INSIDER
Frequent flyer: Justin Jefferson embraces international spotlight as Vikings return to London
Read full article: Frequent flyer: Justin Jefferson embraces international spotlight as Vikings return to LondonJustin Jefferson played soccer with Vinícius Júnior in Brazil and walked the runway with pal Joe Burrow in Paris.
Sam Darnold and undefeated Vikings dominate first half and hang on to beat Packers 31-29
Read full article: Sam Darnold and undefeated Vikings dominate first half and hang on to beat Packers 31-29Sam Darnold threw three touchdown passes and Jordan Addison scored twice as the Minnesota Vikings built an early 28-point lead and hung on down the stretch to beat the Green Bay Packers 31-29.
Sam Darnold and an attacking defense drive the undefeated Vikings in a 23-17 win over the 49ers
Read full article: Sam Darnold and an attacking defense drive the undefeated Vikings in a 23-17 win over the 49ersSam Darnold passed for 268 yards and two touchdowns against his former team, including a 97-yard strike in the second quarter to Justin Jefferson, and an attacking defense again fueled the Minnesota Vikings in a 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Should targeting penalties include ejections? Some coaches say no, but the policy isn't going away
Read full article: Should targeting penalties include ejections? Some coaches say no, but the policy isn't going awayWisconsin's Luke Fickell says he doesn't believe targeting penalties should result in automatic ejections.
Ja'Marr Chase says he's close to an extension with Bengals and whether he plays is his decision
Read full article: Ja'Marr Chase says he's close to an extension with Bengals and whether he plays is his decisionJa’Marr Chase says he and the Cincinnati Bengals are close to an agreement on a contract extension.
Analysis: History suggests a team will make a big leap to reach a conference championship game
Read full article: Analysis: History suggests a team will make a big leap to reach a conference championship gameSome of the 18 NFL teams that missed the playoffs last year have reason to hope for much greater success this season.
Receiver CeeDee Lamb agrees to 4-year, $136M deal with Cowboys, AP sources say
Read full article: Receiver CeeDee Lamb agrees to 4-year, $136M deal with Cowboys, AP sources sayThree people familiar with the deal say All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has ended his holdout with the Dallas Cowboys by agreeing to a $136 million, four-year contract.
CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys remain in contact amid holdout, Jerry Jones says
Read full article: CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys remain in contact amid holdout, Jerry Jones saysDallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says the team remains in contact with receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is holding out while seeking a new contract.
Vikings' Addison contrite and remorseful following DUI arrest, finding respite in start of camp
Read full article: Vikings' Addison contrite and remorseful following DUI arrest, finding respite in start of campJordan Addison relished the start of training camp as much as anyone with the Minnesota Vikings.
Dolphins' Tyreek Hill lands the No. 1 spot in AP’s NFL top 5 wide receiver rankings
Read full article: Dolphins' Tyreek Hill lands the No. 1 spot in AP’s NFL top 5 wide receiver rankingsFive-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill was voted the NFL’s No. 1 wide receiver by The Associated Press in a preseason survey.
All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb isn't reporting to Cowboys camp, AP source says
Read full article: All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb isn't reporting to Cowboys camp, AP source saysCeeDee Lamb is not reporting to training camp while he waits for a new contract, a person familiar with the All-Pro wide receiver’s decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Vikings look to Justin Jefferson for even greater leadership role now that his new deal is done
Read full article: Vikings look to Justin Jefferson for even greater leadership role now that his new deal is doneJustin Jefferson earned the richest non-quarterback contract in NFL history for all his accomplishments on the field over four seasons with Minnesota.
Vikings reach agreement with Jefferson on 4-year extension to give him NFL's richest non-QB contract
Read full article: Vikings reach agreement with Jefferson on 4-year extension to give him NFL's richest non-QB contractThe Minnesota Vikings and wide receiver Justin Jefferson agreed to a four-year extension that's the richest contract in the NFL for a non-quarterback.
