the Minnesota 2-yard line before having to settle for a field goal, only for Walsh to respond with a 35-yard effort. The two sides then exchanged possession as neither was able to put together a significant drive and the game ended in a 26–26 tie.

Week 13: vs. Chicago Bears

First quarter

• CHI – Robbie Gould 30-yard field goal, 1:06. ''Bears 3–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 5:10.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 33-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 7:27. ''Vikings 7–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 90 yards, 2:33.'''''
• CHI – Robbie Gould 40-yard field goal, 2:47. ''Vikings 7–6. '''Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 4:40.''''' Third quarter
• CHI – Alshon Jeffery 80-yard pass from Josh McCown (Robbie Gould kick), 14:08. ''Bears 13–7. '''Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:52.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 32-yard field goal, 7:08. ''Bears 13–10. '''Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 7:00.'''''
• CHI – Alshon Jeffery 46-yard pass from Josh McCown (Robbie Gould kick), 5:15. ''Bears 20–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 83 yards, 1:53.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIN – Greg Jennings 8-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 7:41. ''Bears 20–17. '''Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 6:25.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 0:20. ''Tied 20–20. '''Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 2:20.''''' Overtime
• MIN – Blair Walsh 34-yard field goal, 1:43. ''Vikings 23–20. '''Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 2:24.''''' Top passers
• CHI – Josh McCown – 23/36, 355 yards, 2 TD
• MIN – Matt Cassel – 20/33, 243 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• CHI – Matt Forte – 23 rushes, 120 yards
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 35 rushes, 211 yards Top receivers
• CHI – Alshon Jeffery – 12 receptions, 249 yards, 2 TD
• MIN – Greg Jennings – 7 receptions, 78 yards, TD

Week 14: at Baltimore Ravens

First quarter

• BAL – Ed Dickson 1-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 4:14. ''Ravens 7–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 25 yards, 2:15.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Blair Walsh 39-yard field goal, 4:28. ''Ravens 7–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 45 yards, 5:42.''''' Third quarter
• MIN – Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal, 12:02. ''Ravens 7–6. '''Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 2:58.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIN – Jerome Simpson 8-yard pass from Matt Cassel (pass failed), 14:22. ''Vikings 12–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 1:40.'''''
• BAL – Dennis Pitta 1-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Joe Flacco–Torrey Smith pass), 2:05. ''Ravens 15–12. '''Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:27.'''''
• MIN – Toby Gerhart 41-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 1:27. ''Vikings 19–15. '''Drive: 2 plays, 68 yards, 0:38.'''''
• BAL – Jacoby Jones 77-yard kickoff return (Justin Tucker kick), 1:16. ''Ravens 22–19. '''Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:11.'''''
• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 79-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 0:45. ''Vikings 26–22. '''Drive: 3 plays, 79 yards, 0:31.'''''
• BAL – Marlon Brown 9-yard pass form Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 0:04. ''Ravens 29–26. '''Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 0:41.''''' Top passers
• MIN – Matt Cassel – 17/38, 265 yards, 2 TD
• BAL – Joe Flacco – 28/50, 245 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT Top rushers
• MIN – Toby Gerhart – 15 rushes, 89 yards, TD
• BAL – Ray Rice – 17 rushes, 67 yards Top receivers
• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson – 5 receptions, 141 yards, TD
• BAL – Marlon Brown – 7 receptions, 92 yards, TD Playing in the snow in Baltimore, the Vikings sought out their first road win of the season. During the first half, Adrian Peterson injured his ankle and was dropped from the game. Despite taking the lead with a touchdown twice in the final 2 minutes of the fourth quarter, the Vikings were unable to hold on as the Ravens scored a game-winning touchdown with four seconds left. With the loss, the Vikings dropped to 3–9–1 and were officially eliminated from postseason contention.

Week 15: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

First quarter

• MIN – Greg Jennings 57-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 6:18. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 91 yards, 2:04.'''''
• PHI – Alex Henery 35-yard field goal, 2:35. ''Vikings 7–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 3:43.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Blair Walsh 21-yard field goal, 13:19. ''Vikings 10–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 4:16.'''''
• PHI – Alex Henery 51-yard field goal, 8:55. ''Vikings 10–6. '''Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 4:24.'''''
• MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 1:06. ''Vikings 17–6. '''Drive: 16 plays, 75 yards, 7:49.'''''
• PHI – Alex Henery 33-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Vikings 17–9. '''Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 1:06.''''' Third quarter
• MIN – Matt Cassel 6-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 12:03. ''Vikings 24–9. '''Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:38.'''''
• MIN – Blair Walsh 38-yard field goal, 4:43. ''Vikings 27–9. '''Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:21.'''''
• PHI – DeSean Jackson 30-yard pass from Nick Foles (Alex Henery kick), 3:14. ''Vikings 27–16. '''Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 1:29.'''''
• PHI – Zach Ertz 3-yard pass from Nick Foles (pass failed), 0:15. ''Vikings 27–22. '''Drive: 3 plays, 45 yards, 1:03.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 13:01. ''Vikings 34–22. '''Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 2:14.'''''
• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 5-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 6:54. ''Vikings 41–22. '''Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards, 1:01.'''''
• PHI – Jason Avant 16-yard pass from Nick Foles (Nick Foles–Riley Cooper pass), 4:26. ''Vikings 41–30. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:28.'''''
• MIN – Matt Asiata 5-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 1:09. ''Vikings 48–30. '''Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 3:17.''''' Top passers
• PHI – Nick Foles – 30/48, 428 yards, 3 TD, INT
• MIN – Matt Cassel – 26/35, 382 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
• PHI – Nick Foles – 5 rushes, 41 yards
• MIN – Matt Asiata – 30 rushes, 51 yards, 3 TD Top receivers
• PHI – DeSean Jackson – 10 receptions, 195 yards, TD
• MIN – Greg Jennings – 11 receptions, 163 yards, TD

