2007 Minnesota Vikings season

2007 Minnesota Vikings season
Head coach Brad Childress
Owner Zygi Wilf
Home field Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record 8–8
Division place 2nd NFC North
Playoff finish did not qualify
Pro Bowlers
AP All-Pros
Uniform

The 2007 Minnesota Vikings season was the team's 47th season in the National Football League. The Vikings' 8–8 record under second-year head coach Brad Childress was an improvement on their 6–10 record in 2006; nonetheless, for the third straight year, the Vikings failed to make the playoffs. The Vikings also lost both games to the Packers in the 2007 season, making head coach Brad Childress 0–4 against the division rivals from Wisconsin.

The Vikings finished the season with the best defense against the run, as well as the best rushing offense with (primarily) running backs Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Adrian Peterson was named 2007 Offensive Rookie of the Year for 2007.[1]

The Vikings' defense was the league's best against the run in 2007, allowing only 74.1 rushing yards per game. However, the Vikings pass defense surrendered 4,225 passing yards, the most in the NFL in 2007.

Offseason

The Vikings began the 2007 offseason by losing their defensive coordinator, Mike Tomlin, who was hired to be the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 21, 2007. Coach Brad Childress waited until after the Super Bowl to hire Leslie Frazier, who served as special assistant to the head coach/defensive backs coach under Tony Dungy at the Indianapolis Colts. Frazier became the Vikings' new defensive coordinator on February 8. Frazier played cornerback for the 1985 Chicago Bears, and had just won Super Bowl XLI over his former Bears team when he was hired by the Vikings.

2007 Draft

Main article: 2007 NFL draft
=Pro Bowler = MVP
2007 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft order Player name Position College Contract Notes
Round Choice Overall
1 7 7 Adrian Peterson Running back Oklahoma 5 years
2 9 41 Traded to the Atlanta Falcons[a]
12 44 Sidney Rice Wide receiver South Carolina 4 years from Falcons[a]
3 8 72 Marcus McCauley Cornerback Fresno State 4 years
4 3 102 Brian Robison Defensive end Texas 4 years from Buccaneers[b]
7 106 Traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers[b]
22 121 Traded to the Denver Broncos[a] from Falcons[a]
5 9 146 Aundrae Allison Wide receiver East Carolina 4 years
6 2 176 Rufus Alexander Linebacker Oklahoma 4 years from Lions via Broncos[c]
8 182 Traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers[b]
7 7 217 Tyler Thigpen Quarterback Coastal Carolina 4 years
23 233 Chandler Williams Wide receiver Florida International 4 years from Broncos[c]
^[a] Atlanta traded their 2nd round selection (44th overall) and a 4th round selection from Denver (121st overall) to the Vikings to move up 3 spots to the 41st selection and draft CB Chris Houston.
^[b] Minnesota traded one of their 4th round selections (106th overall) and their 6th round selection (182nd overall) to Tampa Bay to move up 4 spots to the 102nd selection and make this pick.
^[c] Denver traded a 6th round selections (176th overall), 7th round selection (233rd overall), and 3rd round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft to Minnesota to move up 55 spots to the 121st selection and draft DT Marcus Thomas.

Transactions

Re-signed
PlayerPositionStatusContract
Chris KluwePFree agent1-year ($435,000)
Heath FarwellLBFree agent1-year ($435,000)
Anthony HerreraOGFree agent1-year ($850,000)
Spencer Johnson (American football)DTFree agent1-year ($850,000)
Richard OwensTEFree agent1-year ($850,000)
Artose PinnerRBFree agent1-year ($850,000)
Darrion ScottDEFree agent1-year ($850,000)
Tank WilliamsSSFree agent1-year ($595,000)
Drew HensonQBFree agent1-year ($765,000)
Additions
PlayerPositionStatus (previous team)Contract
Visanthe ShiancoeTEFree agent (NYG)5-years ($18.2 million)
Vinny CiurciuLBFree agent (CAR)3-years ($3 million)
Bobby WadeWRFree agent (TEN)5-years ($15 million)
Mike DossSFree agent (IND)1-year ($1 million)
Departures
PlayerPositionStatus (new team)Contract
Jason WhittleOGFree agent (BUF)1-year ($720,000)
Fred SmootCBFree agent (WAS)5-year ($25 million)
Brad JohnsonQBFree agent (DAL)3-year ($7.5 million)
Napoleon HarrisLBFree agent (KC)6-year ($24 million)
Bethel JohnsonWRFree agent (PHI)1-year
Jermaine WigginsTEFree agent (JAC)1-year ($1 million)