Vikings seek new deal with Justin Jefferson; star WR absent so far from workouts, AP source says
Read full article: Vikings seek new deal with Justin Jefferson; star WR absent so far from workouts, AP source saysMinnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was absent on Monday when the Vikings held their first of 10 allowable organized team activities, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
Playoff-bound Lions lose record-breaking rookie Sam LaPorta to knee injury in 30-20 win over Vikings
Read full article: Playoff-bound Lions lose record-breaking rookie Sam LaPorta to knee injury in 30-20 win over VikingsSam LaPorta had a 2-yard touchdown catch midway through the first quarter but later limped off the field with a knee injury in the Detroit Lions' 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Amari Cooper's record-setting day highlights a milestone week for NFL wide receivers
Read full article: Amari Cooper's record-setting day highlights a milestone week for NFL wide receiversSeveral wide receivers had milestone performances this past week, but no one could do what Amari Cooper did for the Cleveland Browns.
Jake Browning shines again for Bengals, rallying them to 27-24 overtime win over Vikings
Read full article: Jake Browning shines again for Bengals, rallying them to 27-24 overtime win over VikingsTee Higgins made a savvy goal-line move to score a touchdown and force overtime and Evan McPherson made a 29-yard field goal to seal a 27-24 victory for Cincinnati over the Minnesota Vikings, keeping the Bengals’ playoff hopes alive even with star quarterback Joe Burrow out for the season.
Vikings beat Raiders 3-0 in lowest-scoring NFL game in 16 years
Read full article: Vikings beat Raiders 3-0 in lowest-scoring NFL game in 16 yearsMinnesota and Las Vegas played the lowest-scoring NFL game in 16 years, with Greg Joseph’s 36-yard field goal with 1:57 left giving the Vikings a 3-0 victory over the Raiders.
Vikings get promising news on WR Justin Jefferson after he's taken to hospital with chest injury
Read full article: Vikings get promising news on WR Justin Jefferson after he's taken to hospital with chest injuryVikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was taken to a hospital after being hit in the chest during Minnesota’s 3-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, but he returned to Allegiant Stadium and then flew home with the team.
Vikings outlast 49ers 22-17 with 2 Cousins-Addison TDs and 2 late interceptions by Bynum
Read full article: Vikings outlast 49ers 22-17 with 2 Cousins-Addison TDs and 2 late interceptions by BynumKirk Cousins connected with rookie Jordan Addison for two first-half touchdowns, Camryn Bynum intercepted San Francisco’s Brock Purdy twice in the fourth quarter, and the Minnesota Vikings beat the 49ers 22-17.
Vikings to put Justin Jefferson on injured reserve for minimum 4-game absence, AP source confirms
Read full article: Vikings to put Justin Jefferson on injured reserve for minimum 4-game absence, AP source confirmsThe Minnesota Vikings will place wide receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve according to a person with knowledge of the decision speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not been finalized.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs outlast Vikings 27-20; Travis Kelce catches TD pass after hurting ankle
Read full article: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs outlast Vikings 27-20; Travis Kelce catches TD pass after hurting anklePatrick Mahomes threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, one to Travis Kelce after the All-Pro tight end briefly left the game with an ankle injury, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-20.
Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson leaves in the 4th quarter with a hamstring injury
Read full article: Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson leaves in the 4th quarter with a hamstring injuryMinnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was forced out of the game in the fourth quarter due to a right hamstring injury.
Buccaneers top Vikings 20-17 as Baker Mayfield finishes strong in his debut
Read full article: Buccaneers top Vikings 20-17 as Baker Mayfield finishes strong in his debutBaker Mayfield recovered from a rough start to throw two touchdown passes without a turnover in his Tampa Bay debut, and the Buccaneers beat Minnesota 20-17 after three first-half turnovers by the Vikings.
Justin Jefferson selected top wide receiver by panel of AP Pro Football Writers
Read full article: Justin Jefferson selected top wide receiver by panel of AP Pro Football WritersJustin Jefferson has been setting records and terrifying defenses since the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.
