Expectations were high for Mike Zimmer's Minnesota Vikings entering 2016 following a divisional title and the opening of U.S. Bank Stadium. Free-agent signings Alex Boone and Andre Smith aimed to fortify the offensive line, but crisis struck right before Week 1 when quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a season-ending knee injury. Minnesota traded a 2017 first-round pick for Sam Bradford to stay competitive. Despite the chaos, the Vikings opened with five straight victories. However, a post-bye collapse resulted in an 8-8 finish and a 3rd-place NFC North placement, missing the playoffs.

Minnesota's offense struggled, ranking 23rd in scoring with 327 points (20.4 ppg) and 28th in total yards (5,041). The ground game ranked last in the league only generating 1,205 yards at 3.2 yards per carry after Adrian Peterson suffered a torn meniscus in Week 2, leaving Jerick McKinnon who gained 539 rushing yards and Matt Asiata who added 402 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns in the backfield. Operating behind a porous line that gave up 37 sacks, Bradford was remarkably efficient, completing 71.6 percent of his passes for 3,877 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Receiver Adam Thielen broke out with 967 yards, alongside Stefon Diggs who gained 903 yards and tight end Kyle Rudolph who was the primary threat in the redzone as he added 7 touchdowns.

Mike Zimmer's defense anchored the team, ranking 6th in points allowing 307 (19.2 ppg) and 3rd in total yards (5,038). Minnesota boasted the league's 3rd-ranked pass defense, powered by Pro Bowl cornerback Xavier Rhodes, who recorded 5 interceptions including a 100-yard pick-six. Up front, defensive end Danielle Hunter amassed a team-high 12.5 sacks off the bench, complemented by Everson Griffen with 8.0 sacks and Brian Robison who added 7.5 sacks. Middle linebacker Eric Kendricks led the team with 109 tackles, while safety Harrison Smith, linebacker Anthony Barr, and nose tackle Linval Joseph joined Griffen and Rhodes as Pro Bowlers.

The Vikings opened U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 2 with a 17-14 win over the rival Green Bay Packers, building momentum during an undefeated 5-0 start. The turning point occurred after the Week 6 bye when a 21-10 loss at Philadelphia sparked a four-game losing streak. Special teams struggles saw kicker Blair Walsh released midseason after missing four field goals and four extra points. Late-season losses to Dallas, Indianapolis, and Green Bay sealed Minnesota's fate, undoing their fast start.

Finishing 8-8, Minnesota became one of few NFL teams to start 5-0 and miss the postseason. The campaign stood as a year marred by devastating injuries to Bridgewater and Peterson. Still, bright spots emerged: Bradford was amazingly efficient, while Cordarrelle Patterson earned first-team All-Pro honors as a kickoff returner with a 31.7-yard average and a 104-yard touchdown. In the end, an elite defense wasn't enough to overcome a stagnant rushing attack and a passing game that valued efficiency over explosiveness.