Preseason

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenue
1August 10St. Louis RamsL 10–130–1Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
2August 17New York JetsW 37–201–1Giants Stadium
3August 25Seattle SeahawksL 13–301–2Qwest Field
4August 30Dallas CowboysW 23–142–2Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1September 9Atlanta FalconsW 24–31–0Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeRecap
2September 16@ Detroit LionsL 17–20 (OT)1–1Ford FieldRecap
3September 23@ Kansas City ChiefsL 10–131–2Arrowhead StadiumRecap
4September 30Green Bay PackersL 16–231–3Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeRecap
5Bye
6October 14@ Chicago BearsW 34–312–3Soldier FieldRecap
7October 21@ Dallas CowboysL 14–242–4Texas StadiumRecap
8October 28Philadelphia EaglesL 16–232–5Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeRecap
9November 4San Diego ChargersW 35–173–5Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeRecap
10November 11@ Green Bay PackersL 0–343–6Lambeau FieldRecap
11November 18Oakland RaidersW 29–224–6Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeRecap
12November 25@ New York GiantsW 41–175–6Giants StadiumRecap
13December 2Detroit LionsW 42–106–6Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeRecap
14December 9@ San Francisco 49ersW 27–77–6Monster ParkRecap
15December 17Chicago BearsW 20–138–6Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeRecap
16December 23Washington RedskinsL 21–328–7Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeRecap
17December 30@ Denver BroncosL 19–22 (OT)8–8Invesco FieldRecap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons

1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 0 033
Vikings 7 0 31424

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis

The Vikings 2007 opener at the HHH Metrodome

The Vikings began their 2007 campaign at home against the Atlanta Falcons. In the first quarter, Minnesota scored first with DT Kevin Williams returning an interception 54 yards for a touchdown. It was the only score of the first half. In the third quarter, kicker Ryan Longwell kicked a 49-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Falcons would get their only score of the game, with kicker Matt Prater getting a 45-yard field goal. From there, the Vikings had the only offense with QB Tarvaris Jackson completing a 60-yard TD pass to rookie RB Adrian Peterson. Cornerback Antoine Winfield returned an interception 14 yards for a touchdown.

With the win, Minnesota began its season at 1–0.

Week 2: at Detroit Lions

1 2 34OTTotal
Vikings 0 7 100017
Lions 0 10 70320

at Ford Field, Detroit

  • Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT/3:15 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Indoors
  • Game attendance: 61,771
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • TV announcers (Fox): Matt Vasgersian (play-by-play), J.C. Pearson (color commentator), and Jennifer Hammond (sideline reporter)

Following their home win over the Falcons, the Vikings flew to Ford Field for a Week 2 divisional match-up with the Detroit Lions. After a scoreless first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Lions QB Jon Kitna completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams. The Vikings would tie the game with QB Tarvaris Jackson getting a 1-yard TD run. However, Detroit retook the lead with kicker Jason Hanson's 30-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Lions increased their lead with QB J. T. O'Sullivan's 7-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson. Minnesota would tie the game with kicker Ryan Longwell's 32-yard field goal and DE Ray Edwards' 9-yard fumble return for a touchdown. After both teams failed to score in the fourth quarter, the Vikings would get the ball to begin overtime. However, nine plays into their drive, back-up QB Brooks Bollinger would fumble the ball and Detroit would recover it (which would be the game's 10th overall turnover). In the end, the Lions turned the fumble into Hanson's game-winning 37-yard field goal.

With the loss, Minnesota fell to 1–1.

Week 3: at Kansas City Chiefs

1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 3 0010
Chiefs 0 3 3713

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 83°F (clear skies)
  • Game attendance: 78,038
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (Fox): Matt Vasgersian (play-by-play), J.C. Pearson (color commentator), and Jennifer Hammond (sideline reporter)

Following their divisional road loss to the Lions, the Vikings flew to Arrowhead Stadium for an interconference duel with the Kansas City Chiefs. In the first quarter, the Vikes rookie RB Adrian Peterson got an 11-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Minnesota increased its lead with kicker Ryan Longwell getting a 22-yard field goal. The Chiefs would end the half with kicker Dave Rayner getting a 39-yard field goal.

