Recent content from Ben Goessling
Vikings, O'Connell agree to contract extension
Kevin O'Connell, whose contract was set to expire after the 2025 season, is the first coach in Vikings history with multiple 13-win seasons and could be among the leading candidates for NFL Coach of the Year honors.
Analysis: Vikings' feel-good season gives way to offseason uncertainty
Of the 53 players active for the Vikings' playoff game vs. the Rams, 23 will be unrestricted free agents. Some of the team's coaches might have new addresses in 2025, too.
Vikings' season of rising expectations plummets to an end with 27-9 playoff loss to Rams
Los Angeles sacked Sam Darnold a record nine times and won its home game away from its fire-ravaged home, leaving the Vikings with nothing to show for their 14-win season.
Can the Vikings take wild-card revenge against the Rams? Ben Goessling's prediction.
Wildfires forced the game to be moved from Los Angeles to Glendale, Ariz., just one of the vagaries that will impact the Vikings' playoff matchup Monday night.
NFL playoffs are ultimate test of growing bond between O'Connell, Flores
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores complement each other, compete with each other and challenge each other, forming a bond through shared aggressiveness, frank discussions and influence on their coaching styles.
Jets request head coach interviews with Vikings' Flores, McCown
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has his first head coaching interview request since he came to Minnesota for the Jets, who also requested permission to interview quarterbacks coach Josh McCown for their vacant head coaching position
Vikings players could hit up to $3.65 million in incentives against the Lions
Byron Murphy Jr. and Josh Metellus are both on track to reach six-figure playing time incentives, while Stephon Gilmore and Blake Cashman could hit another $500,000 each.
Skol sale: Vikings spend nearly $2 million on 1,900 tickets for Sunday's game in Detroit
For Sunday night's pivotal game in Detroit, the Vikings wanted a sizable contingent of their fans at Ford Field badly enough they took an unusual step.
After 20 years under the Wilfs, the Vikings appear as healthy as ever
Two decades of the Wilfs' ownership have marked been by major investments designed to put the Vikings on solid footing. But, sorry, Twins fans, the Wilfs are focused on football and soccer.
Vikings or Lions: Who will win NFC North, No. 1 seed in the playoffs?
There just haven't been many NFL regular-season games with the magnitude of Sunday night's matchup between the Vikings and Lions in Detroit, the final game of a 2024 season where the NFC North has become one of the most competitive divisions in league history.
Vikings owners planning contract talks with O'Connell, Adofo-Mensah after season
Mark Wilf said he's "looking forward to a great future" with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who are both on contracts that expire after the 2025 season.
Analysis: How one route vs. Packers showed Addison's value to Vikings
Vikings second-year receiver Jordan Addison is proving to be a tough matchup, especially in the past four games, scoring five touchdowns to give him 10 (one rushing) for the season to tie Justin Jefferson for the team lead.
Will Vikings win high-stakes home game against Packers? Read Ben Goessling's prediction.
The 13-2 Vikings will be the NFC's No. 1 seed if they win their final two regular season games. First up is a high-stakes matchup against another playoff-bound team: their biggest rival.
Vikings seek a single reaction to their U.S. Bank Stadium gameday show: 'You can't miss this'
The action surrounding the football is the league's most elaborate, ranked as the best overall experience in the NFL. Beyond that, Justin Jefferson says don't overlook the advantage provided by firing up fans.
Analysis: Vikings finding ways to free Jefferson in split-safety coverage
In a victory over Seattle on Sunday, Justin Jefferson had all but one of his receptions when the Seahawks kept two safeties deep against him.
Vikings-Packers game flexed to 3:25 p.m. Sunday
The teams will meet at U.S. Bank Stadium on Fox (Ch. 9). The game originally was set for a noon kickoff.
Vikings wash away bad memories, win 27-24 for first victory at Seattle since 2006
A 39-yard TD pass to Justin Jefferson inside the final four minutes lifted the Vikings to a 27-24 victory over Seattle and their 13th win of the season to keep pace with Detroit atop the NFC.
Playoffs? To that famous question, the Vikings answer, 'Not yet'
The success of 2024 arrived by surprise, and coaches are focused on wringing as much from the opportunity as possible. "Finish what we got to finish" is the message for three more weeks.
