If you're refreshing your browser trying to find out what's the score of the Minnesota Vikings game today, I've got some news that might be a little bit of a letdown.
There isn't a score. Because there isn't a game.
Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. The Minnesota Vikings officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign nearly two weeks ago. While the NFL playoffs are currently heating up—with the Divisional Round kicking off tomorrow—the Purple and Gold are watching from the couch this year.
The final tally: How the Vikings ended 2025
The last time the Vikings took the field was Sunday, January 4, 2026. They went out on a high note, though. They took down the Green Bay Packers 16-3 at U.S. Bank Stadium. It was a weird game. The Packers were already locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC and were resting a lot of their heavy hitters.
Minnesota didn't care. They wanted the win.
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That victory pushed the Vikings to a 9-8 final record. Honestly, it was a gritty finish to a season that felt like it was falling off the rails back in November. They actually ended the year on a five-game winning streak.
Think about that for a second.
They went from 4-8 and looking at a top-five draft pick to 9-8 and just barely missing the postseason. It’s the most "Vikings" way to end a season possible. You’re happy they won, but you're kinda annoyed that the winning streak happened after they were effectively eliminated from playoff contention.
Breaking down that Week 18 score
For those who missed that final box score, here’s how those 16 points actually happened:
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- Will Reichard was basically the MVP of the day, knocking through three field goals (43, 25, and 37 yards).
- C.J. Ham punched in a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
- The defense was lights out, holding Green Bay to a lone field goal as time expired.
Why aren't the Vikings playing today?
Even with a winning record, the NFC was just too crowded. The Packers took that final Wild Card spot at 9-7-1. That tie they had earlier in the season actually ended up being the thing that kept Minnesota out.
So, while fans are asking about the score today, the reality is the team is currently in "eval mode." Head coach Kevin O'Connell and the front office are looking at the 2026 opponents, which were just finalized.
It wasn't a total loss, though. By beating Green Bay and leapfrogging the Lions in the standings, Minnesota finished 3rd in the NFC North. That gives them a "third-place schedule" for next year.
Who do they play next?
We won't see them back in action until the 2026 preseason in August, but we know the home and away matchups. They’ll be hosting teams like the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins next season, while traveling to face the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets.
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It’s going to be a long offseason.
What to watch instead
Since you won't find a Vikings score today, January 16, you might want to gear up for the Divisional Round tomorrow. The schedule for the weekend looks like this:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET)
It’s tough seeing the Bears and Packers still in the mix while Minnesota is sidelined. But hey, that's football.
If you're looking for something to do today, keep an eye on the injury reports for J.J. McCarthy. He had a productive first half in that final game against Green Bay but left with an injury again. His health is basically the only "score" that matters to Vikings fans right now as we head into the spring.
Keep an eye on the NFL Scouting Combine and the upcoming draft—that's where the real "wins" for the Vikings are going to happen over the next few months.
Next Steps for Vikings Fans:
Check the official NFL playoff bracket to see who you'll be rooting against this weekend, or head over to the Vikings' official site to see the full list of 2026 home and away opponents.