In the second half, Kansas City were the only team to score. In the third quarter, K.C. drew closer with Rayner kicking a 49-yard field goal, while in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs closed out a win with QB Damon Huard completing a 16-yard TD pass to WR Dwayne Bowe.

With the loss, the Vikings fell to 1–2.

Week 4: vs. Green Bay Packers

1 2 34Total
Packers 7 3 31023
Vikings 0 6 3716

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Game time: 1:05 P.M. EDT/12:05 P.M. CDT
  • Game weather: Indoors
  • Game attendance: 63,779
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts (play-by-play) and J.C. Pearson (color commentator)
Packers QB Brett Favre broke Dan Marino's TD pass record during Week 4 at Metrodome.

Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Vikings went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and prepared for an NFC North duel with the Green Bay Packers. With QB Tarvaris Jackson recovering from injuries, QB Kelly Holcomb would get the start for the game. In the first quarter, the Vikes trailed early as QB Brett Favre threw career TD pass #421 to WR Greg Jennings on a 16-yard pass, surpassing Dan Marino for the most career touchdown passes by a quarterback. After Favre was honored for his accomplishment, Minnesota drew close with kicker Ryan Longwell getting a 44-yard and 35-yard field goal. Green Bay would end the half with kicker Mason Crosby getting a 28-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Crosby kicked a 44-yard field goal for the Packers. The Vikings would respond with Longwell kicking a 48-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota's deficit increased with Crosby kicking a 33-yard field goal, along with Favre completing a 33-yard TD pass (#422) to WR James Jones. Minnesota tried to rebound with Holcomb completing a 15-yard TD pass to rookie WR Sidney Rice, along with recovering a Green Bay fumble. However, Holcomb was subsequently intercepted by Atari Bigby. A noteworthy accomplishment for Minnesota was rookie RB Adrian Peterson becoming the first Vikings rookie RB since Chuck Foreman to get a 100-yard rushing game for his first three games as a starter, as he ran 12 times for 112 yards.

With the loss, the Vikings entered their bye week at 1–3.

Week 6: at Chicago Bears

1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 71334
Bears 7 7 01731

at Soldier Field, Chicago

Coming off their bye week, the Vikings went to Soldier Field for a Week 6 NFC North contest against the Chicago Bears. In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Bears WR/KR/PR Devin Hester returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings responded with QB Tarvaris Jackson completed a 60-yard TD pass to WR Troy Williamson. In the second quarter, Chicago's Brian Griese completed a 39-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian. Afterwards, Minnesota answered with rookie RB Adrian Peterson getting a 67-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, the Vikings took the lead with Peterson getting a 73-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota increased its lead with kicker Ryan Longwell getting a 48-yard field goal. The Bears would reply with kicker Robbie Gould getting a 32-yard field goal. The Vikings would answer with Peterson getting a 35-yard TD run. Chicago would tie the game with Griese completing a 33-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad, along with an 81-yard TD pass to Hester. But on the ensuing kickoff, Adrian Peterson sprinted all the way down to the Chicago 38-yard line, setting up Ryan Longwell's game-winning 55-yard field goal.

With the win, the Vikings improved to 2–3, largely in part to Peterson's 224 rushing yards, which put him 5th for the most rookie rushing yards in one game. Up to this point, he had a total of 607 rushing yards, which placed him second for the most rookie rushing yards through the first five games, only behind Eric Dickerson. He also broke the NFL record for most all purpose yards in a single game, with 361.

Week 7: at Dallas Cowboys

1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 0014
Cowboys 7 0 14324

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

Coming off their impressive divisional road win over the Bears, the Vikings flew to Texas Stadium for a Week 7 intraconference duel with the Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Cowboys QB Tony Romo completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. The Vikings would respond with rookie RB Adrian Peterson getting a 20-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Minnesota had an abnormal defensive touchdown, as LB Ben Leber picked up a Patrick Crayton fumble, ran a couple of yards, lateraled the ball to CB Cedric Griffin, who would eventually fumble and recover the ball at Dallas' 28-yard line, and then run into the endzone for a touchdown.

In the third quarter, the Vikes began to struggle as Cowboys RB Marion Barber got a 1-yard TD run, while safety Pat Watkins returned a blocked field goal 68 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Dallas closed out the win with kicker Nick Folk getting a 45-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Vikings fell to 2–4.

