General manager Rick Spielman Home field U.S. Bank Stadium Division place 3rd NFC North | Owner Zygi Wilf Record 8–8 | |
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Head coach Mike Zimmer (games 1–12, 14–16)
Mike Priefer (interim, game 13) | ||
The 2016 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 56th in the National Football League and the third under head coach Mike Zimmer.
Contents
- 2016 Draft
- Schedule
- Week 1 at Tennessee Titans
- Week 2 vs Green Bay Packers
- Week 12 at Detroit Lions
- Week 13 vs Dallas Cowboys
- Week 15 vs Indianapolis Colts
- Pro Bowl
- Team leaders
- League rankings
- References
The Vikings' new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis opened this year, 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.
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. They joined the 1993 Saints, 2003 Vikings, 2009 Broncos, 2009 Giants and the 2015 Falcons to miss the playoffs after starting 5–0. The Vikings are the only team in NFL history to start 5–0 or better twice, and on both occasions miss the playoffs.
On September 3, quarterback Sam Bradford was traded to the Vikings for a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2018 Draft. The trade was made after starter Teddy Bridgewater suffered a season-ending ACL tear and dislocated knee during team practice on August 30, 2016. 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. Adrian Peterson left the second game with a torn meniscus. 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. He was placed on injured reserve on September 23, 2016, and reactivated on December 17, but only made six rushing attempts in the Vikings' before leaving the game, ending his season.
2016 Draft
Draft trades
Schedule
The Vikings' preseason opponents and schedule was announced April 7.
Schedule
Week 1: at Tennessee Titans
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
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 12: at Detroit Lions
Week 13: vs. Dallas Cowboys
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.
Week 15: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Adrian Peterson returned to action and had six carries for 22 yards against the Colts.
Pro Bowl
Four Vikings were selected for the 2017 Pro Bowl: defensive end Everson Griffen, return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and free safety Harrison Smith. Rhodes will be playing in his first Pro Bowl, while Griffen, Patterson and Smith will all be playing in their second; Patterson is the first return specialist in Vikings history to go to two Pro Bowls. Linval Joseph will replace Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
Team leaders
Source: Minnesota Vikings' official website
League rankings
Source: NFL.com.