If you're frantically refreshing your phone looking for a Minnesota Vikings game score today, I've got some news that might sting a little. There isn't one. While today, January 18, 2026, is a massive day for NFL football, the Vikings aren't on the field. They're at home. Probably on their couches, just like us.
It’s Divisional Round weekend. The high-stakes, win-or-go-home part of the playoffs where the pretenders are officially weeded out. Unfortunately, Minnesota’s season wrapped up exactly two weeks ago on January 4th. They finished with a 9-8 record. That’s the definition of "just okay," and in the NFC North this year, just okay wasn't nearly enough to keep playing into late January.
The Playoff Picture Without Minnesota
So, who is actually playing while the Vikings watch from Eagan? Today’s slate is actually pretty electric if you can stomach watching other teams chase the Lombardi.
The Houston Texans are taking on the New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET. Then, in the nightcap at 6:30 p.m. ET, the Los Angeles Rams travel to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. Seeing the Bears in this spot probably hurts most for Vikings fans, especially since Chicago managed an 11-6 record to clinch the division while Minnesota sat at third.
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Basically, the Vikings missed the cut. They were a half-game behind the Green Bay Packers for the final wild-card spot. Think about that. One play, one missed kick, or one different call in October, and we’d be talking about a game score right now.
How the Vikings Finished the 2025-26 Season
The last time we saw this team in action was Week 18 against those very same Packers. Honestly, it was one of the best games they played all year, even if it felt like "too little, too late."
Minnesota won that game 16-3. The defense was absolutely suffocating. Brian Flores had his unit playing like a bunch of heat-seeking missiles, holding Green Bay to zero touchdowns. C.J. Ham even plunged into the end zone for a short touchdown, which is always a fan favorite.
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But J.J. McCarthy got banged up again in that finale. He had a solid first half, but his season—much like the team’s—ended with more questions than answers. McCarthy finished his rookie campaign with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Not elite, but you’ve gotta see the potential there.
Key Stats from the Season Finale:
- Final Score: Vikings 16, Packers 3
- Rushing: Jordan Mason led the way with 61 yards on 13 carries.
- Defense: Held Green Bay to just 3 points, which didn't happen until the very last snap of the game to avoid a shutout.
- Final Record: 9-8 (3rd in NFC North)
Why There’s No Game Score Today
The NFL playoff bracket is a cold-blooded machine. To get a game today, you usually need 10 or 11 wins unless you win a weak division.
The Vikings were the definition of a "streaky" team. They started the season 4-8, which was pretty depressing to watch. Then, they suddenly caught fire and won five straight games to end the year. If the season was 20 games long, they might have been the most dangerous team in the league. But it’s not. 17 games is all you get, and that early-season hole was just too deep to climb out of.
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People get confused because the "Vikings" name pops up in other sports scores. For instance, if you saw a "Vikings" win yesterday, you might have been looking at the Augustana men's basketball team (who beat Minnesota Crookston 85-77) or maybe a local high school. But the Purple and Gold of the NFL? Their pads are in storage.
What's Next for the Vikings?
Since there’s no Minnesota Vikings game score today, the focus shifts entirely to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.
Coach Kevin O'Connell has already been vocal about wanting a "competitive" quarterback room next year. Whether that means bringing in a veteran to push McCarthy or letting Carson Wentz walk remains to be seen. The team has been linked to several defensive line prospects because, despite the good finish, they need more push up front.
The Vikings hold the 18th overall pick in the upcoming draft, which kicks off April 23rd in Pittsburgh. Historically, they’ve done okay at that spot—Garrett Bradbury was an 18th pick back in 2019. They’ll need a home run this time to close the gap on Chicago and Detroit.
Actionable Steps for Vikings Fans Today
- Watch the Bears vs. Rams: Keep an eye on the Bears (6:30 p.m. ET on NBC). Since they won the NFC North, this is the benchmark Minnesota has to hit next season.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep tabs on J.J. McCarthy’s hand injury. He exited the Week 18 game early, and his off-season development depends on him being healthy by OTAs.
- Check 2026 Opponents: The NFL already released the 2026 home and away opponents. The Vikings will be playing the AFC East and NFC South next year. Start looking at those road trip possibilities now—New Orleans and Tampa Bay are on the list.
- Scout the 18th Pick: Start looking at mock drafts for the 18th overall selection. Defensive tackle and interior offensive line seem to be the consensus needs among experts right now.
It sucks not having a game today. Every Vikings fan knows that feeling of "what if." But for now, the score is 0-0, and the off-season clock is officially ticking.