Week 8: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

1 2 34Total
Eagles 3 14 3323
Vikings 7 3 3316

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Cowboys, the Vikings came home for a Week 8 intraconference duel with the Philadelphia Eagles. With starting QB Tarvaris Jackson out with a thumb injury, veteran back-up Kelly Holcomb got the start. Also, head coach Brad Childress would go up against his mentor, Philadelphia coach Andy Reid.

In the first quarter, Minnesota took the early lead as Holcomb completed a 9-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe. The Eagles would respond with kicker David Akers getting a 20-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Vikings trailed as Philadelphia RB Brian Westbrook caught a 6-yard TD pass from QB Donovan McNabb, along with getting a 1-yard TD run. Minnesota's only response for the period was kicker Ryan Longwell getting a 39-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Eagles increased their lead with Akers kicking a 27-yard field goal, while the Vikings' Longwell got a 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota drew closer as Longwell kicked a 48-yard field goal. Unfortunately, Philadelphia sealed its win with Akers hitting a 25-yard field goal.

With their second-straight loss, the Vikings fell to 2–5.

Holcomb (7/16 for 88 yards and 1 touchdown) left in the game in the third quarter, due to a concussion he suffered from a sack. QB Brooks Bollinger (7/10 for 94 yards) came in to finish the game.

Week 9: vs. San Diego Chargers

1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 7 0317
Vikings 7 0 141435

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis

Adrian Peterson rushing against San Diego in week 9

Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Eagles, the Vikings stayed at home and played a Week 9 interconference game against the San Diego Chargers. In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson got a 1-yard TD run. The Vikings responded with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the period was mainly scoreless until the final play of the half when kicker Ryan Longwell's 57-yard field goal attempt was short and San Diego CB Antonio Cromartie returned it 109 yards for a touchdown, which became the longest play in NFL history.

In the third quarter, Minnesota was the only team to score as Peterson got a 64-yard TD run, along with QB Brooks Bollinger completing a 40-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers tried to come back as kicker Nate Kaeding hit a 36-yard field goal. The Vikings pulled away as Peterson broke a 46-yard TD run and RB Chester Taylor punched in a 2-yard score.

With the win, the Vikings improved to 3–5. Adrian Peterson had 30 carries for an NFL single game record 296 rushing yards, along with 3 touchdowns.

QB Tarvaris Jackson (6/12 for 63 yards), who originally got the start, left the game in the second quarter after suffering a concussion.

Week 10: at Green Bay Packers

1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 0 000
Packers 7 6 14734

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Playing their first road game in three weeks, the Vikings traveled to Lambeau Field to play their long-time rivals, the Green Bay Packers.

In the first half, a 30-yard run by Ryan Grant would give the Packers a 7–0 lead, and two field goals by Mason Crosby (a 39-yard field goal midway through the 2nd quarter and a 24-yard field goal at the end of the half) would provide all the first half scoring, as the Vikings went to the locker room trailing 13–0.

The Packers completed the shutout with Brett Favre throwing a pair of third-quarter touchdown passes, one to Donald Lee and one to Ruvell Martin. Martin would score again in the 4th quarter. The Vikings were shut out 34–0, the first time the Vikings had been shut out in the regular season since 1991.[2]

Adrian Peterson suffered a knee injury in the 3rd quarter and left the game.

With the loss, Minnesota fell to 3–6 and were swept by the Packers.

Week 11: vs. Oakland Raiders

1 2 34Total
Raiders 3 16 0322
Vikings 9 10 3729

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis

Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Packers, the Vikings Week 11 opponent was the Oakland Raiders along with former Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper. Minnesota scored first as RB Chester Taylor got a 10-yard TD run, along with a safety (due to Culpepper committing a penalty while in his own endzone). The Raiders would get on the board with kicker Sebastian Janikowski getting a 42-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Vikings added onto their lead as kicker Ryan Longwell hit a 30-yard field goal, yet Oakland took the lead with Culpepper completing a 10-yard TD pass to TE John Madsen, along with Janikowski kicking a 30-yard field goal. Minnesota regained the lead with Taylor getting a 38-yard TD run, while the Raiders finished the half with Janikowski kicking a 49-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Vikes improved their lead with Longwell kicking a 38-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota pulled away with Taylor getting a 6-yard TD run. Oakland's only response would be Janikowski hitting a 52-yard field goal.

With the win, the Vikings improved to 4–6.

For Chester Taylor, this game marked the first time in his career that he had 3 touchdowns in one game.