NFL All-Pros: Kelce, Jefferson unanimous; 16 first-timers
Read full article: NFL All-Pros: Kelce, Jefferson unanimous; 16 first-timersTravis Kelce and Justin Jefferson are unanimous choices for The Associated Press 2022 NFL All-Pro Team, and Sauce Gardner is the first rookie cornerback selected in 41 years.
Rodgers, Packers rout Vikings 41-17, control playoff fate
Read full article: Rodgers, Packers rout Vikings 41-17, control playoff fateAaron Rodgers threw a touchdown pass and ran for a score, and the Green Bay Packers continued their improbable playoff push by shutting down Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings in a 41-17 blowout.
Vikings edge Giants 27-24 on Joseph's game-ending 61-yard FG
Read full article: Vikings edge Giants 27-24 on Joseph's game-ending 61-yard FGGreg Joseph kicked a career-long 61-yard field goal as time expired to give the Minnesota Vikings a 27-24 victory that prevented the New York Giants from clinching a playoff spot.
Cousins, Vikings rebound from blowout to beat Patriots 33-26
Read full article: Cousins, Vikings rebound from blowout to beat Patriots 33-26Kirk Cousins threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, the last a go-ahead score to Adam Thielen in the fourth quarter to push the Minnesota Vikings past the New England Patriots 33-26.
Vikings get critical Allen turnovers, stun Bills 33-30 in OT
Read full article: Vikings get critical Allen turnovers, stun Bills 33-30 in OTPatrick Peterson intercepted Josh Allen with 1:12 left in overtime to finally end a sloppy, yet thrilling back-and-forth game between two of the NFL’s best teams, and the Minnesota Vikings completed their rally from a 17-point second-half deficit to beat the Buffalo Bills 33-30.
Vikings hang on for 28-25 win over Saints in London
Read full article: Vikings hang on for 28-25 win over Saints in LondonGreg Joseph kicked a 47-yard field goal with 24 seconds left and the Minnesota Vikings hung on for a 28-25 win over New Orleans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when the Saints’ Wil Lutz’s 61-yard tying attempt hit the left upright and then the crossbar as time expired.
Hurts, so good! Eagles QB dominant in 24-7 win over Vikings
Read full article: Hurts, so good! Eagles QB dominant in 24-7 win over VikingsJalen Hurts threw for 333 yards and a touchdown and he ran for 57 yards and two more scores to lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a 24-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Bengals rally past Chiefs 34-31, clinch AFC North title
Read full article: Bengals rally past Chiefs 34-31, clinch AFC North titleEvan McPherson kicked a 20-yard field goal as time ran out, and the Cincinnati Bengals earned their first AFC North title and postseason appearance in six years with a wild 34-31 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
NFL won’t allow in-person workouts for scouting combine
Read full article: NFL won’t allow in-person workouts for scouting combineFILE - In this Feb. 27, 2020, file photo, LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)The NFL will not allow in-person workouts for the scouting combine due to health and safety precautions because of COVID-19. The league informed teams Monday that any workouts will take place on the individual pro days on college campuses. The plan will likely involve a combination of virtual interviews by club medical staffs and testing done at labs and medical facilities near the invited prospect’s residence. Each team will be permitted to send one physician and one athletic trainer to conduct these in-person exams.
AP sources: Star Vikings RB Cook absent after father's death
Read full article: AP sources: Star Vikings RB Cook absent after father's death(AP Photo/Butch Dill)MINNEAPOLIS – Running back Dalvin Cook is not practicing with the Minnesota Vikings this week, due to the death of his father. Cook has a younger brother, James Cook, who is a running back for Georgia. He was picked for a second straight Pro Bowl, with 1,557 rushing yards, 361 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns in 14 games. Cook’s absence will clinch a second consecutive rushing title for Tennessee’s Derrick Henry, who has a 220-yard lead on Cook. Cook has a slim lead on Henry atop the NFL with 1,918 total yards.
