Opening Days of Years Past
Here's something else that you may enjoy while waiting for Sunday's game. These are all from VikeFans on X.
First Viking game ~ 1961
Opening Day 1961 - First Viking game ever and the very first win against a heavily favored Chicago Bears team. At his point, NFL Films did not even exist, as costs for all highlights for the Vikings were underwritten by Grain Belt Beer. pic.twitter.com/V0eaxKqDge
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 9, 2026
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2012
Opening Day 2012 - Yes, I said it, Christian Ponder has a good day vs Jax & leads his team into OT, where rookie phenom kicker Blair Walsh kicks his 4th FG of the day to get the Viking win. Walsh kicked a 55 yarder as time expired to send the game to OT. The Walsh good days! pic.twitter.com/3Mj7IAgehv
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 11, 2026
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2014
Opening Day 2014 - Matt Cassel, Cordarrelle Patterson lead the Viking story an easy 34-6 win over the Rams pic.twitter.com/X26TWyOMX7
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Cricket wrote:
Imagine...the Vikings take Marcus Allen instead of Darrin Nelson in the 82 draft. The Herschel Walker trade probably never happens and the Vikings win a Super Bowl? Alternate reality wishes.
Man these were fun to watch. Thanks Cricket!!!!
Is this thing STILL on? | Skol Vikes! |
2016
Opening day 2016 - Second year players Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter almost single handedly handle the Titans - both scored on defensive turnovers. It was enough to allow the Sean Hill led Vikings to win 25-16 in Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/Fv6rQKbiFU
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 12, 2026
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2017
Opening day 2017 - Sam Bradford has a near flawless day, throwing for 346 yards and 3 TDs. Rookie Dalvin Cook delivered 127 yards on 22 carries, while Adam Thielen had 9 catches for 157. The Vikes beat a very good Saints team on MNF 29-19. pic.twitter.com/tLZQQjaRxU
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 12, 2026
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2018
Opening Day 2018 - Newly acquired free agent QB Kirk Cousins looks the part with 244 yards passing, 2 TDs and no turnovers. Adam Thielen leads the way on offense, while rookie 1st round pick Mike Hughes makes an impact in his first game with a pick 6. Vikes win 24-16 vs SF. pic.twitter.com/BwUhMTFV39
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 12, 2026
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2019
Opening Day 2019 - The Vikings race to a 28-0 and coast to a 28-12 win vs Atlanta. Kirk Cousins only has to throw 10 times in the game (completed 8 for 98 yards) as the defense and ground game make this opener a laugher for the Vikings and their fans pic.twitter.com/maMrOLk8yg
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 12, 2026
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The one that I can't get out of my head right now is the Bengals opener in 2021. Like this year's team, that team had a lot of promise. But they really stepped on their dicks in that one. 12 penalties, 4 on the first drive alone, a crucial Cook fumble late in OT in field goal range. Vikes lost by a field goal.
That tight, error-filled game set the tone for the entire season. They set an NFL record for most games decided by one score (14!!). They allowed more points in the final two minutes of each half than any team since the merger. It was the worst game and clock management I have ever seen by a head coach. They finished 8-9 and both HC and GM were fired.
Nobody's getting fired after this season, but this is my biggest fear for tomorrow. I think we're a better team than the Packers, but weird things happen in the NFL.
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."
—George Orwell
MaroonBells wrote:
The one that I can't get out of my head right now is the Bengals opener in 2021. Like this year's team, that team had a lot of promise. But they really stepped on their dicks in that one. 12 penalties, 4 on the first drive alone, a crucial Cook fumble late in OT in field goal range. Vikes lost by a field goal.
That tight, error-filled game set the tone for the entire season. They set an NFL record for most games decided by one score (14!!). They allowed more points in the final two minutes of each half than any team since the merger. It was the worst game and clock management I have ever seen by a head coach. They finished 8-9 and both HC and GM were fired.
Nobody's getting fired after this season, but this is my biggest fear for tomorrow. I think we're a better team than the Packers, but weird things happen in the NFL.
@MaroonBells ~ True, weird things do happen in the NFL, but I'm still being cautiously optimistic. I'm hoping for the best, but if it turns out differently, so be it. Yes, it would be disappointing, but there's nothing any of us can do about it. 😊 Besides, the "weird" thing/things could be something in our favor! 
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
2022
Opening Day 2022 - The Vikings demolish the Packers at US Bank Stadium. Kirk Cousins has a 119 QB Rating and throws for 2 scores, while Justin Jefferson lights-up the Packer secondary for 184 yds in 9 catches and he caught both of Cousins' TD passes. Viking steamroll GB 23-7. pic.twitter.com/31ryF9vn68
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 13, 2026
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2024
Opening Day 2024 - At the NY Giants, the Vikings abuse Giant QB Daniel Jones. Sam Darnold and Aaron Jones lead the Viking offense, but it is Andrew Van Ginkel that puts the dagger in the Giant's hearts with his acrobatic pick 6. Vikings 28, Giants 6. pic.twitter.com/rAhC2CKxru
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 13, 2026
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2025
Opening Day 2025 - The Viking offense looks absolutely putrid for 3 qtrs, with JJ McCarthy showing inaccuracy and tossed a 74 yard pick 6 to CHI to put them up 17-6. The JJ leads a wild 4th Quarter comeback, giving Viking fans hope that he is finally the long-term answer at QB. pic.twitter.com/o3yuhlhkCD
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 13, 2026
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