Week 12: vs New York Giants

1 2 34Total
Vikings 14 10 31441
Giants 7 0 3717

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis

Coming off their home win over the Raiders, the Vikings flew to the Meadowlands for a Week 12 matchup with the New York Giants. In the first quarter, the Vikings scored first as QB Tarvaris Jackson completed a 60-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice. The Giants would respond with RB Reuben Droughns getting a 1-yard TD run. Minnesota regained the lead with safety Darren Sharper returning an interception 20 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Vikings continued their scoring as RB Chester Taylor got an 8-yard TD run, while kicker Ryan Longwell managed to get a 46-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, New York tried to come back as kicker Lawrence Tynes hit a 26-yard field goal. Minnesota answered with Longwell kicking a 26-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings pulled away with safety Dwight Smith returning an interception 93 yards for a touchdown, along with LB Chad Greenway returning an interception 37 yards for a touchdown. The Giants' only response would be QB Eli Manning's 6-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress.

With the win, the Vikings improved to 5–6.

Minnesota's league-worst pass defense had a big game as they intercepted Eli Manning four times (1 from Sharper, 2 from Smith, & 1 from Greenway), with three of them getting returned for touchdowns (which is the most since the 1984 Seahawks returned 4 picks in one game). It set a franchise record for the most interception return yards in one game with 169.

Week 13: vs. Detroit Lions

1 2 34Total
Lions 3 7 0010
Vikings 7 28 7042

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis

Coming off their road win over the Giants, the Vikings went home for a Week 13 divisional rematch with the Detroit Lions. In the first quarter, Minnesota scored first as RB Chester Taylor completed a 2-yard TD run. The Lions would reply with kicker Jason Hanson hitting a 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Minnesota answered with rookie RB Adrian Peterson getting a 16-yard TD run. Detroit would respond with QB Jon Kitna completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE/FB Casey Fitzsimmons. Afterwards, the Vikings immediately scored with rookie WR Aundrae Allison returning a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown (a franchise best), while QB Tarvaris Jackson completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Bobby Wade and a 2-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice. In the third quarter, Peterson added a 13-yard TD run.

With the win, the Vikings improved to 6–6.

This was the first time since their 15–1 season of 1998 that they were able to get 40+ points in back-to-back games.

Week 14: at San Francisco 49ers

1 2 34Total
Vikings 10 17 0027
49ers 0 0 707

at Bill Walsh Field at Monster Park, San Francisco

After their home win over the Lions, the Vikings flew to Bill Walsh Field at Monster Park for a Week 14 contest with the San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, Minnesota scored first as DT Kevin Williams returned an interception 18 yards for a touchdown, along with kicker Ryan Longwell getting a 48-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Vikings added to their lead as QB Tarvaris Jackson completed a 19-yard TD pass to WR Robert Ferguson. Longwell hit a 46-yard field goal, and RB Chester Taylor completed an 84-yard TD run. In the third quarter, the 49ers would get their only score of the game as QB Shaun Hill completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Arnaz Battle.

With the win, Minnesota improved to 7–6.

Rookie RB Adrian Peterson ended the day with a career-low 3 yards rushing on 14 carries.

Week 15: vs. Chicago Bears

1 2 34Total
Bears 3 10 0013
Vikings 0 6 6820

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis

After the west coast win over the 49ers, the Vikings went home for a Week 15 Monday night NFC North rematch with the Chicago Bears. Chicago's kicker Robbie Gould kicked a 29-yard field goal for the only score of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Minnesota responded with kicker Ryan Longwell getting a 42-yard field goal. Chicago would take the halftime lead with Gould kicking a 47-yard field goal and FB Jason McKie getting a 1-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, the Vikings started to rally as rookie RB Adrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run (with a failed PAT) for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings took the lead as Peterson got an 8-yard TD run. The Bears were unable to score in the second half.

With the win, the Vikings improved to 8–6.

Week 16: vs. Washington Redskins

1 2 34Total
Redskins 9 13 3732
Vikings 0 0 71421

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis

After the Monday night win over the Bears, the Vikings hosted the Washington Redskins. With a win, the Vikings would clinch an NFC playoff berth. The Redskins also needed a win to avoid elimination. Washington scored the only points in the first half, leading 22–0 at halftime on a safety and three touchdowns. Passes by Todd Collins to Chris Cooley and Santana Moss as well as a pass from Clinton Portis to Antwaan Randle El completed the scoring. After a field goal by Washington's Shaun Suisham to start the second half at 25–0, Minnesota answered with two touchdowns by Tarvaris Jackson: one a short pass to Jim Kleinsasser, the other a 6-yard quarterback rush. Each team would score an additional touchdown in the fourth quarter, bringing the final score to 32–21.