Week 16: at Cincinnati Bengals

First quarter

• CIN – Benjarvus Green-Ellis 4-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 13:12. ''Bengals 7–0. '''Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:12.'''''
• MIN – Jarius Wright 36-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick, 10:02. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 54 yards, 1:57.'''''
• CIN – A. J. Green 29-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 0:57. ''Bengals 14–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 90 yards, 5:21.''''' Second quarter
• CIN – Vincent Rey 25-yard interception return (Mike Nugent kick), 10:02. Bengals 21–7.
• CIN – Jermaine Gresham 16-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 2:22. ''Bengals 28–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 3:09.''''' Third quarter
• CIN – Mohamed Sanu 7-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 10:35. ''Bengals 35–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:25.'''''
• CIN – A. J. Green 2-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 3:19. ''Bengals 42–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 5:12.'''''
• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 35-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 1:34. ''Bengals 42–14. '''Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 1:45.''''' Fourth quarter Top passers
• MIN – Matt Cassel – 13/27, 114 yards, TD, 3 INT
• CIN – Andy Dalton – 27/38, 366 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson – 3 rushes, 54 yards, TD
• CIN – BenJarvus Green-Ellis – 12 rushes, 24 yards, TD Top receivers
• MIN – Jarius Wright – 1 reception, 36 yards, TD
• CIN – A. J. Green – 7 receptions, 97 yards, 2 TD

Week 17: vs. Detroit Lions

First quarter

• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 50-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 2:41. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:52.''''' Second quarter
• No scoring plays Third quarter
• DET – Reggie Bush 19-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (David Akers kick), 10:27. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 4:33.''''' Fourth quarter
• DET – David Akers 25-yard field goal, 14:25. ''Lions 10–7. '''Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 7:36.'''''
• DET – David Akers 53-yard field goal, 12:43. ''Lions 13–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:51.'''''
• MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 8-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 9:19. ''Vikings 14–13. '''Drive: 2 plays, 8 yards, 0:08.''''' Top passers
• DET – Matthew Stafford – 22/33, 217 yards, TD
• MIN – Matt Cassel – 20/33, 189 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• DET – Reggie Bush – 14 rushes, 32 yards
• MIN – Matt Asiata – 14 rushes, 115 yards Top receivers
• DET – Kevin Ogletree – 5 receptions, 75 yards
• MIN – Greg Jennings – 5 receptions, 44 yards In the last game to be played at the Metrodome before its demolition, the Vikings hosted their divisional rivals, the Detroit Lions. This turned out to be the only game of the Vikings' season (including preseason) in which the opposing team scored fewer than 20 points. A 50-yard run from Cordarrelle Patterson for the first score of the game put the Vikings up 7–0, where the score remained through halftime. After the half, Reggie Bush struck back with a 19-yard touchdown reception to tie the game at 7–7 in the third. The fourth quarter saw David Akers make two field goals to put the Lions in the lead 13–7. However, Matt Cassel threw a TD pass to Patterson to put the Vikings back in the lead 14–13, which they managed to hold onto for the remaining nine minutes of the game.

Head coach Leslie Frazier was fired as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings the following day. His tenure ended with a record of 21–32–1 in over three years.

Standings

Division

Conference

Staff

• Owner/chairman – Zygi Wilf

• Owner/president – Mark Wilf

• Owner/vice chairman – Leonard Wilf

• General manager – Rick Spielman

• Vice president of football operations – Rob Brzezinski

• Assistant general manager – George Paton

• Director of college scouting – Scott Studwell

• Assistant director of college scouting – Jamaal Stephenson

• Head coach – Leslie Frazier

• Special assistant to the head coach/linebackers – Mike Singletary

• Assistant to the head coach – Jeff Howard

• Offensive coordinator – Bill Musgrave

• Quarterbacks – Craig Johnson

• Assistant quarterbacks – Kevin Stefanski

• Running backs – James Saxon

• Wide receivers – George Stewart

• Tight ends – Jimmie Johnson

• Offensive line – Jeff Davidson

• Assistant offensive line/offensive quality control – Ryan Silverfield

• Offensive quality control – Klint Kubiak

• Defensive coordinator – Alan Williams

• Defensive line – Brendan Daly

• Assistant defensive line – Diron Reynolds

• Linebackers – Fred Pagac

• Defensive backs – Joe Woods

• Assistant secondary – Jeff Imamura

• Special teams coordinator – Mike Priefer

• Assistant special teams – Ryan Ficken

• Head athletic trainer/director of sports medicine – Eric Sugarman

• Strength and conditioning – Tom Kanavy

• Assistant strength and conditioning – Martin Streight

• Assistant strength and conditioning – Aaron McLaurin

• Assistant strength and conditioning – Chaz Mahle

Roster

Statistics

Team leaders

• Vikings single season record.

League rankings

References

References

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