A bonus for NFL fans in Week 16: 4 straight days of games
Read full article: A bonus for NFL fans in Week 16: 4 straight days of gamesThey do have a sack in an NFL-record 71 straight games and have sacked Philip Rivers 15 times during seven games while he played for the Chargers. Rivers has had two or more TD passes in five straight games. He had career bests of 10 catches for 163 yards last week, and Ridley's seven 100-yard games lead the NFL. The 19 straight seasons without losing both games to a divisional opponent is an NFL record. The Jaguars have allowed at least 24 points in each of those 13 games, an NFL record.
Vikings outlast error-prone Jags 27-24 on Bailey's OT kick
Read full article: Vikings outlast error-prone Jags 27-24 on Bailey's OT kickMinnesota Vikings place kicker Dan Bailey (5) celebrates with teammates after kicking a 23-yard field goal during overtime in an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Minneapolis. The Cowboys, Panthers and Jaguars (1-11), who lost their 11th straight game, are a combined 8-27. Chase McLaughlin even had a chance to win it with a 62-yard field goal at the end of the fourth quarter that fell short. FOUR FIGURESJefferson joined Pro Football Hall of Fame member Randy Moss (1998) as the only rookies in Vikings history to reach 1,000 receiving yards. Vikings: CB Jeff Gladney (calf) and TE Brandon Dillon (ankle) each left the game.
Texans preparing to host Vikings in matchup of winless teams
Read full article: Texans preparing to host Vikings in matchup of winless teamsHOUSTON – Dalvin Cook could be due for a big game Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings visit the Houston Texans in a matchup of winless teams. Cook ranks third in the NFL in yards rushing after running for a career-high 181 yards last week in a loss to Tennessee. Houston (0-3) has the worst run defense in the NFL, allowing a whopping 188.3 yards rushing a game this season. Houston ranks 31st in the NFL in yards rushing with just 66 a game. “You just get to work,” Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins said.
The Latest: Wilson rallies Seahawks past Cowboys 38-31
Read full article: The Latest: Wilson rallies Seahawks past Cowboys 38-31Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, left, looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)The Latest on Week 3 in the NFL (all times EDT):__8 p.m.Russell Wilson threw for 315 yards and five touchdowns without an interception as the Seattle Seahawks edged the Dallas Cowboys 38-31. -Tim Booth reporting from Seattle__6:15 p.m.Russell Wilson has thrown three touchdown passes to Tyler Lockett and the Seattle Seahawks have a 23-15 halftime lead over the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson capped his big first half with a 1-yard toss to Lockett with 7 seconds left in the half. Out of 48 NFL games so far in 2020, 10 have included paying customers.
After talk of collaboration, conferences go their own way
Read full article: After talk of collaboration, conferences go their own wayFor typical Saturday football games, that means Wednesday would be the soonest athletes would be tested. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)Plans for the 2020 college football season if it is played should start coming into focus this week. That still needs to be worked out and other models are still being considered, including one with eight conference games and one nonconference. GROUP OF FIVEIt is not entirely fair to lump the American Athletic Conference, Mountain West, Mid-American Conference, Conference USA and Sun Belt together, but the fact is all are at the mercy of the Power Five in some way. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
NCAA football oversight asks board for time on fall sports
Read full article: NCAA football oversight asks board for time on fall sportsFILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo, LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) is tackled by Clemson during the first half of an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans. The NCAA's latest guidance for playing college sports during the COVID-19 pandemic recommends testing players once a week within 72 hours of competition. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)The NCAA football oversight committee is asking the associations Board of Governors to avoid making a decision later this week on whether to conduct fall championships as college sports tries to find a path to play through the pandemic. The board could decide to call off NCAA championship events in fall sports such as soccer, womens volleyball and lower-division football. The NCAA has no authority to postpone or cancel specific seasons, a decision that would be up to individual schools or their conferences.