Minnesota Vikings Flashback: The Minneapolis Miracle

There have been some great moments between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints over the years, but none match the Minneapolis Miracle.

For the first time since last year’s exciting ending in the divisional round of the playoffs, the Minnesota Vikings (4-2-1) and New Orleans Saints (5-1) are set to face off again at U.S. Bank Stadium.

That finish was not only the best finish to a Vikings game, but also among the best in NFL history.

Everyone who watched that contest was in total shock. Some very happy, some very disappointed though.

The Saints were ahead 24-23 with only ten seconds left. It looked like the Vikings impressive season was going to end in a heartbreak. Saints head coach Sean Payton even celebrated with the “SKOL chant.”

Case Keenum then launched a pass to Stefon Diggs near the sideline and he dodged a Marcus Williams tackle and sprinted to the endzone for a 61-yard game-winning touchdown to send the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game. It was the first time in NFL playoff history that a touchdown won a game as time expired.

Vikings fans everywhere were jumping for joy.

"“It’s a storybook ending — and it never ends that way,” Diggs said according to the Star Tribune. “Usually, it’s reality. It’s real life. Things go, you walk home and worry about tomorrow. But today had other plans. I give it all to God, because things like this just don’t happen.”"

The Vikings were up 17-0 at halftime and were in full control of the game. With how good this defense was all season and the offense looking good in the first half, it looked like this would likely not be a tough game to close out. That, of course, turned out to not be the case.

The Saints capitalized on a Keenum interception and a Ryan Quigley blocked punt to eventually help them take a 21-20 lead and later a 24-23 lead on a field goal right before the Vikings final possession, which proved to be a very epic one.

"“I said to one of the guys on the sideline, ‘We’ve been practicing all these situations through OTAs and training camp and even during the season,’ ”Zimmer said according to the Star Tribune. “We actually practice that one every week. Diggs made a great play, great catch. Case made a great throw. I’ve tried to put these guys in all of these different situations throughout the course of the year and luckily it paid off [Sunday].”"

Keenum went 25/40 for 318 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Latavius Murray rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Diggs had six receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown. Adam Thielen had six receptions for 74 yards.

For the Saints, Drew Brees went 25/40 for 294 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Alvin Kamara rushed for 43 yards on 11 carries. He also had four receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown. Michael Thomas had seven receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns.

This upcoming game may not end up having a finish even close to the last meeting, but this should still be a very exciting game. It will once again be tough to beat this Saints team, but the Vikings still have a good shot at winning this game and extending their winning streak.

Vikings lead the all-time series 22-11 and have won the past two matchups (both last season).

Prediction: Minnesota Vikings win 27-23