30 greatest Minnesota Vikings seasons in team history

25. 1994

• Record: 10-6
• Head Coach: Dennis Green
• Lost Wild-Card Round vs. Chicago Bears, 35-18

The team turned to an aging veteran at quarterback in Warren Moon and paired him with running back Terry Allen. The result was the NFL’s seventh-best offense and a division title. The defense held its own turning a 13th overall ranking. John Randle terrorized with 13.5 sacks, offensive tackle Todd Steussie was drafted, and Cris Carter was solidified as a household name. This was the only time the Vikings and Bears ever tussled in the playoffs.

24. 2015

• Record: 11-5
• Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
• Lost Wild-Card Round vs. Seattle Seahawks, 10-9

Minnesota won the division for the first time in six years, but they dropped the playoff game in shocking fashion. Mike Zimmer’s vision came to plain view as the team finished fifth in defense. Second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater guided the offense to a ranking of 14th. Danielle Hunter, Eric Kendricks, and Stefon Diggs were selected in the draft. Adrian Peterson led the NFL in rushing yards for (probably) the final time.

23. 1992

• Record: 11-5
• Head Coach: Dennis Green
• Lost Wild-Card Round vs. Washington Redskins, 34-7

A division title found its way to the Metrodome, but the Vikings’ Super Bowl aspirations were snuffed out by the defending champion Washington Redskins. This Minnesota team was stellar–it ranked fourth in offense and seventh in defense. Rich Gannon had his best pre-Oakland Raiders season as a pro. Ed McDaniel and Brad Johnson were newcomers via the draft.

22. 1982

• Record: 5-4
• Head Coach: Bud Grant
• Lost Divisional Round at Washington Redskins, 21-17

An overachieving performance by the Vikings in a strike-shortened season was ended by the eventual Super Bowl champions–after winning a home playoff game at the brand new Metrodome. Catch all that? Doug Martin record 11.5 sacks in nine games as the defense was otherwise underwhelming (20th). Led by Tommy Kramer, Ted Brown, and Sammy White, the offense finished 13th. Tight end Steve Jordan also started his 12-year career in the league during this season.

21. 2004

• Record: 8-8
• Head Coach: Mike Tice
• Lost Divisional Round at Philadelphia Eagles, 27-14

Minnesota’s Abysmal defense (26th) was often drowned out by high-octane offense (sixth). The Vikings stunned the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field as Randy Moss‘ legacy was cemented forever with production and antics. Daunte Culpepper had the best statistical season ever by a Minnesota quarterback. Nate Burleson broke out for over 1,000 receiving yards, and both Kevin Williams and Lance Johnstone accrued double-digit sack totals.