The hunt for the final score of the Minnesota Vikings game today ends pretty quickly once you realize the stadium lights are actually off.
It's Friday, January 16, 2026. If you were looking for a playoff score or a Friday night miracle, I've got some news that might sting a little for the Skol faithful. There is no game. There is no score. Honestly, the Vikings’ season wrapped up nearly two weeks ago, and the team is currently in full "evaluating the roster" mode at their Eagan headquarters.
Why There Is No Final Score Today
The Vikings officially ended their 2025-2026 campaign on Sunday, January 4, 2026. They finished with a 9-8 record, which is that awkward middle ground where you're better than half the league but still watching the playoffs from your couch.
They actually capped off the season on a high note, though. In their last outing, they beat the Green Bay Packers with a final score of 16-3. It was a weird game. The Packers were already locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC, so they were resting a lot of their heavy hitters.
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Minnesota, on the other hand, was playing for pride—and maybe a five-game winning streak to end the year. They got both. But because they started the season so poorly, that late-season surge wasn't enough to leapfrog into a Wild Card spot.
The Last Actual Score: Vikings vs. Packers (Jan 4)
If you're looking for the most recent numbers to satisfy that "final score" itch, here is how that last game broke down:
- Final Score: Vikings 16, Packers 3.
- Key Play: C.J. Ham punched in a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
- The Boot: Will Reichard was busy, hitting three field goals from 43, 25, and 37 yards.
- Stats: Justin Jefferson did Justin Jefferson things, hauling in 8 catches for 101 yards.
The J.J. McCarthy Situation
Basically, the reason everyone is searching for Vikings news today—even without a game—is the drama surrounding the quarterback room. J.J. McCarthy, who many hoped would be the definitive "guy" by now, exited that final Packers game with another injury.
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General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah just held a press conference this week (Tuesday, Jan 13). He didn't exactly hand McCarthy the keys to the 2026 season. He talked a lot about "flexibility" and building a "talented and deep" QB room. That’s NFL-speak for we are definitely looking at free agents or trade options.
It's a tough pill for fans. You've got a top-tier defense that really came alive under Brian Flores late in the year, but the offense felt like it was stuck in third gear for most of 2025.
What’s Happening Now?
Since there isn't a final score of the Minnesota Vikings game today, the focus has shifted to the 2026 NFL Draft. Because they finished 9-8, they aren't picking in the top 10, but they aren't picking at the end of the round either.
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The NFL playoffs are currently moving into the Divisional Round. While Vikings fans would love to be prepping for a matchup this weekend, the reality is the team is scouting. They have some massive decisions to make regarding the defensive line and whether they want to bring in a veteran bridge quarterback like a Sam Darnold type again or go all-in on McCarthy’s recovery.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We already know who the Vikings will play next season, even if we don't know the dates yet. The 2026 home schedule at U.S. Bank Stadium includes:
- The usual NFC North suspects (Bears, Lions, Packers).
- Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
- Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.
- Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts.
It's a tough draw.
If you were hoping to see a score today, you'll have to wait until the preseason kicks off in August. For now, the "score" is being kept in the front office as they try to figure out how to turn a 9-8 "almost" season into a deep January run next year.
Next Steps for Vikings Fans:
Keep an eye on the injury reports regarding J.J. McCarthy's recovery timeline. The next big milestone for the team isn't on the field; it’s the start of the NFL Free Agency period in March, where the Vikings are expected to be aggressive in looking for defensive interior help and potentially a veteran signal-caller to compete in training camp.