Minnesota Vikings: Top 20 games in franchise history
By Dan Zinski
Oct 2, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the sidelines during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
10. Vikings clinch first Super Bowl berth
Jan. 4, 1970. The Vikings defeat the Cleveland Browns to win the NFL championship and secure their first-ever Super Bowl berth.
The Vikings have become known in recent years for choking away championship opportunities but such was not always their reputation.
The first time the Vikings ever played in a championship-clinching game, not only did they not choke, they dominated.
In the final year before the NFL-AFL merger, the Vikings played for the league title against the Cleveland Browns and romped to an easy 27-7 victory.
It was 8 degrees at the old Metropolitan Stadium that day, so cold that Cleveland linebacker Jim Houston suffered frostbite.
The Vikings’ running game would prove to be just as punishing as the weather conditions as Minnesota rang up 222 yards on the ground. Their defense shut out Cleveland for three quarters before allowing a garbage-time TD.
The Vikings would of course go on to lose Super Bowl III to the Chiefs. But let’s not discuss that any further.