If you're frantically refreshing your phone and asking what was the score for the vikings game today, I hate to be the bearer of bad news for the Skol chant crowd. The Minnesota Vikings did not play a game today, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Honestly, the season ended a couple of weeks ago. While the NFL Divisional Round is currently in full swing—featuring heavy hitters like the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos and the 49ers visiting the Seahawks—the Vikings are watching from the couch this year.
Why There Is No Vikings Game Today
Minnesota wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign on Sunday, January 4, 2026. It was actually a pretty solid ending, all things considered. They managed to take down the Green Bay Packers with a 16-3 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium. Ending a season by beating the Packers is basically the next best thing to a playoff berth in the eyes of many fans.
The Vikings finished the season with a 9-8 record.
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Despite that winning record, the NFC North was a total meat grinder this year. They finished third in the division, tied with the Detroit Lions but ultimately missing out on the wildcard spots. If you're looking for playoff action today, you're seeing the teams that actually survived the cut:
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET)
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET)
Looking Back at the 2025-2026 Scoreboard
The search for what was the score for the vikings game today usually stems from the team's late-season surge that gave everyone a little too much hope. They actually went on a four-game winning streak to close out December and January. It was a classic "too little, too late" situation that we've seen before in the Twin Cities.
Basically, Kevin O’Connell’s squad found their rhythm right as the door was closing. Here is how that final stretch looked for those keeping score:
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- Week 15: Vikings 34, Cowboys 26
- Week 16: Vikings 16, Giants 13
- Week 17: Vikings 23, Lions 10
- Week 18: Vikings 16, Packers 3 (The final score of the season)
It’s kinda frustrating when you look at it. If they had snagged just one more win in October or November, we’d be talking about a playoff score right now instead of an early off-season.
Other Vikings Scores You Might Be Looking For
If you aren't talking about the NFL, there are other "Vikings" in action. People often get their schedules crossed with college sports. For example, the Portland State Vikings have a massive Big Sky matchup today against Northern Arizona.
That game tips off at 2 p.m. at the Viking Pavilion in Portland. If you're a fan of the college hardwood, that's likely the "Vikings" score you'll see popping up on your ticker later this evening.
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Also, the Cleveland State Vikings are scheduled for a Sunday game against Robert Morris, so if you're a fan of the Horizon League, your wait is almost over.
What's Next for the Minnesota Vikings?
Since there isn't a score to report for today, January 17, the focus shifts entirely to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. The Vikings have officially been assigned a 3rd-place schedule for next year.
What does that actually mean? It means they’ll be facing other third-place finishers like the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers in 2026. Their home opponents for next season are already locked in:
- Division Rivals: Bears, Lions, Packers
- NFC South: Falcons, Panthers
- AFC East: Bills, Dolphins
- At-Large: Commanders, Colts
Actionable Steps for Vikings Fans
Since there’s no game to watch, you've gotta find other ways to get your football fix.
- Scout the Competition: Watch the 49ers vs. Seahawks game tonight. Since the Vikings play the 49ers next season, it's a good chance to see what they're up against.
- Check the Draft Order: With a 9-8 record, Minnesota is sitting in the middle of the pack for the 2026 NFL Draft. Look for mock drafts focusing on the 15th through 20th overall picks.
- Follow the Portland State Game: If you just want to root for any Viking, the Portland State vs. Northern Arizona game is streaming on ESPN+ this afternoon.
The quest for a Super Bowl ring continues, just not on the field today.