The Minnesota Vikings defeated Washington 31-0 on December 7, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Minnesota improved from 4-8 to 5-8 and ended a four-game losing streak. Washington fell from 3-9 to 3-10 and suffered its eighth consecutive defeat.
Jayden Daniels returned after missing four games with a dislocated left elbow. He left during the third quarter after landing on that elbow following an interception. Marcus Mariota replaced him but also threw an interception.
Minnesota controlled the game through three takeaways, perfect red-zone execution, and sustained rushing production. Washington entered Minnesota territory several times but ended every possession without points.
Match Overview
Minnesota entered the game needing a win to preserve its limited playoff path. Washington still had mathematical hopes, but another loss would eliminate the team. The result kept Minnesota alive and officially removed Washington from contention.
| Match detail | Information |
| Date | December 7, 2025 |
| Venue | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis |
| Competition | 2025 NFL regular season, Week 14 |
| Final score | Vikings 31, Commanders 0 |
| Washington record | 3-10 after the game |
| Minnesota record | 5-8 after the game |
| Attendance | 66,810 |
| Game duration | 2 hours, 39 minutes |
Pre-Match Context
Washington entered Week 14 after seven consecutive losses. The team had taken Denver into overtime one week earlier but remained near the bottom of the NFC.
Daniels returned after recovering from the elbow injury suffered against Seattle. His return also reunited Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, and Noah Brown in the Washington offense.
Minnesota had lost four straight games before facing Washington. The Vikings were also coming from a 26-0 shutout loss against Seattle.
J.J. McCarthy returned after clearing concussion protocol. Minnesota entered at 4-8 and needed a win to keep its remaining postseason scenarios available.
Washington ruled George Fant and Drake Jackson out. Minnesota ruled Theo Jackson, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Ty Chandler out. Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson were questionable but started.
Quarter by Quarter Score
Minnesota scored during every quarter. Washington never converted its trips into scoring range and was shut out for the first time since 2019.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
| Washington Commanders | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 31 |
Quarter by Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter
Minnesota received the opening kickoff and immediately produced a seven-play, 61-yard touchdown drive. McCarthy completed four passes during the possession.
He finished the drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Josh Oliver. Will Reichard converted the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Washington responded with a 15-play possession starting at its 15-yard line. The Commanders reached Minnesota’s 2-yard line but failed on fourth down.
That turnover on downs gave Minnesota possession deep inside its territory. The Vikings ended the quarter protecting a seven-point advantage.
Second Quarter
Minnesota’s possession continued into the second quarter and became the game’s longest drive. The Vikings covered 98 yards across 19 plays.
The drive consumed 12 minutes and one second. Minnesota converted five third downs before Jordan Mason scored from eight yards.
Washington received only two minutes and 51 seconds of second-quarter possession. Its final two possessions ended with punts.
Minnesota entered halftime leading 14-0. The Vikings converted six of seven first-half third downs.
Third Quarter
Washington began the half with a 12-play drive. Daniels converted a fourth down to Zach Ertz and moved Washington into the red zone.
Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted a tipped fourth-down pass at Minnesota’s 30-yard line. He returned it 40 yards to Washington’s 30.
Daniels hurt his left elbow while attempting the tackle. Washington listed him as questionable, and he did not return.
Reichard converted a 45-yard field goal after the interception. Minnesota’s lead increased to 17-0.
Mariota then entered for Washington. Harrison Smith intercepted his second pass and returned it 11 yards.
McCarthy converted the opportunity with a six-yard touchdown pass to Oliver. Minnesota led 24-0 entering the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter
Minnesota continued a possession that started late in the third quarter. Aaron Jones supplied several important runs during the drive.
McCarthy completed a two-yard fourth-down touchdown pass to T.J. Hockenson. Reichard’s extra point completed the scoring.
Washington mounted one final drive under Mariota. The Commanders advanced into Minnesota territory before Mariota lost a fumble.
