Access Vikings

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (14-2) and Lions (14-2) at Ford Field, where the NFC's No. 1 seed and NFC North champion will be decided. They discuss how they're proceeding with quarterback Sam Darnold, who has just one regular season game left under contract, and how well this Vikings defense is playing before facing the NFL's No. 1 offense in Detroit. They also make their final predictions of the regular season.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 27-25 win over the Packers from U.S. Bank Stadium, where they talked to players and coaches afterward about what exactly happened between the 20-3 lead to another fourth-quarter rally by Packers quarterback Jordan Love. But it fell short again. And the Vikings were victorious... again. They're 14-2 with a chance to take the "little hats" back from the Lions, although they'd get their own NFC North hats with a win next week.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the playoffs, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., running back Aaron Jones and 2025, the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and youth vs. experience in the postseason.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview the latest chapter between the Vikings and Packers on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium, where this may be the most significant matchup in recent memory. They've played for division titles before, but the Vikings' pursuit of the No. 1 overall seed (and division title) can hinge on this game, and the Packers (11-4) are rolling off back-to-back decisive wins. Green Bay also needs this win for playoff positioning -- or risk falling to the No. 7 seed and a first-round trip to potential No. 2 seed Philadelphia.

Ben Goessling, JIm Souhan, and Emily Leiker join Andrew Krammer from Seattle, where they emerged from the visitor's locker room to share what they saw and heard during and after Sunday's 27-24 win over the Seahawks. They're now set up to win out for the No. 1 seed. Are there any NFC quarterbacks playing better than Sam Darnold right now? How good is this Vikings defense after yet another closing takeaway? How tough of a test was a road game against this Seahawks team?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag for a shortened episode on a short week to answer your Vikings-adjacent questions. What should be considered a successful season? Is a pass-heavy approach concerning at all come playoff time? And which players need to stay healthy as all NFL teams try to win the attrition battle?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview Sunday's game in Seattle, where the Vikings haven't won in a long time. But this isn't the same Seahawks team nor is it the same Vikings team as past losers on the west coast. What does Sam Darnold's development arc say about where this season is headed? What do they think happens in the final three games?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan emerge from the locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium to discuss what they saw and heard during and after the Vikings' 30-12 win over the Bears on Monday night. What does this win say about the state of the Bears? How are the Vikings set up for the stretch run? How's Brian O'Neill's right knee? What about the outlook for the division crown?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about the future at quarterback, contract extensions for leadership, what this defensive depth chart has shown so far and who could be rejoining by season's end.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss quarterback Sam Darnold's MVP candidacy, playoff scenarios, Monday night's rematch against the Chicago Bears, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 42-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins on Sunday. There was no question who the better quarterback was at U.S. Bank Stadium, where Sam Darnold threw for a career-high 347 yards and a career-high five touchdown passes. What does this win say about Kevin O'Connell's system? About Sam Darnold? Or about their chances in chasing the NFC North title?

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about the age of the roster, how many Pro Bowlers they'll have, chasing the No. 1 seed in the NFC, quarterbacks, and more.

Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand, and new Star Tribune writer Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game against the Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins, who returns to Minnesota after six eventful seasons for the Vikings from 2018-2023. What will the reception be like at U.S. Bank Stadium? How will he fare against a better Brian Flores defense than the one he practiced against last season? And how does quarterback Sam Darnold look in comparison after the Vikings "settled" for him in free agency last March?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins discuss the Vikings' 23-22 win over the Cardinals on Sunday from U.S. Bank Stadium, where quarterback Sam Darnold gave people more reasons to believe in his ability to win. For the second straight game, Darnold led a game-winning drive. But for the first time, the defense had to weather the loss of Stephon Gilmore. For how much longer? Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. got his 'skimask' revenge, and safety Harrison Smith says he's not injured after sitting out part of the game.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about the recent addition of ex-Giants QB Daniel Jones, the various events on special teams, what GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has learned from, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' signing of former Giants first-round quarterback Daniel Jones, who chose Minnesota over other suitors in his first stop to rehabilitate his NFL career. What does the move mean for the Vikings this season? And more pertinently with Jones, what does it mean for 2025 when only J.J. McCarthy is under contract for the Vikings? They also preview Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer sat down with Vikings safety Josh Metellus for a wide-ranging interview about the fifth-year safety emerging as a leading voice for a veteran defense, playing with Harrison Smith and under Brian Flores, and hosting Tell Us With Metellus. You'll hear from Metellus, Smith and Maleah Pearson, a producer for Vikings.com.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer emerge from the visiting locker room at Soldier Field to discuss the Vikings' 30-27 win in overtime over the Bears and being 9-2 in a tight NFC North. First, they discuss a huge game from quarterback Sam Darnold, who gutted through a foot injury to lead them to victory in overtime. But Bears quarterback Caleb Williams also gave the Vikings reasons to be concerned about having to see him twice a year. What did Justin Jefferson have to say after his quiet game? And what about the eventful afternoons for Vikings special teams and NFL officials.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about vibes around an 8-2 team that has exceeded expectations so far this season, tight end T.J. Hockenson's roughly 50% role at this point, the futures of a couple starting defensive backs on expiring contracts, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss where the Vikings and Bears are at nearly three years into the tenures of general managers Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Ryan Poles. How do the roster and salary cap situations stack up? And what do they think happens on Sunday at Soldier Field, where the Vikings have won four straight trips?

