Minnesota Vikings News

Complete coverage of the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL featuring players Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, and Danielle Hunter. Latest MN Vikings scores, player stats, schedule, standings, game highlights and sports commentary from the Star Tribune.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, left, and Chargers coach Brandon Staley spent one season together with the Rams, but left regarding the other as one

O'Connell vs. Staley pits two close friends in desperate need of a win

Kevin O'Connell and Brandon Staley will coach against each other for the first time since becoming close friends on the Rams staff. That the Vikings and Chargers are both 0-2 adds extra drama.

Who wins? Who goes 0-3? Ben Goessling's Vikings-Chargers prediction

10:49am
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, right, finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting in the 2020 season to Chargers quarterback Justin Her
A matchup of winless teams that were in the NFL playoffs last season has a sense of urgency as close friends Kevin O'Connell and Brandon Staley square off.

Vikings mailbag: What's up with Akers? What's good about defense?

6:43am
The Vikings pass defense, including cornerback Akayleb Evans, left, has been a silver lining through an 0-2 start.
The unhappy break-up between the Rams and new Vikings running back Cam Akers and some praise for the defense, as well as a Justin Jefferson contract question.

Scoggins: Vikings go shopping to try fixing their biggest problems

5:53am
Sure, the Vikings traded for a running back and signed a free agent for the offensive line. But more is needed to keep the team how the course of the season could change if they start 0-3.

Vikings 'haven't lost confidence in Mattison' as Akers joins backfield

September 21
Also, former Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph officially retires and safety Theo Jackson gets a boost from Brian Flores.
Vikings
16 minutes ago
It was a weird week for Bears quarterback Justin Fields.

Week 3 NFL picks: Who will be 3-0, and will Vikings be 0-3?

Can the Vikings avoid the seventh 0-3 start in franchise history? Will the Packers thwart the surprising Saints?
Vikings
17 minutes ago
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is looking for a better outcome than in the Vikings’ home opener loss to Tampa Bay.

Vikings Kickoff: Your guide to Sunday's game against the Chargers

The Vikings are Chargers are both trying to avoid starting the season with three straight losses. Tap here for all of the Star Tribune's game-week coverage.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings Access Vikings podcast: Catch up on the Minnesota Vikings
updated 3 mins. ago
Our Access Vikings podcast series — featuring Andrew Krammer, Ben Goessling and Mark Craig — talks everything Vikings.
Vikings
11:25am
Mailbag podcast: Lewis Cine's outlook? Vikings as buyers and sellers?

Mailbag podcast: Lewis Cine's outlook? Vikings as buyers and sellers?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand answer your questions about the Vikings defense, the potential directions of this season, the run game and more.
Politics
September 21
The second phase of U.S. Bank Stadium’s enhanced security perimeter could cost more than the initial estimate of $48 million.

U.S. Bank Stadium's secure fencing phase two could cost more than expected

Populous will likely present design options in November for protecting Minnesota Vikings fans.
Vikings
September 21
Running back Cam Akers carried 22 times for just 29 yards in the Rams’ first two games but led the team with a career-high 786 yards in 2022.

Vikings add running back Akers in a trade with the Rams

Cam Akers, who worked with Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell in Los Angeles, could bring explosiveness to a struggling running game.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) walks on the sideline in the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct
Vikings/NFL stats Latest NFL scores, standings, schedule and stats
updated 20 hours 6 mins. ago
Find the latest Minnesota Vikings statistics along with NFL scores, standings and schedule.
Vikings
September 20
“If you told me after two games we were minus-6” in turnover differential, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins said, “I would tell you we’re 0-2.

Ball security a 'major message' to avoid seventh 0-3 start in Vikings history

The Vikings have a league-high seven turnovers after two games; the Chargers, their opponent Sunday, have none.
Vikings
September 20
After playing 62 games with the Denver Broncos, Dalton Risner signed a one-year deal with the Vikings on Tuesday.

New Vikings guard Risner has point to prove after 6 months as free agent

Dalton Risner is eager to help bolster the Vikings' running game — and prove his skills are sharp after a lengthy wait on the sidelines.
Vikings
September 20
Vikings defensive lineman Danielle Hunter is tied for the NFL lead in sacks.

