The Minnesota Vikings made postseason history on Saturday by definitively winning the NFC North division.
At a packed U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings stunned the Colts, 39-36, in overtime, after falling behind by 33 points at halftime.
The biggest comeback in NFL history was by 33 points.
After the first 30 minutes, it seemed as though Saturday’s surprising outcome was the least likely scenario. Due in large part to a blocked kick that was returned for a score and a pick-six, the Colts jumped out to a 33-0 halftime lead.
But over the course of the final two quarters, Kirk Cousins and the Vikings produced a fierce comeback, highlighted by Dalvin Cook’s 64-yard catch and run that brought Minnesota within two points. On the subsequent two-point effort to force overtime, Cousins made contact with tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Following a punt exchange between the Vikings and Colts, Cousins drove Minnesota 55 yards in six plays, setting up Greg Joseph’s game-winning field goal.
“Okay, we just accomplished the greatest comeback in NFL history. I require a moment, “After the game, Cousins spoke with NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero. “How did we manage it? Team. Despite the awful first half, we managed to win. a free game of football. There were numerous phases and plays that I would have loved to see again in the second half, but we’ll take what we can get.”
Cousins continued: “The belief existed. All we needed, according to (cornerback) Patrick Peterson, were five touchdowns. I mistook his tone for sarcasm. Of course there was yelling. Although it doesn’t just happen, there was some frustration. Normal individuals don’t act in the manner that we just did.”
The Vikings have won their first division since the 2017 campaign and have qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
Those postseason spots were earned under Mike Zimmer’s leadership, but with three games left, the 11-3 Vikings have clinched the division title under first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell.
The Vikings were the No. 2 seed in the NFC going into Week 15. They have a slim possibility of passing the No. 1 Philadelphia Eagles and securing the conference’s lone bye after securing a playoff berth and a home game. Realistically, Minnesota will have to focus on maintaining the second seed.
The Vikings have returned to the playoffs after a two-season absence and are the NFC North champions.
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