Ben Goessling and Chip Scoggins join Andrew Krammer from Nashville, where the Vikings completed their 4-0 sweep of the AFC South with a 23-13 win over the Titans. No, it wasn’t a complete game by the Vikings. But it was a better showing from quarterback Sam Darnold, who navigated a stout Titans defensive front without much of a running game. We also saw a change at right guard, some strong performances by edge rushers, and a wild result elsewhere in the NFC North.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about quarterback development, rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner, the interior offensive line, trick plays, and more.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer come to you from TCO Performance Center in Eagan, where rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy needed a surprise second procedure on his right knee this week. What does that entail? And what do they need from their current quarterback, Sam Darnold, this week in Tennessee? They preview Vikings-Titans and discuss the key matchups from 2023 draftee Will Levis to a stout Titans defensive line.

Ben Goessling and Jim Souhan join Andrew Krammer from Jacksonville, where the Vikings escaped with a 12-7 win over the Jaguars on Sunday. How loud do you sound the alarm after quarterback Sam Darnold's continued turnovers? Will Aaron Jones be all right after his injury? The defense again stomps on an inferior opponent, this time with linebacker Blake Cashman doing his thing. And a new kicker, John Parker Romo, comes through big to save an offense that couldn't score a touchdown.

The Star Tribune's Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your questions about the change from kicker Will Reichard to newcomer John Parker Romo, their short-yardage woes, hits on quarterback Sam Darnold, Brian Flores vs. young QBs, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game at Jacksonville, where the Vikings (6-2) have a chance to start a new winning streak against the lowly Jaguars (2-7). Who's going to be the kicker? How long will Will Reichard be sidelined? Will linebacker Blake Cashman return? And what are we to make of a streamlined (or simplified) offense for quarterback Sam Darnold?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 21-13 win over the Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. What is there to take from a rather ugly game? Vikings defenders probably wouldn't say it was ugly. They're 6-2 and right where they want to be. But there are still plenty of areas to dissect between quarterback Sam Darnold's enigmatic outing, running back Aaron Jones' new No. 2, another controversial missed call with a hit to Darnold's helmet, and some defensive dominance against Colts quarterback Joe Flacco.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions on the potential changes to the lineup on offense and defense, quarterbacks Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy, the NFL trade deadline, a very veteran defense's individual workloads, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand preview Sunday night's game against the plucky Colts (4-4) and veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. They discuss a range of topics from the acquisition of new left tackle Cam Robinson after Christian Darrisaw's season-ending knee injury to quarterback Sam Darnold's trust in his targets. Also, will linebacker Blake Cashman play? And will Aaron Jones ever get a rep to breathe again this season?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan emerge from the visiting locker room at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., where the Vikings lost a second game in five days and possibly left tackle Christian Darrisaw to injury. What happened on defense? What similarities were there to the Lions loss? What was the team's reaction to Darrisaw's injury? What can be made of the offense without him?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Thursday night's game against the Rams in Los Angeles, where the Vikings (5-1) will try to rebound from the first loss of the season. First they discuss an offense that can't get out of its own way. Then they take a stroll down memory lane to discuss Vikings' west coast trips on a short week. And they have differing views about just how well the Vikings might fare at Kevin O'Connell's former stomping grounds.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 31-29 loss to the Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium, where an early lead wasn't enough to hold off a red-hot Lions offense. What missed chances were there on offense? What did Justin Jefferson have to say afterward? How much did the defense miss Blake Cashman's presence in the middle, where Jared Goff seemingly had his way?