With the loss, the Vikings fell to 8–7, matching the Redskins' win-loss record. In order to secure a playoff spot, the Vikings need a win in Denver in week 17, as well as a loss by the Redskins against Dallas. Because of this loss in week 16, if Washington wins its last game, the Vikings will be eliminated from the playoffs regardless of the outcome of the Denver game.

Week 17: at Denver Broncos

1 2 34OTTotal
Vikings 0 3 016019
Broncos 0 14 32322

at Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Game time: 4:15 PM EST/3:15 PM CST
  • Game weather: 36°F (partly cloudy, windy)
  • Game attendance: 76,084
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen (play by play), Tim Ryan (color commentator)

In the final game of the season, the Vikings lost in overtime to the Broncos. Trailing in the fourth quarter by 16, Minnesota was able to score two touchdowns (both passes from Tarvaris Jackson to Bobby Wade), and complete two two-point conversions, (both quarterback runs by Jackson) to tie the game at 19. In overtime, the Vikings had the ball first, but on the second play of their drive, Jackson was hit by Alvin McKinley and fumbled. The ball was recovered by Elvis Dumervil on Minnesota's 13 yd line. Jason Elam kicked a 30-yard game winning field goal.

Minnesota was eliminated from playoff contention based on the Redskins' victory over the Dallas Cowboys 27–6. The Vikings final record was 8–8.

Standings

NFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) Green Bay Packers 13 3 0 .813 4–2 9–3 435 291 W1
Minnesota Vikings 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 365 311 L2
Detroit Lions 7 9 0 .438 3–3 4–8 346 444 L1
Chicago Bears 7 9 0 .438 2–4 4–8 334 348 W2

Statistics

Team leaders

Category Player(s) Value
Passing yardsTarvaris Jackson1,911
Passing touchdownsTarvaris Jackson9
Rushing yardsAdrian Peterson1,341
Rushing touchdownsAdrian Peterson12
Receiving yardsBobby Wade647
Receiving touchdownsSidney Rice4
PointsRyan Longwell99
Kickoff return yardsAundrae Allison574
Punt return yardsMewelde Moore130
TacklesE. J. Henderson118
SacksBen Leber
Kenechi Udeze
Ray Edwards		5.0
InterceptionsDarren Sharper
Dwight Smith		4
Forced fumblesRay Edwards4

League rankings

Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank
(out of 32)
Passing offense2,745171.628th
Rushing offense2,634164.61st
Total offense5,379336.213th
Passing defense4,225264.132nd
Rushing defense1,18574.11st
Total defense5,410338.120th

Pro Bowl

The Vikings had seven players selected to the 2008 Pro Bowl.[3] Starting on offense were RB Adrian Peterson, fullback Tony Richardson and offensive guard Steve Hutchinson. Starting at defense were defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams as well as strong safety Darren Sharper. The reserve center was Matt Birk. Only one team, the Dallas Cowboys, had more starters (7). Besides the seven named players for Minnesota, kicker Ryan Longwell was named a first alternate, and special teams player Heath Farwell and left tackle Bryant McKinnie were named second alternates.

Personnel

Final roster

2007 Minnesota Vikings final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 4 Inactive, 1 Practice squad

Draft position

The Vikings finished the season tied with Arizona, Houston and Philadelphia. Because of the "strength of schedule" rule, they had the 17th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft (after Arizona but ahead of Houston and Philadelphia).

Notes and references

  1. ↑ "Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is top offensive rookie". Archived from the original on 2008-01-09. Retrieved 2008-01-09.
  2. ↑ "NFL Records". NFL.com. Archived from the original on 1 December 2009. Retrieved 21 October 2009.
  3. ↑

Sources

Franchise
Stadiums
Culture
Rivalries
Lore
Division championships (19)
Conference championships (4)
League championships (0†)
Retired numbers
Current league affiliations
Seasons (56)
Championship seasons in bold
Bold indicates NFL Championship or Super Bowl victory
Italics indicates Super Bowl appearance
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