Javon Hargrave forced and recovered the fumble. Minnesota then used its rushing game to consume the remaining time.
Team Stats Comparison
Minnesota produced more first downs, rushing yards, passing efficiency, and possession time. Washington recorded four sacks but forced no turnovers.
| Statistic | Washington | Minnesota |
| Total yards | 206 | 313 |
| First downs | 12 | 25 |
| Rushing yards | 107 | 162 |
| Net passing yards | 99 | 151 |
| Third-down conversions | 3 of 10 | 6 of 11 |
| Fourth-down conversions | 1 of 3 | 2 of 2 |
| Red-zone touchdowns | 0 of 2 | 4 of 4 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Penalties | 4 for 34 yards | 3 for 24 yards |
| Sacks allowed | 2 | 4 |
| Time of possession | 25:08 | 34:52 |
Key Numbers That Decided the Game
The numbers show that Minnesota protected the football and finished its scoring opportunities. Washington moved the ball at times but could not complete drives.
- Minnesota won the turnover battle 3-0, including two interceptions and one fumble recovery.
- The Vikings scored touchdowns during all four red-zone possessions.
- Washington reached the red zone twice but produced no points.
- Minnesota gained 162 rushing yards and averaged 4.8 yards per attempt.
- The Vikings recorded 25 first downs while Washington recorded 12.
Full Box Score: Washington Commanders
Washington gained 107 rushing yards but completed only 11 passes. Daniels and Mariota each threw one interception, while neither produced a touchdown.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the rushing attack. McLaurin led Washington in receiving yards despite catching only three passes.
Washington Passing
| Player | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
| Jayden Daniels | 9/20 | 78 | 0 | 1 |
| Marcus Mariota | 2/4 | 30 | 0 | 1 |
| Team total | 11/24 | 108 | 0 | 2 |
Washington Rushing
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | 10 | 52 | 5.2 | 0 |
| Jacory Croskey-Merritt | 7 | 32 | 4.6 | 0 |
| Jayden Daniels | 4 | 16 | 4.0 | 0 |
| Marcus Mariota | 2 | 7 | 3.5 | 0 |
| Team total | 23 | 107 | 4.7 | 0 |
Washington Receiving
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Terry McLaurin | 3 | 41 | 13.7 | 0 |
| Deebo Samuel | 4 | 27 | 6.8 | 0 |
| Noah Brown | 1 | 19 | 19.0 | 0 |
| Zach Ertz | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 0 |
| Ben Sinnott | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 |
| Jeremy McNichols | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 |
| Colson Yankoff | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| Treylon Burks | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| Team total | 11 | 108 | 9.8 | 0 |
Washington Kicking
| Player | FG | XP | Total points |
| Jake Moody | 0/0 | 0/0 | 0 |
Washington Punting
| Player | Punts | Average | Net average | Inside 20 |
| Tress Way | 3 | 46.7 | 44.0 | 1 |
Washington Returns
| Player | Returns | Yards | Average |
| Deebo Samuel, kickoffs | 4 | 87 | 21.8 |
Washington Defensive Leaders
Bobby Wagner led all defenders with 16 combined tackles. Washington registered four sacks but did not record an interception or fumble recovery.
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Key play |
| Bobby Wagner | 16 | 1 | Fourth-quarter sack |
| Quan Martin | 7 | 0 | None recorded |
| Mike Sainristil | 5 | 0 | One pass defended |
| Von Miller | 4 | 1 | Nine-yard sack |
| Jacob Martin | 4 | 0 | One quarterback hit |
| Antonio Hamilton Sr. | 3 | 0 | None recorded |
| Frankie Luvu | 3 | 0 | One pass defended |
| Noah Igbinoghene | 3 | 0 | One pass defended |
Full Box Score: Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota balanced 163 gross passing yards with 162 rushing yards. McCarthy completed passes to eight receivers and threw three touchdowns.
Aaron Jones led the game in rushing. Josh Oliver converted both receptions into touchdowns, including Minnesota’s opening score.
