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The Minnesota Vikings have had many legendary players over the years. Despite not winning a single Super Bowl, some of the greatest Vikings teams remain in fans’ memories. The best Vikings teams have been agonizingly close, and some of them could have won it all. But ultimately, the greatest Vikings teams ever have fallen short every time. As Justin Jefferson prepares for the 2025 season, it’s time to look at the best Vikings teams ever to play the game.
This wasn’t the greatest team. Regardless, Minnesota went 8-7 and earned a wildcard spot. They would throttle the New Orleans Saints 44-10 on the road. Then, they shocked the San Francisco 49ers 36-24, earning a spot in the NFC Championship Game. This set them up for a showdown with the Washington Redskins. Unfortunately, Minnesota could not generate much offense, falling 17-10 to the Skins.
It was the 40th anniversary of the Purple and Gold. Furthermore, it was a good season for the Vikes, as Daunte Culpepper led them to an 11-5 record and an NFC Central division title. Minnesota started the playoffs well, as they defeated the Saints 34-16 in the NFC Divisional Round. Unfortunately, they played one of their worst games in franchise history, losing 41-0 to the New York Giants in the NFC Title Game. Randy Moss would help the Vikes make playoff appearances again. However, the furthest they got was the divisional round in 2005, and Moss left the team after.
Fran Tarkenton was the star in the 1970s, and always gave the Vikes a chance to win. Unsurprisingly, this was another example. Minnesota went 11-2-1, dominating the NFC Central while earning another playoff spot.
The Vikings defeated the Redskins 35-20 in the NFC Divisional Round. Then, they edged out the Los Angeles Rams 24-13 in a classic NFC Championship Game. Although the Vikings looked poised to win a title finally, they could not solve the Oakland Raiders, losing 32-14. Regardless, this was one of the best Vikings teams of all time.
Many did not expect much from the Vikings, as they were without Adrian Peterson for the first time since 2006. Then, Minnesota changed the narrative and gave its fans hope.
Minnesota went 13-3, dominating the NFC North and winning the division. Things looked dour for the Vikes in the NFC Divisional Round against the Saints, but their luck was about to change. Case Keenum stepped back and fired a pass downfield to Stefon Diggs, who caught it and scored the game-winning touchdown in what would be known as the Minneapolis Miracle. While the Vikings lost 38-7 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Title Game, fans will always fondly remember this team for that special moment.
Everyone remembers the NFC Championship Game for the Bountygate Scandal, which would eventually come out years later. Prior to this, all the talk was about Brett Favre and how much...