Can Vikings begin tough closing stretch with rare win in Seattle? Ben Goessling's prediction
After pulling into a tie for the NFC North lead, the Vikings will try to remain in control of their own destiny as they look for their first win in Seattle since 2006.
Vikings lean on run game for 'grimy' win, join crowd in first place in NFC
The Vikings won their seventh game in a row, beating the reeling Bears 30-12 on Monday night to join the Lions and Eagles at 12-2, the best record in the NFC.
Will the Vikings offense keep rolling vs. the reeling Bears?
Quarterback Sam Darnold and his offense are firing on all cylinders, winning six in a row ahead of a "Monday Night Football" matchup against Caleb Williams and Chicago. Read Ben Goessling's preview and prediction.
Vikings big question: Re-sign Darnold or stick with McCarthy at quarterback?
Every week, Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling will answer a big question facing the Vikings. This week: With quarterback Sam Darnold playing so well, will the Vikings re-sign him or move on to first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy?
Darnold named NFC offensive player of the week
After becoming the first Vikings quarterback in 20 years to throw for five touchdowns in a game, Sam Darnold became the first Vikings player this season to take home NFC offensive player of the week honors.
Analysis: Murphy making important plays for Vikings … and raising his price tag
Vikings Insider: Byron Murphy Jr. has been one of the league's top cornerbacks in 2024, and he'll be getting paid for it when the season ends.
Darnold is toast of the town as Vikings rout Cousins' Falcons 42-21
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold passed for a career-best five touchdowns, three to Jordan Addison and two to Justin Jefferson, to beat their former QB Kirk Cousins for Minnesota's sixth win in a row.
Kirk Cousins returns to Minnesota the same QB in new stage of his career
In Atlanta, the refrains praising Kirk Cousins' leadership are familiar. But the longevity of his connection with the Falcons is already in doubt as he prepares to play the Vikings.
Kirk Cousins vs. the Vikings: Who will win the reunion at U.S. Bank Stadium?
The Vikings face their former quarterback in a potential playoff preview on Sunday as Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons try to get back on track.
Analysis: Kevin O'Connell's Vikings show resilience in racking up more one-score wins
In O'Connell's three seasons as head coach, the Vikings have had a knack for winning close games, which are more prevalent than ever in the NFL.
Fans hold their breath, Vikings catch theirs in time for 23-22 win over Cardinals
A pass from Sam Darnold to Aaron Jones with 1:13 left put Minnesota ahead for the first time, and the 10-2 Vikings won their fifth game in a row, beating Arizona on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Will Vikings sustain road success at home? Ben Goessling's preview and prediction
After going undefeated on their three-game road trip, the 9-2 Vikings return home to U.S. Bank Stadium to face 6-5 Arizona, a potential first-round playoff opponent.
Vikings adding former Giants starting quarterback to their practice squad
Daniel Jones, a former first-round draft pick, was benched and then released by the Giants this month. The Vikings will need an experienced quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy in 2025 if Sam Darnold leaves as a free agent.
After a successful three weeks of travel: Next stop, U.S. Bank Stadium
The Soldier Field scenario deteriorated suddenly Sunday, but the Vikings survived and stand 6-1 in games away from home.
Vikings blow late fourth-quarter lead but bounce back to beat Bears in OT 30-27
The Vikings led by 11 points with two minutes left but needed overtime to win their fifth game in a row in Chicago and improve to 9-2. Sam Darnold passed for 330 yards and two TDs.
Vikings-Bears preview: What does Flores have in store for rookie QB?
The Vikings face Chicago rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick, for the first time Sunday. No young quarterback has solved Brian Flores' defense this season.
Vikings cut Evans, parting with another piece of 2022 draft class
The Vikings let go of one of the few remaining players from their 2022 NFL draft class on Saturday morning, cutting cornerback Akayleb Evans after his role on defense had dissolved. He could return to the practice squad.
Vikings' Oliver out for Sunday's game against Bears
Vikings tight end Josh Oliver has not practiced all week after sustaining an ankle injury against the Titans last Sunday. His absence could mean more playing time for T.J. Hockenson.
Vikings big question: Where do they stand in the NFC playoff race?