Minnesota Passing
| Player | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
| J.J. McCarthy | 16/23 | 163 | 3 | 0 |
Minnesota Rushing
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| Aaron Jones Sr. | 14 | 76 | 5.4 | 0 |
| Jordan Mason | 11 | 52 | 4.7 | 1 |
| J.J. McCarthy | 6 | 19 | 3.2 | 0 |
| Zavier Scott | 3 | 15 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Team total | 34 | 162 | 4.8 | 1 |
Minnesota Receiving
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Jordan Addison | 4 | 62 | 15.5 | 0 |
| Jalen Nailor | 3 | 30 | 10.0 | 0 |
| Josh Oliver | 2 | 24 | 12.0 | 2 |
| T.J. Hockenson | 2 | 12 | 6.0 | 1 |
| Justin Jefferson | 2 | 11 | 5.5 | 0 |
| Tai Felton | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 |
| Ben Sims | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 |
| Zavier Scott | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Aaron Jones Sr. | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| Team total | 16 | 163 | 10.2 | 3 |
Minnesota Kicking
| Player | FG | XP | Total points |
| Will Reichard | 1/1 | 4/4 | 7 |
Minnesota Punting
| Player | Punts | Average | Net average | Inside 20 |
| Ryan Wright | 1 | 43.0 | 43.0 | 0 |
Minnesota Returns
| Player | Returns | Yards | Average |
| Myles Price, punts | 2 | 8 | 4.0 |
| Myles Price, kickoffs | 1 | 35 | 35.0 |
Minnesota Defensive Leaders
Minnesota intercepted both Washington quarterbacks and recovered the game’s only lost fumble. The defense also stopped Washington during two red-zone possessions.
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Key play |
| Blake Cashman | 10 | 0 | Led Minnesota in tackles |
| Jalen Redmond | 6 | 1 | Sack of Daniels |
| Eric Wilson | 6 | 1 | Sack and forced pressure |
| Harrison Smith | 4 | 0 | One interception |
| Andrew Van Ginkel | 4 | 0 | Interception and 40-yard return |
| Josh Metellus | 4 | 0 | Four combined tackles |
| Byron Murphy Jr. | 3 | 0 | One tackle for loss |
| Javon Hargrave | 3 | 0 | Forced and recovered fumble |
Game Leaders and Top Performers
J.J. McCarthy
McCarthy completed 16 of 23 attempts and recorded a 129.2 passer rating. He threw three touchdowns without committing a turnover.
He completed passes to eight receivers. All three touchdown passes went to tight ends.
Aaron Jones Sr.
Jones carried 14 times and led the game with 76 rushing yards. His longest rush gained 18 yards.
His production supported Minnesota’s extended possessions. The Vikings attempted 34 runs compared with 23 Washington attempts.
Josh Oliver
Oliver caught two passes for 24 yards. Both receptions produced touchdowns.
His first score completed Minnesota’s opening drive. His second followed Harrison Smith’s interception during the third quarter.
Andrew Van Ginkel
Van Ginkel intercepted Daniels during Washington’s opening second-half possession. His 40-yard return placed Minnesota at Washington’s 30-yard line.
Minnesota converted that field position into a field goal. The play also ended Daniels’ participation.
Bobby Wagner
Wagner recorded 16 combined tackles and one sack. He played every Washington defensive snap listed in the official participation report.
| Player | Team | Primary category | Performance |
| J.J. McCarthy | Vikings | Passing | 16/23, 163 yards, three touchdowns |
| Aaron Jones Sr. | Vikings | Rushing | 14 carries, 76 yards |
| Josh Oliver | Vikings | Receiving | Two catches, two touchdowns |
| Andrew Van Ginkel | Vikings | Defense | Interception, 40-yard return |
| Bobby Wagner | Commanders | Defense | 16 tackles, one sack |
Starting Lineups
The official starting units showed Washington using three receivers and Minnesota using three receivers with one tight end. Both teams started their listed first-choice quarterbacks.