Star Tribune writers Andrew Krammer and Ben Goessling open the mailbag and answer your questions about the Vikings nearing the NFL trade deadline, a stuffed animal throwback to 2016, the Lions offense, rookie Dallas Turner's role, linebacker Blake Cashman's expected absence, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (5-0) and Lions (4-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium, where another chapter in Jared Goff vs. Brian Flores will unfold. But first: will either running back Aaron Jones or linebacker Blake Cashman be playing? What do they do if neither can play? And will there be a change coming on the offensive line at some point?

Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider's Matthew Coller during the Vikings' bye week to discuss the recent win against the Jets, quarterback Sam Darnold's struggles, running back Aaron Jones' importance, the defense's dominance, and a trip down memory lane to revisit the two most recent 5-0 starts in franchise history.

The Star Tribune's Ben Goessling, Chip Scoggins and Michael Rand check in from London, where the Vikings rode an impressive defensive effort to a 23-17 win over Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.

At 5-0, the Vikings are off to their best start since 2016. But they also showed some offensive cracks after losing Aaron Jones to a first-half injury. Quarterback Sam Darnold had his worst game in purple, and the punt team committed multiple game-turning penalties. The Vikings made enough plays, including three critical interceptions of Rodgers, to come away with the victory in front of a very pro-purple crowd in London.

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about Sam Darnold's level of difficulty, muffed punt returns, Ring of Honor candidates, incorrect officiating calls, the Vikings as favorites, and which player will end the year as the team's second leading receiver?

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game in London, where the Vikings (4-0) will face familiar foe Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets (2-2). Just how worried should the Vikings be about a 40-year-old Rodgers? What are some notable numbers that put this 4-0 start into context? How does this compare to other hot starts in franchise history?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 31-29 win at Lambeau Field, where a 28-0 lead slowly evaporated over the course of the second half. How did Kevin O'Connell's confidence in Sam Darnold help them put this one away? Why did the Packers offense suddenly come to life in the fourth quarter? Just how much did Aaron Jones enjoy this win against his former team?

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about the "Darnissance," reasonable expectations for this season, Sam Darnold and the franchise tag, Jordan Addison's impact and receiver depth, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game at Lambeau Field, where running back Aaron Jones returns in purple and the undefeated Vikings (3-0) can put an exclamation point on their place atop the NFC North against the Packers (2-1). How does the Packers quarterback situation add a wrinkle to the week's preparation? Who are our favorite ex-Packers in Minnesota over the years? How is this Vikings defense set up to weather the attrition of an NFL season? And what do they think will happen on Sunday?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan react to what they saw and heard during and after the Vikings' 34-7 win over the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. How did the defense flummox Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud so much? Or how did the offense limit Danielle Hunter as much as they did? And what does the crowd's reaction to Sam Darnold tell us about this team?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions ranging from the perceived "soft spot" in the Vikings schedule to whether the NFC North is as good as advertised.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game against the Texans, who come to town with a dynamic young quarterback in C.J. Stroud, one of the best receiver trios in football, and a motivated Danielle Hunter fronting a strong defense. Who's more motivated to get at the Vikings this week: Hunter or Stefon Diggs? What are our predictions? Why is Stroud's immediate impact more of a rarity as young QBs struggle?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 23-17 win over the 49ers from U.S. Bank Stadium, where Sam Darnold had a huge play and a clutch late drive, the defense starred once again, and players walked away feeling like they made a statement about their ability to play bully ball like San Francisco.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, speedy Vikings players, and more in this episode.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game against the 49ers, a team that the Vikings beat last season. San Francisco also won the NFC last year, too. What are the chances Sam Darnold continues his success against his former team? How will this retooled Vikings defense look against a loaded offense? The leap in opponents doesn't get much bigger than Giants to 49ers.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 28-6 win at MetLife Stadium, where the defense dominated Giants QB Daniel Jones and the offense was efficient with new QB Sam Darnold. What was the locker room reaction to this defensive effort? What did we learn about each position group? How about running back Aaron Jones bringing the speed and elusiveness?

The Star Tribune's Mark Craig joins Andrew Krammer to discuss his wide-ranging interview with former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, who is now the Cowboys defensive coordinator. The show starts with Ben Goessling, Krammer, and Michael Rand opening the mailbag to answer some of your questions.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview the Vikings' season opener on Sunday at the New York Giants, where former New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold will debut in purple. They discuss the vibes around TCO Performance Center regarding Darnold, why things should be different this time against Giants QB Daniel Jones, and what to expect from the new kickoff format. At the end, hear from Darnold himself as he discusses his journey with Andrew Krammer in a sitdown interview.