In this weekly video feature, Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling looks at a pressing issue for the Vikings heading into their next game. After finishing 5-0 against AFC teams, the Vikings turn their attention to conference foes and the division standings.
Analysis: Darnold a difference maker, in a good way, for Vikings again
The Vikings' 23-13 victory over the Titans functioned as a get-right game for quarterback Sam Darnold, whose recent mistakes had taken over the conversation around the team.
Guard Risner makes a move to the right, replaces Ingram on offensive line
The Vikings moved a guard who's usually on the left to the other side. Sure, he had some practice, but he said he's good for more because "everything's flipped."
Vikings defense too much for Titans in 23-13 win
The Vikings are 8-2 after their defense proved too much for Titans QB Will Levis in a 23-13 victory in which Sam Darnold got back on track and Tennessee was penalized 13 times.
Vikings-Titans prediction: Minnesota defense takes aim at another young QB
Young quarterbacks have found it difficult to face the Vikings defense, and it's Will Levis' turn to confront this challenge as the 7-2 Vikings visit 2-7 Tennessee on Sunday.
Vikings head into Titans game with full roster intact
The Titans, struggling on both sides of the ball, ruled out right tackle Leroy Watson and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed for Sunday's game.
Vikings' big question: How do they combat defenses trying to neutralize Jefferson?
In this weekly video feature, the Minnesota Star Tribune's Ben Goessling breaks down the coverage Justin Jefferson faced in the Vikings' win over the Jaguars.
Analysis: Patience, precision on Vikings' to-do list for QB Darnold
The Vikings offense has a pair of objectives this week: Refine the ways they punish teams for covering Justin Jefferson the way the Jaguars did, and refresh the way Sam Darnold plays when he's throwing the ball.
Mistake-prone Vikings escape Jacksonville with 12-7 win over Jaguars
Kevin O'Connell reiterated his confidence in QB Sam Darnold after a three-interception, zero-TD performance as new kicker Parker Romo's four field goals and stout defense lifted the Vikings to 7-2.
Vikings' Jones comes and goes because of big hit, insists he'll play next game
A helmet in the ribs led to time in the medical tent and X-rays before the running back returned. "I'm good," he said of playing at Tennessee.
Vikings-Jaguars inactives: Cashman in, Lawrence out
The Vikings defense will be at full strength with linebacker Blake Cashman back as Jacksonville turns to backup quarterback Mac Jones with starter Trevor Lawrence out with a shoulder injury.
Meet the most interesting man on the Vikings' coaching staff
Grant Udinski is the Vikings' assistant offensive coordinator/assistant quarterbacks coach, a mentor to J.J. McCarthy, a protégé of Kevin O'Connell and the most likely on staff to go off the grid in the mountains somewhere.
Vikings-Jaguars prediction: Which team's injuries will have biggest impact?
The Vikings are hitting the road with a new kicker and long snapper, but Jacksonville may be without their starting quarterback and its defense is struggling to stop the run.
Analysis: Vikings pass rush returns to disruptive form in win over Colts
Joe Flacco, an immobile 39-year-old quarterback, proved to be the perfect mark for a defense looking to get right. Now the Vikings face another stretch of games against young QBs who could struggle against Brian Flores' scheme.
Darnold, Vikings right the ship in second half to beat Colts 21-13
The Vikings ended a two-game losing streak on Sunday night and provided a few callbacks of their early-season success with a dominant defense and three Sam Darnold TDs in the second half to overcome three turnovers.
Vikings activate guard Risner for Sunday night's game against the Colts
Dalton Risner, who has been out since training camp with a back injury, could play on the right or left side. The Vikings haven't announced who will start at left tackle for injured Christian Darrisaw.
Will the Vikings end their two-game losing streak?
Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune breaks down the matchups to watch and predicts who will win when the Vikings take on the Colts on Sunday night at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Vikings' Cashman out again; plan at left tackle still under wraps
Vikings starting linebacker Blake Cashman will miss his third game in a row with a turf toe injury while coach Kevin O'Connell would not say whether new left tackle Cam Robinson will start Sunday night vs. the Colts.
Vikings big question: Can the defense get back on track against the Colts?
In this video feature, Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling will look at a pressing issue for the Vikings heading into their next game Sunday night at home against Indianapolis.