Offensive Starters
| Position | Washington Commanders | Minnesota Vikings |
| Quarterback | Jayden Daniels | J.J. McCarthy |
| Running back | Chris Rodriguez Jr. | Aaron Jones Sr. |
| Wide receiver | Terry McLaurin | Jordan Addison |
| Wide receiver | Deebo Samuel | Jalen Nailor |
| Wide receiver | Noah Brown | Justin Jefferson |
| Tight end | Zach Ertz | T.J. Hockenson |
| Left tackle | Laremy Tunsil | Christian Darrisaw |
| Left guard | Chris Paul | Donovan Jackson |
| Center | Tyler Biadasz | Ryan Kelly |
| Right guard | Sam Cosmi | Will Fries |
| Right tackle | Josh Conerly Jr. | Brian O’Neill |
Defensive Starters
| Position | Washington Commanders | Minnesota Vikings |
| Edge or defensive end | Jacob Martin | Andrew Van Ginkel |
| Defensive line | Javon Kinlaw | Jalen Redmond |
| Defensive line | Daron Payne | Javon Hargrave |
| Edge or defensive line | Von Miller | Jonathan Allen |
| Linebacker | Frankie Luvu | Dallas Turner |
| Linebacker | Bobby Wagner | Blake Cashman |
| Linebacker or cornerback | Noah Igbinoghene | Eric Wilson |
| Cornerback | Mike Sainristil | Byron Murphy Jr. |
| Cornerback or safety | Jonathan Jones | Jay Ward |
| Safety | Quan Martin | Harrison Smith |
| Safety | Will Harris | Josh Metellus |
Injury Report
Washington’s questionable players Noah Brown and Bobby Wagner were active. Daniels returned from his previous injury but left during the third quarter.
Minnesota’s questionable offensive linemen also started. Zach Ertz suffered a knee injury during the game and was ruled out.
| Player | Injury | Status |
| George Fant, Washington | Knee | Out |
| Drake Jackson, Washington | Knee and groin | Out |
| Noah Brown, Washington | Groin and knee | Questionable, active |
| Bobby Wagner, Washington | Knee | Questionable, active |
| Jayden Daniels, Washington | Left elbow | Started, left in third quarter |
| Zach Ertz, Washington | Knee | Left game, ruled out |
| Theo Jackson, Minnesota | Neck | Out |
| Levi Drake Rodriguez, Minnesota | Neck | Out |
| Ty Chandler, Minnesota | Knee | Out |
| Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota | Knee | Questionable, started |
| Donovan Jackson, Minnesota | Ankle | Questionable, started |
Season Series and Head-to-Head History
After this result, Minnesota leads the complete series 16-13. Minnesota leads regular-season meetings 14-10, while Washington leads postseason meetings 3-2.
The Vikings have won four consecutive meetings since Washington’s 2016 victory.