Danielle Hunter's secret to sacking QBs: It's all about the hands

It's not news to the best pass rushers, including Danielle Hunter, who make it a skill to grab what they want to grab. He explains what that means to NFL writer Mark Craig.
Minnesota Vikings
upickem 2022 Play UPickEm: Join a group, pick winners, win prizes
updated 44 mins. ago
The Star Tribune's NFL prediction contest is on. Can you outpick your friends and other fans?
Vikings
September 20
Podcast: Vikings bulk up O-line, try to rise from 0-2 hole vs Chargers

Podcast: Vikings bulk up O-line, try to rise from 0-2 hole vs Chargers

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the signing of guard Dalton Risner and preview Sunday's game against the Chargers in this Access Vikings episode.
Vikings
September 19
Dalton Risner (66)  started 62 games for the Denver Broncos.

Vikings sign ex-Broncos starter Risner to aid struggling line

Dalton Risner brings offensive line help to 0-2 Vikings. He was a free agent after starting 62 games at left guard for the Broncos from 2019 through 2022.
Randball
September 19
Will Sunday’s game start to shape the Vikings’ future at quarterback?

Winless Vikings are home underdogs Sunday. What happens if they lose?

Starting 0-2 is a tough hole out of which to climb. Starting 0-3 by losing to the Chargers? That could alter the direction of the franchise for years to come.
Justin Jefferson (18) is a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings player profile What makes Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson just so good?
updated 50 mins. ago
No NFL receiver has gained as many yards in his first two seasons as the Minnesota Vikings' 23-year-old superstar. He dominates on nearly any route from any alignment. What can he accomplish in Year 3?
Vikings
September 19
Alexander Mattison took time to sign autographs for fans during training camp.

'Something that happens way too much.' Mattison on racist message

Running back Alexander Mattison called out the online vitriol that often comes from unsatisfied sports gamblers and fantasy football players. He was a target after the Vikings' loss to the Eagles.
Vikings
September 16
Jordan Love and the Packers have a shot at starting 2-0 on the season — but can they cover the spread vs. the Falcons?

Mark Craig's Week 2 NFL picks: Can the Packers cover?

After Week 1 where Cincinnati, Buffalo and Kansas City finished 0-3 while Baker Mayfield, Sam Howell and Jordan Love went 3-0, it's time for some more picks.
Vikings
September 16
Justin Jefferson took the field for warmups Thursday in Philadelphia.

Souhan: Fumble frustrates Jefferson, but history is within his grasp

Justin Jefferson felt the sting of his crucial fumble against the Eagles, but his performance this season gives reason to believe he'll break NFL records for catches and yards.
Vikings
September 15
Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (2) had eight carries for 28 yards and one of the team’s four fumbles Thursday in Philadelphia.

Amid slew of turnovers, failure of Vikings running game hard to ignore

Remember all the talk about the Vikings having a more efficient running game this season? Through two games, they've gained under 70 yards — one of the factors in an 0-2 start.
Vikings
September 15
Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (2) warmed up ahead of Thursday’s game in Philadelphia.

Vikings' Mattison received racist messages on social media after loss to Eagles

The NFL and the Vikings condemned the racial slurs directed at Alexander Mattison. "I know this is not just an isolated incident," Kevin O'Connell said.
Vikings
September 15
Vikings offensive lineman Oli Udoh had to be carted off the field Thursday night in Philadelphia.

Vikings tackle Udoh out for season with quad injury

The Vikings are down to six healthy offensive linemen on the active roster after Oli Udoh, who was starting for the injured Christian Darrisaw, was lost for the year with a torn left quad tendon.
Vikings
September 15
 Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is 2-0 despite averaging just 181.5 yards passing.

Is the NFL becoming a pass-unhappy league?

Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell and Baker Mayfield were among the winning quarterbacks in Week 1, while Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert fell short.
Randball
September 15
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17) reacts after dropping a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia

If you want to see Vikings' flaws laid bare, ship them to Philadelphia

A history of flailing against the Eagles has defined multiple Vikings tenures, even as the way we have watched it unfold continues to change.
Vikings
September 15
Eagles running back D’Andre Swift tried to elude Vikings safety Josh Metellus in the fourth quarter Thursday night in Philadelphia, when Swift ran f

Relentless Eagles rushing attack lays waste to Vikings defense

The Vikings joined poor company in franchise history when the Eagles ran for 259 yards — the most against Minnesota's defense since a loss on Christmas Day 2020.