Entering head coach Mike Zimmer's second season, the Minnesota Vikings sought to build upon a promising 7-9 rebuilding campaign. Playing their final interim year at TCF Bank Stadium before moving indoors to U.S. Bank Stadium, Minnesota infused vital veteran leadership by signing cornerback Terence Newman while landing immediate defensive contributors Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter alongside wide receiver Stefon Diggs in the draft. The additions paid rapid dividends as Minnesota surged to an 11-5 record, capturing their first NFC North division crown since 2009 and securing their first postseason berth in three years.

Offensively, Minnesota operated a throwback, ground-heavy attack centered on superstar running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson spearheaded the league in rushing with 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns on 327 carries, earning First-Team All-Pro honors. Second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater effectively managed games, completing 65.3 percent of his passes for 3,231 yards and 14 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Rookie receiver Stefon Diggs emerged as the team's primary vertical threat, pacing the receiving corps with 52 receptions for 720 yards and four touchdowns. Though ranking 29th in total offensive yardage with 5,139 yards, Minnesota relied on efficiency and ball control, finishing 16th in scoring with 365 total points (22.8 ppg).

Zimmer's defensive scheme matured into an elite, suffocating force, allowing the fifth-fewest points in the NFL at 302 (18.9 ppg) while ranking 13th in total yards allowed. Defensive end Everson Griffen anchored the pass rush with a team-leading 10.5 sacks, while rookie middle linebacker Eric Kendricks led the defense with 92 tackles. Safety Harrison Smith stabilized the secondary with two interceptions and a defensive touchdown, earning his first career Pro Bowl selection. Supported by veteran Terence Newman's team-high three interceptions, the unit excelled at limiting big plays and was stout against the run in the redzone conceding just seven rushing touchdowns all year.

After a disappointing Week 1 road loss to San Francisco, the Vikings caught fire, embarking on a five-game winning streak between October and November to seize control of the division race. The defining climax occurred in Week 17 at Lambeau Field in a flexed Sunday Night Football matchup against Green Bay. Minnesota secured a dramatic 20-13 victory over the Packers, snapping a six-year division title drought, and secured a home playoff game.

Hosting the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round under brutal sub-zero temperatures, Minnesota succumbed to a heartbreaking 10-9 defeat after Blair Walsh missed a potential game-winning 27-yard field goal with seconds remaining. Despite the devastating finish, the 2015 campaign cemented Minnesota's identity as a defensive powerhouse under Zimmer. Sending five players to the Pro Bowl - Bridgewater, Peterson, Griffen, Anthony Barr, and Smith - the season marked a pivotal transition from franchise rebuilding to perennial contention.