Access Vikings

The Vikings (5-5) have a suddenly pivotal matchup in the NFC playoff race on Sunday when they travel to San Francisco (5-5). Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview the latest trip out west and the challenges they face in the 49ers offense.

Receiver Justin Jefferson and the Vikings offense outgunned Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams and the Packers in a 34-31 win on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss the latest turn in an eventful 2021 season.

The Packers defense is playing well in a "Last Dance" season for Aaron Rodgers. The Vikings just rebounded and are looking to play spoiler, if not more, in a tight NFC playoff race. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the latest chapter in the Vikings-Packers rivalry and discuss many uncertainties around both teams.

The Vikings stepped on the gas and didn't let off as quarterback Kirk Cousins closed out a 27-20 win against the Chargers. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Jim Souhan recap the win from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where once again Mike Zimmer's squad keeps things interesting.

Running back Dalvin Cook's legal matter and the internal spread of COVID-19 are among the Vikings' off-field concerns as they prepare for the Chargers on Sunday. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Star Tribune's reporting on the lawsuit against Cook, as well as a COVID outbreak that has left one player hospitalized.

The Vikings lost another close game on Sunday, 34-31, in overtime to the Ravens, meaning they're 2-5 in one-score games. They're talented enough to be in these games, but some familiar problems remain. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Jim Souhan discuss the offensive coaching and quarterback Kirk Cousins. Also, did a depleted defense do well while causing pressure and turnovers, but allowing 500...

This Vikings team appears headed toward another cold winter after news of Danielle Hunter's season-ending injury came after an inexcusable loss to Cooper Rush's Cowboys. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand discuss Mike Zimmer's challenge ahead, and uncharacteristic flaws they need to fix quickly.

The Vikings defense let Cooper Rush march down the field at the end to win the game. The Vikings offense wasn't any better after an opening touchdown drive. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Chip Scoggins recap the 20-16 loss from U.S. Bank Stadium, where Mike Zimmer had one of the worst losses of his coaching tenure in Minnesota.

National television on Halloween night sets a grand stage for the Vikings against the Cowboys. Will the bright lights and Dallas talent give us a better grasp on this 2021 defense? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand preview Sunday night's game, and answer your questions in the weekly mailbag.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand take stock of the 3-3 Vikings at the bye week, including the recent loss of cornerback Patrick Peterson and quarterback Kirk Cousins' stellar play. Will Cousins keep it up? And could that alter the long-term outlook?

This Vikings team is obviously talented, so why can't they put it all together in a convincing win? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Chip Scoggins recap a rollercoaster afternoon from Bank of America Stadium, where the Vikings needed nearly 600 yards and overtime to dispatch the Panthers.

The Vikings offense has a clear identity whether running back Dalvin Cook or Alexander Mattison starts, but there are adjustments to be made both big and small after five games. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand discuss coordinator Klint Kubiak's play calling, the left tackle rotation with Rashod Hill and Christian Darrisaw, and more.

The Vikings narrowly escaped with a win against the winless Lions, as quarterback Kirk Cousins marched down the field in three throws to set up a game-winning field goal. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Jim Souhan discuss the confidence in the Vikings offense, or perhaps lack thereof from the coaching staff, from U.S. Bank Stadium after the game.

The Vikings host the Lions, losers of eight straight going back to last season, which is just what Mike Zimmer's squad needs to rebound from another close loss. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game and answer your questions, including why Kirk Cousins is a baker and not a chef.

The Vikings dropped another close game in Sunday's 14-7 loss to the Browns, indicating Mike Zimmer has a problem getting this team over the hump. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and LaVelle E. Neal discuss the latest disappointment from U.S. Bank Stadium.

The NFL's reigning coach of the year returns to U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday when the Vikings host the Cleveland Browns. Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, and why quarterback Kirk Cousins appears to be playing as well as he did when Stefanski was calling plays for Cousins in 2019.

The Vikings finally beat the Seahawks, and quarterback Kirk Cousins was a big reason why. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Chip Scoggins recap the Vikings' 30-17 win over Seattle from U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Seahawks just blew a fourth quarter lead in a loss to the Titans. Perhaps this is finally the time the Vikings can beat Russell Wilson? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand preview Sunday's home opener at U.S. Bank Stadium, where Seattle arrives with the same quarterback but a vulnerable team.

The Vikings offense got better performances out of quarterback Kirk Cousins and the offensive line, but big plays against the defense and two missed kicks sunk their chances in Arizona. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the 34-33 loss from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

The Vikings offensive line has a communication problem. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand discuss starting off on the wrong foot, and this Sunday's challenge in Arizona where edge rusher Chandler Jones had five sacks and quarterback Kyler Murray had five touchdowns for the Cardinals in Week 1.

The Vikings' 27-24 overtime loss in Cincinnati gets the season off to a bad start. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Jim Souhan recap the loss, and how coach Mike Zimmer and players responded at Paul Brown Stadium in the latest Access Vikings podcast.

The Vikings made Brian O'Neill one of the richest right tackles in the NFL. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand discuss why that was the right move, and how it reflects on an already top-heavy roster. They also preview Sunday's opener in Cincinnati on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

The loss of tight end Irv Smith Jr. to a knee injury was a tough blow to the Vikings offense. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand discuss a team needing a confidence boost after a winless preseason and a key injury before a meaningful snap was played. We also answer your Vikings questions about the outlook for the season, the kicker, and more.

What can we take away from a Vikings offense that hasn't shown much in training camp or in limited preseason work? What should expectations be for the NFC North? Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss from the Star Tribune booth at the Minnesota State Fair.

What to make of the Vikings hosting Everson Griffen for a workout? When will left tackle Christian Darrisaw be ready? Who's the backup quarterback? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss, and take your questions, on the latest Access Vikings podcast.