Vikings trade for Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson
With Christian Darrisaw out for the season, the Vikings made a deal for a veteran starter whose contract is expiring.
Analysis: Will Vikings be buyers at the trade deadline? 2022 offers a hint.
Two losses in five days, and Christian Darrisaw's season-ending knee injury, triggered fatalist impulses in the fan base. How aggressive will the Vikings be as the Nov. 5 deadline approaches?
Rams take from Lions playbook to hand Vikings another loss
The Vikings lost for the second time in five days, falling 30-20 to drop to 5-2 on the season, as Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes Thursday night.
O'Connell's evolution as a play-caller on display in return to L.A.
The Vikings game Thursday night against the Rams is a homecoming for coach Kevin O'Connell, who learned many of his methods as an assistant to Sean McVay in Los Angeles.
Ben Goessling's Vikings-Rams prediction: Which offense will shine brightest in L.A.?
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell faces his former boss Sean McVay for the first time in a matchup that also features two of the NFL's best wide receivers in Justin Jefferson and Cooper Kupp.
Lions beat Vikings 31-29 as field goal in final seconds hands Minnesota its first loss
Both the Vikings and the Lions built and lost double-digit leads before Detroit rallied for a 44-yard field goal from Jake Bates with 15 seconds left. The teams are tied for the NFC North lead.
Vikings-Lions preview and prediction: Who prevails in battle for top spot in NFC?
Ben Goessling breaks down the matchups to watch, which injuries will have the biggest impact and more in the 5-0 Vikings' NFC North clash with the 4-1 Lions on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Vikings' Hockenson, Risner out against Lions; Jones is expected to play
A source said Saturday night that running back Aaron Jones is expected to be ready after suffering a hamstring injury two weeks ago in London.
Cashman, Evans out for Vikings against Lions; Jones among five listed as questionable
The Vikings have their longest injury report of the season ahead of their NFC North clash against Detroit on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Blake Cashman and Akayleb Evans will miss the game, while running back Aaron Jones is questionable.
Vikings reacquire Akers in trade with Texans
The running back played for the Vikings last season, and had been a part-time starter for Houston this year.
Vikings return from break ready to build on a season of higher expectations
Coach Kevin O'Connell is attempting to keep Vikings players confident, but not overly so, as they face a stiff challenge against the Lions.
Analysis: Why Van Ginkel is a perfect fit for Vikings defense
Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel has returned two interceptions for touchdowns this season, showing the instincts and flexibility prized by coordinator Brian Flores and his teammates.
Vikings finish off Rodgers with a flourish and head into bye week 5-0
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore was the Vikings' closer Sunday in London when they needed every bit of the grit they could muster to beat the Jets 23-17 and stay undefeated.
Vikings lean on rookie kicker, and he delivers
Will Reichard has not missed a regular-season kick and made two 50-yarders Sunday against the Jets. "I absolutely love him," coach Kevin O'Connell said. "He's cold-blooded."
Vikings are back in London again, pitching the joys of the NFL
The Vikings' pregame routine for their fourth game in the U.K. felt as much like a junket as ever with Justin Jefferson explaining the Griddy and former stars teaching kids flag football.
Vikings-Jets preview: Is one last win over Rodgers in the cards?
The Vikings are undefeated in the 2024 season and in NFL games played in London. Will those streaks continue against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets?
Hockenson returns to Vikings practice in 'phenomenal physical shape'
Star tight end T.J. Hockenson could be back in the Vikings lineup later this month after sustaining a torn ACL last December.
Analysis: How the Vikings are winning the turnover battle and stealing games
Brian Flores' defense has 10 takeaways so far, after getting four in their 31-29 win over the Packers on Sunday, and is the main reason the Vikings' turnover margin has improved this season.
Vikings escape from Green Bay with 31-29 win over Packers, 4-0 record
The Vikings survived Packers QB Jordan Love's fourth-quarter rally after they led 28-0 in the first half, staying undefeated and maintaining the self-belief that has changed the perception of the team.
Recap: How Vikings held on to beat Packers 31-29 at Lambeau
The Vikings jumped out to a 28-0 first-half lead and survive a Green Bay rally in the fourth quarter to stay unbeaten at 4-0 and remain atop the NFC North.
