2016 Minnesota Vikings season

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2016 Minnesota Vikings season
OwnerZygi Wilf
Head coachMike Zimmer (games 1–12, 14–16)
Mike Priefer (interim, game 13)
General managerRick Spielman
Home fieldU.S. Bank Stadium
Results
Record8–8
Division place3rd NFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers
6
AP All-ProsKR Cordarrelle Patterson (1st team)
Uniform
Vikings16 three.png

The 2016 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 56th in the National Football League 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 team in NFL history to start 5–0 or better more than once and on both occasions and miss the playoffs.

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.

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[]

Draft[]

Main article: 2016 NFL Draft
2016 Minnesota Vikings draft[11]
Draft order Player name Position College Contract Notes
Round Selection
1 23 Laquon Treadwell WR Ole Miss 4 years / $9.93 million[12]
2 54 Mackensie Alexander CB Clemson 4 years / $4.3 million
3 86 Traded to the Miami Dolphins[A]
4 121 Willie Beavers G Western Michigan 4 years / $2.88 million
5 160 Kentrell Brothers ILB Missouri 4 years / $2.57 million
6 180 Moritz Böhringer WR Schwäbisch Hall (GFL) 4 years / $2.49 million from 49ers[B]
186 Traded to the Miami Dolphins[C] from Dolphins[A]
188 David Morgan II TE UTSA 4 years / $2.47 million from Eagles[D]
196 Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles[D] from Texans via Patriots and Dolphins[C]
198 Traded to the San Diego Chargers[E]
7 227 Stephen Weatherly LB Vanderbilt 4 years / $2.42 million from Ravens via Dolphins[C]
240 Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles[D] from Bills[F]
244 Jayron Kearse S Clemson 4 years / $2.4 million

Draft trades

  1. ^ a b 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. ^ 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]
  3. ^ a b c 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]
  4. ^ a b c 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]
  5. ^ The Vikings traded their sixth-round selection (198th overall) to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for guard Jeremiah Sirles.[17]
  6. ^ 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
Date Player name Position Contract terms
March 7, 2016 Andrew Sendejo S 4 years / $16 million[19]
Adam Thielen WR 1 year / $600,000[20]
March 8, 2016 Audie Cole LB 1 year / $760,000[21]
March 9, 2016 Mike Harris G 1 year / $1.9 million[22]
March 15, 2016 Rhett Ellison TE 1 year / $2.25 million[23]
Marcus Sherels CB 2 years / $4 million[23]
March 16, 2016 Matt Asiata RB 1 year / $840,000[24]
March 18, 2016 Terence Newman CB 1 year / $3 million[23]
Justin Trattou DE 1 year / $810,000[25]
April 11, 2016 Chad Greenway LB 1 year / $2.75 million[26]
April 18, 2016 Zach Line FB 1 year / $1.671 million[27]
September 9, 2016 Joe Berger C 1-year extension[28]
Departures
Date Player name Position Note New team
March 8, 2016 Mike Wallace WR Released[29] Baltimore Ravens
Austin Wentworth OT Waived[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 LB Waived Calgary Stampeders (CFL)
May 10, 2016 Johnny Lowdermilk S Waived Tampa Bay Buccaneers
July 25, 2016 Phil Loadholt OT Waived Retired
August 25, 2016 Melvin White CB Waived
August 30, 2016 Brad Sorensen QB Waived[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 HB Waived
Blake Renaud FB
Isaac Fruechte WR
Moritz Böhringer WR
Willie Beavers OL
Isame Faciane OG
Stephen Weatherly DE
Toby Johnson DT
Brandon Watts OLB
Additions
Date Player name Position Previous team Contract 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 April 7.