| Date | Site | Stage | Result |
| Nov. 3, 1968 | Minnesota | Regular season | Vikings 27-14 |
| Nov. 8, 1970 | Washington | Regular season | Vikings 19-10 |
| Sept. 18, 1972 | Minnesota | Regular season | Washington 24-21 |
| Dec. 22, 1973 | Minnesota | Divisional playoff | Vikings 27-20 |
| Nov. 30, 1975 | Washington | Regular season | Washington 31-30 |
| Dec. 18, 1976 | Minnesota | Divisional playoff | Vikings 35-20 |
| Nov. 2, 1980 | Washington | Regular season | Vikings 39-14 |
| Jan. 15, 1983 | Washington | 1982 second round | Washington 21-7 |
| Nov. 29, 1984 | Minnesota | Regular season | Washington 31-17 |
| Nov. 2, 1986 | Washington | Regular season | Washington 44-38 |
| Dec. 26, 1987 | Minnesota | Regular season | Washington 27-24 |
| Jan. 17, 1988 | Washington | NFC Championship | Washington 17-10 |
| Oct. 25, 1992 | Minnesota | Regular season | Washington 15-13 |
| Jan. 2, 1993 | Minnesota | Wild Card | Washington 24-7 |
| Dec. 31, 1993 | Washington | Regular season | Vikings 14-9 |
| Oct. 18, 1998 | Minnesota | Regular season | Vikings 41-7 |
| Jan. 2, 2005 | Washington | Regular season | Washington 21-18 |
| Sept. 11, 2006 | Washington | Regular season | Vikings 19-16 |
| Dec. 23, 2007 | Minnesota | Regular season | Washington 32-21 |
| Nov. 28, 2010 | Washington | Regular season | Vikings 17-13 |
| Dec. 24, 2011 | Washington | Regular season | Vikings 33-26 |
| Oct. 14, 2012 | Washington | Regular season | Washington 38-26 |
| Nov. 7, 2013 | Minnesota | Regular season | Vikings 34-27 |
| Nov. 2, 2014 | Minnesota | Regular season | Vikings 29-26 |
| Nov. 13, 2016 | Washington | Regular season | Washington 26-20 |
| Nov. 12, 2017 | Washington | Regular season | Vikings 38-30 |
| Oct. 24, 2019 | Minnesota | Regular season | Vikings 19-9 |
| Nov. 6, 2022 | Washington | Regular season | Vikings 20-17 |
| Dec. 7, 2025 | Minnesota | Regular season | Vikings 31-0 |
Conference Standings After Week 14
Minnesota remained outside the NFC playoff positions but avoided immediate elimination. Washington dropped to 15th and was officially eliminated.
| Team | Record | NFC position | Playoff status |
| Minnesota Vikings | 5-8 | 11th | Still mathematically alive |
| Washington Commanders | 3-10 | 15th | Eliminated |
Broadcast and Stream Information
The game aired during the Sunday afternoon regional window. FOX carried television coverage, with separate radio networks serving both markets.
| Platform | Coverage | Details |
| FOX | Television | Adam Amin, Drew Brees, Kristina Pink |
| NFL+ | Streaming | Eligible live and replay access |
| BIG 100 | Washington radio | Commanders broadcast network |
| iHeartRadio | Digital radio | Washington and Spanish broadcasts |
| KFAN | Minnesota radio | Vikings flagship coverage |
| Vikings Audio Network | Regional radio | Minnesota affiliate coverage |
Conclusion
Minnesota ended its losing streak and preserved a narrow postseason path. Washington’s defeat formally ended its playoff pursuit.
Turnovers, red-zone execution, and possession control separated the teams. Minnesota consistently converted short fields and extended drives.
Washington next traveled to face the New York Giants. Minnesota prepared for a road game against the Dallas Cowboys.
For more match updates, read: New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the latest Commanders versus Vikings game?
Minnesota defeated Washington 31-0 at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 7, 2025. The victory moved Minnesota to 5-8 that season.
Who led the passing statistics in the Commanders versus Vikings game?
J.J. McCarthy completed 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards. He threw three touchdowns and finished without an interception.
Why were the Commanders shut out by the Vikings?
Washington committed three turnovers and failed during both red-zone opportunities. Minnesota also limited Washington to 12 first downs and 206 total yards.
What happened to Jayden Daniels against Minnesota?
Daniels returned from a dislocated elbow but left during the third quarter. He landed on that elbow after Van Ginkel’s interception.
Who was the leading rusher in Washington Commanders versus Minnesota Vikings?
Aaron Jones led all players with 76 rushing yards on 14 carries. Chris Rodriguez led Washington with 52 yards on ten attempts.
Which Vikings players intercepted Washington’s quarterbacks?
Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted Daniels and returned the ball 40 yards. Harrison Smith later intercepted Mariota and returned it 11 yards.
When are the Commanders and Vikings scheduled to play again?
Their next scheduled meeting is December 27, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium. It appears on the NFL schedule as a Week 16 game.
