Picture a roller coaster that spends two hours climbing and then drops twice in a week. That’s the 2026 Minnesota Vikings in one sentence.
Six straight wins, then back-to-back losses. The offense that looked sharp early suddenly struggled against Buffalo. Let’s break down the record, the numbers, and what to expect Sunday at Lambeau Field.
A quick note: if you were searching for the historical Norse Vikings, this post covers the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.
What Happened in the Vikings vs Bills Game?
Buffalo won 23-6 on Monday Night Football. The final score was Bills 23, Vikings 6, with Buffalo at 7-1 and Minnesota at 6-2. The game kicked off at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, with the listed start at 1:15 a.m. in some time zones, which is Monday night in the US. buffalobills
Why Did the Offense Struggle?
A few numbers tell the story:
- Minnesota went 0-for-7 on third down. buffalobills
- The Bills forced three turnovers and held the ball for 42:32, compared with 17:28 for the Vikings. buffalobills
- Carson Wentz, per Buffalo’s recap, finished 8-of-25 for 81 yards with two interceptions. buffalobills
Think of it like a basketball game where one team never gets to shoot. You can’t win if the ball isn’t in your hands.
What Went Right?
Not much, but there were flashes. Kicker Will Reichard hit a 43-yarder to tie it 3-3 and a 53-yarder before halftime to cut the deficit to 10-6. That’s all of Minnesota’s scoring. Buffalo’s defense was the difference, playing its best game of the season. buffalobillsbuffalobills
Vikings 2026 Season Results
| Week | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 13 | Packers | W 39-22 |
| Sept. 20 | at Bears | W 9-3 |
| Sept. 27 | at Buccaneers | W 23-16 |
| Oct. 4 | Dolphins | W 15-10 |
| Oct. 11 | at Saints | W 23-13 |
| Oct. 25 | Colts | W 16-10 |
| Nov. 1 | at Lions | L 19-15 |
| Nov. 9 | Bills | L 23-6 |
| Nov. 15 | at Packers | Upcoming |
Sources: FOX Sports team schedule, Buffalo Bills recap, NFL.com (November 2026).
The first six wins were mostly tight and defense-driven. Four were decided by 10 points or fewer, which hints that the 6-0 start was a little fragile.
Who Has Been Playing Quarterback?
It’s been a shuffle. In the early games, Carson Wentz had the passing stats, and starting with the Buccaneers game, Kyler Murray led the passing numbers in every game through the Lions loss. I couldn’t confirm who started Monday or why the change happened, so treat that part of the picture as unsettled.
For related Vikings coverage, read about the Vikings’ London game against the Browns and the November 1 game in our Jack Campbell injury update.
What’s Next: Vikings at Packers
Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Lambeau Field. Week 10 kicks off at 12:00 p.m. CST, with Minnesota 6-0 in the head-to-head series this season only in name, since the two teams met earlier. Let me clarify. They already played on September 13, a 39-22 Vikings win. vikings
Green Bay was 6-3 at last check, and the game is listed on FOX. foxsports
What Is the Packers–Vikings Rivalry Like?
Historic. The Vikings have been the biggest NFC North challenger to Green Bay, and in Minnesota’s four Super Bowl seasons the Vikings won seven of eight meetings with the Packers. Lambeau in November is the kind of cold that tests everything. Wikipedia
Where Do the Vikings Stand in the NFC North?
It’s tight. NFL.com lists Minnesota third in the NFC North at 6-2. The Bears were 7-2 and Green Bay 6-3 in the same schedule listing. The Vikings face the Bears again in January, with the next meeting listed for January 9 or 10, 2027. nflWikipedia
That means every division game from here is a swing game.
A Quick Vikings History Check
Franchise facts, since fans love them:
- The Vikings’ inaugural game as a franchise came against the Bears, a 37-13 upset win. Wikipedia
- They’ve reached four Super Bowls, in the 1969, 1973, 1974 and 1976 seasons, without winning one.
- Their division rivalry with the Packers is one of the NFL’s oldest.
Why Does This Season Feel Different?
Because the early record gave fans real hope, and the last two losses reminded everyone how thin the margin was. If you like comparing division races, see our previews of Jaguars vs Ravens, Buccaneers vs Bears and the Steelers vs Buccaneers recap.
How to Watch the Vikings This Week
- TV: FOX is listed for the Packers game.
- Time: 12:00 p.m. CST (1:00 p.m. ET).
- Streaming: use the network’s app or your provider’s live TV service.
- Updates: check the Vikings’ official site for inactives and any schedule changes.
For viewing tips, our guides on where to watch Lions vs Bengals cover the basics.
More NFL Reads on Our Blog
- Jets vs Cowboys: score and highlights
- Eagles’ blown-lead collapse
- Rams stunned in overtime by the 49ers
- Saints rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry
- Browse our full blog
FAQs About the Minnesota Vikings
What was the latest Vikings game result?
The Buffalo Bills beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 on Monday Night Football, November 9, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota fell to 6-2 with its second straight loss, and Buffalo improved to 7-1.
When do the Vikings play next?
Minnesota visits the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Lambeau Field. Kickoff is 12:00 p.m. CST (1:00 p.m. ET) for the game listed on FOX. Green Bay was 6-3 at last check.
What went wrong for the Vikings against the Bills?
Minnesota went 0-for-7 on third down, held the ball for just 17:28, and committed three turnovers, per the Bills’ recap. Reichard’s field goals from 43 and 53 yards accounted for all six points.
What is the Vikings’ 2026 record and results?
The Vikings opened 6-0, beating the Packers, Bears, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Saints and Colts, then lost 19-15 at Detroit on November 1 and 23-6 to Buffalo on November 9. They are 6-2.
How successful have the Vikings been historically?
The Vikings began play in 1961 and have reached four Super Bowls, in the 1969, 1973, 1974 and 1976 seasons, but have never won one. Their first game was a 37-13 win over the Bears.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Vikings are a team with a strong 6-2 record and a lot of unanswered questions. The early run showed grit, with four wins by 10 points or fewer. The last two games showed how quickly that can flip when the offense stalls. Sunday’s trip to Green Bay is a chance to answer the doubters, but it’s also a stern test on the road in November. Watch the injury report, the quarterback situation, and the third-down numbers. In a division this tight, those details decide seasons.