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance NFL.com
recap
1 August 12 at Cincinnati Bengals W 17–16 1–0 Paul Brown Stadium 50,737 Recap
2 August 18 at Seattle Seahawks W 18–11 2–0 CenturyLink Field 68,469 Recap
3 August 28 San Diego Chargers W 23–10 3–0 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,143 Recap
4 September 1 Los Angeles Rams W 27–25 4–0 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,262 Recap

Game summaries[]

Week 1: at Cincinnati Bengals[]

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 10 7017
Bengals 0 7 0916

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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 11 0718
Seahawks 0 0 01111

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
1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 10 0010
Vikings 6 6 8323

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: August 28
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,143
  • Referee: John Hussey (35)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Rams[]

Week 4: Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Rams 7 0 31525
Vikings 0 13 7727

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[]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance NFL.com
recap
1 September 11 at Tennessee Titans W 25–16 1–0 Nissan Stadium 63,816 Recap
2 September 18 Green Bay Packers W 17–14 2–0 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,813 Recap
3 September 25 at Carolina Panthers W 22–10 3–0 Bank of America Stadium 73,813 Recap
4 October 3 New York Giants W 24–10 4–0 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,690 Recap
5 October 9 Houston Texans W 31–13 5–0 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,683 Recap
6 Bye
7 October 23 at Philadelphia Eagles L 10–21 5–1 Lincoln Financial Field 69,596 Recap
8 October 31 at Chicago Bears L 10–20 5–2 Soldier Field 60,422 Recap
9 November 6 Detroit Lions L 16–22 (OT) 5–3 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,807 Recap
10 November 13 at Washington Redskins L 20–26 5–4 FedExField 78,216 Recap
11 November 20 Arizona Cardinals W 30–24 6–4 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,808 Recap
12 November 24 at Detroit Lions L 13–16 6–5 Ford Field 63,793 Recap
13 December 1 Dallas Cowboys L 15–17 6–6 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,860 Recap
14 December 11 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 25–16 7–6 EverBank Field 62,701 Recap
15 December 18 Indianapolis Colts L 6–34 7–7 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,820 Recap
16 December 24 at Green Bay Packers L 25–38 7–8 Lambeau Field 77,856 Recap
17 January 1 Chicago Bears W 38–10 8–8 U.S. Bank Stadium 66,808 Recap
  • Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries[]

Week 1: at Tennessee Titans[]

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 0 121325
Titans 3 7 0616

at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: September 11
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 76 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 63,816
  • Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Chris Spielman and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Game Book
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
1 2 34Total
Packers 7 0 0714
Vikings 0 10 7017

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: September 18
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,813
  • Referee: Walt Anderson (66)
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
  • Recap, Game Book
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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 2 6 8622
Panthers 10 0 0010

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: September 25
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 80 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 73,813
  • Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 4: vs. New York Giants[]

Week 4: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Giants 0 3 0710
Vikings 7 7 3724

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: October 3
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,690
  • Referee: Brad Allen (122)
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 5: vs. Houston Texans[]

Week 5: Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 0 6 0713
Vikings 14 10 0731

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: October 9
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,683
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Solomon Wilcots
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 7: at Philadelphia Eagles[]

Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 3 0710
Eagles 0 11 7321

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 23
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 62 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 69,596
  • Referee: John Hussey (35)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Game Book
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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 3 0710
Bears 3 10 7020

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
1 2 34OTTotal
Lions 3 7 06622
Vikings 0 3 67016

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 6
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,807
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Game Book
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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 20 0020
Redskins 7 7 6626

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
1 2 34Total
Cardinals 7 10 0724
Vikings 7 13 10030

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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 0 3313
Lions 7 3 0616

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: November 24
  • Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST/11:30 a.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 63,793
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers (51)
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson and Jay Feely
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 13: vs. Dallas Cowboys[]

Week 13: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 7 01017
Vikings 3 0 3915

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 1
  • Game time: 7:25 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,860
  • Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
  • TV announcers (NBC/NFLN/Twitter): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Heather Cox
  • Recap, Game Book
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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 6 3 31325
Jaguars 0 9 7016

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
1 2 34Total
Colts 10 17 0734
Vikings 0 0 336

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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 10 01225
Packers 14 14 01038

