If you're hunting for a mn viking score today, January 17, 2026, the reality is a bit of a gut punch for the purple and gold faithful. There is no score. The Vikings aren't on the field. While the NFL playoffs are currently churning through the Divisional Round, the Minnesota Vikings are watching from their couches in Eagan.
They finished the 2025-2026 regular season with a 9-8 record.
Honestly, it’s one of those seasons that feels like a "what if" fever dream. They ended on a massive high note, winning five straight games, including a 16-3 shellacking of the Green Bay Packers in the finale on January 4. But because of a brutal mid-season slump where they lost four in a row, that late-season surge wasn't enough to leapfrog into a Wild Card spot. They finished third in the NFC North. Close, but in the NFL, close just means you get a better draft pick and an early vacation.
Why There’s No MN Viking Score Today
The NFL schedule for Saturday, January 17, is reserved for the heavy hitters who survived the Wild Card round. Since the Vikings didn't make the cut, their "score" today is basically 0-0 in the game of offseason planning.
It’s weirdly frustrating.
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You look at that final game against Green Bay—J.J. McCarthy looked like the franchise savior we were promised, throwing for 182 yards before a hand injury sidelined him. Justin Jefferson finally cracked the 100-yard mark again, hauling in 8 catches for 101 yards. The defense, led by Dallas Turner (who had 2 sacks and a forced fumble in that last game), was finally clicking.
If the season had two more weeks, this team might have been dangerous. Instead, the "today" status is officially: Out of Contention.
The Final Stretch That Teased Us All
Minnesota’s 2025 campaign was a total rollercoaster. They started strong, went into a dark tunnel in November, and then came out swinging in December. Here is how that final winning streak looked:
- Dec 7: Destroyed Washington 31-0.
- Dec 14: Stunned Dallas 34-26 in a massive road upset.
- Dec 21: Gritted out a 16-13 win over the Giants.
- Dec 25: A Christmas miracle 23-10 win against Detroit.
- Jan 4: The 16-3 victory over Green Bay.
Five wins. Zero losses. And still no playoffs. That’s the kind of math that keeps Vikings fans up at night.
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The Quarterback Situation and J.J. McCarthy's Health
The biggest story following the team today isn't a score, but the health of J.J. McCarthy. He left the Week 18 game against the Packers with soreness in his throwing hand. While the team has been relatively quiet since the season ended, the general consensus from local insiders like KFAN's crew is that it’s not a long-term structural issue.
But it’s symbolic, isn't it?
McCarthy showed flashes of being "The Guy," finishing with 14 touchdowns on the season despite missing time. But the inconsistency—and the reliance on guys like Max Brosmer and even Carson Wentz earlier in the year—is why the Vikings are sitting home today.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
A lot of national pundits want to talk about the aging wide receiver room, especially with Adam Thielen's recent retirement announcement. Thielen coming back for a final stint was a great story, but his departure marks the end of an era.
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However, the real issue wasn't the receivers. It was the run game. Jordan Mason had a solid outing in the finale (94 yards), and Aaron Jones Sr. had his moments, but the ground attack was 20th in the league for much of the year. When you can’t run, you can’t protect a young QB.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Since there is no game today, fans are already looking at the 2026 schedule. Because they finished third in the NFC North, their 2026 path is actually set. It's a mix of the usual suspects and some interesting rotational matchups.
- Home Games: Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Atlanta, Carolina, Buffalo, Miami, Washington, and Indianapolis.
- Road Games: Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, New England, New York Jets, and a tough trip to San Francisco.
That road schedule looks... heavy. Going to Levi's Stadium to face the 49ers is never a "get right" game.
Actionable Steps for Vikings Fans Today
Since you can't watch a game, here is how you should actually spend your "Vikings" time today to stay ahead of the curve:
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel: Keep an eye on defensive coordinator Brian Flores. After the way the defense played in the final month, he's a hot name for head coaching vacancies. If Minnesota loses him, that 2026 defense might look very different.
- Draft Prep: Start looking at interior defensive line prospects. The Vikings pick in the middle of the first round. They need a "hog molly" in the middle to let Dallas Turner and Ivan Pace Jr. roam free.
- Check McCarthy's Recovery: Follow the beat writers (Arif Hasan or Alec Lewis) for updates on J.J.'s hand surgery or rehab. His progress this spring is the only "score" that matters for the future of the franchise.
The 2025 season is in the books. It was a 9-8 year that felt like it should have been 11-6. While there's no score to report today, the foundation finally looks like it’s made of stone rather than sand.