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
1 2 34Total
Bears 0 10 0010
Vikings 7 17 01438

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
  • view
  • talk
 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Green Bay Packers 10 6 0 .625 5–1 8–4 432 388 W6
(6) Detroit Lions 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 346 358 L3
Minnesota Vikings 8 8 0 .500 2–4 5–7 327 307 W1
Chicago Bears 3 13 0 .188 2–4 3–9 279 399 L4

Conference[]

NFC
  • v
  • t
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1 Dallas Cowboys East 13 3 0 .813 3–3 9–3 .471 .440 L1
2 Atlanta Falcons South 11 5 0 .688 5–1 9–3 .480 .452 W4
3 Seattle Seahawks West 10 5 1 .656 3–2–1 6–5–1 .441 .425 W1
4 Green Bay Packers North 10 6 0 .625 5–1 8–4 .508 .453 W6
Wild Cards
5 New York Giants East 11 5 0 .688 4–2 8–4 .486 .455 W1
6[a] Detroit Lions North 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 .475 .392 L3
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[a] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 9 7 0 .563 4–2 7–5 .492 .434 W1
8 Washington Redskins East 8 7 1 .531 3–3 6–6 .516 .430 L1
9 Minnesota Vikings North 8 8 0 .500 2–4 5–7 .492 .457 W1
10 Arizona Cardinals West 7 8 1 .469 4–1–1 6–5–1 .463 .366 W2
11[b] New Orleans Saints South 7 9 0 .438 2–4 6–6 .523 .393 L1
12[b] Philadelphia Eagles East 7 9 0 .438 2–4 5–7 .559 .518 W2
13 Carolina Panthers South 6 10 0 .375 1–5 5–7 .518 .354 L2
14 Los Angeles Rams West 4 12 0 .250 2–4 3–9 .504 .500 L7
15 Chicago Bears North 3 13 0 .188 2–4 3–9 .521 .396 L4
16 San Francisco 49ers West 2 14 0 .125 2–4 2–10 .504 .250 L1
Tiebreakers[c]
  1. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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
  • Owner/Chairman – Zygi Wilf
  • Owner/President – Mark Wilf
  • Owner/Vice Chairman – Leonard Wilf
  • General Manager – Rick Spielman
  • Executive Vice President – Football Operations – Rob Brzezinski
  • Assistant General Manager – George Paton
  • Director of College Scouting –
  • Director of Pro Scouting –

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches
  • Defensive Coordinator – George Edwards
  • Defensive Line – Andre Patterson
  • Assistant Defensive Line – Robert Rodriguez
  • Linebackers – Adam Zimmer
  • Defensive Backs – Jerry Gray
  • Assistant Defensive Backs/Defensive Quality Control – Jonathan Gannon
  • Defensive Assistant – Jeff Howard

Special teams coaches

  • Special Teams Coordinator – Mike Priefer
  • Assistant Special Teams – Ryan Ficken

Strength and conditioning

  • Head Athletic Trainer –
  • Head Strength and Conditioning –
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Jeff Hurd
  • Assistant 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 final roster
Quarterbacks
  •  8 Sam Bradford
  •  6 Taylor Heinicke
  • 13 Shaun Hill

Running backs

Wide receivers

  • 14 Stefon Diggs
  • 15
  • 12 Charles Johnson
  • 84 Cordarrelle Patterson
  • 19 Adam Thielen
  • 11 Laquon Treadwell
  • 17 Jarius Wright

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 active, 13 inactive, 9 practice squad

Statistics[]

Team leaders[]

Category Player(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[]

Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank
(out of 32)
Passing offense 3,836 239.8 18th
Rushing offense 1,205 75.3 32nd
Total offense 5,041 315.1 28th
Passing defense 3,327 207.9 3rd
Rushing defense 1,711 106.9 20th
Total defense 5,038 314.9 3rd

Source: NFL.com.[51]

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.com. 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 2016-09-18. 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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b c d 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. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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.
Retrieved from ""