Tragic Franchise Losses Again

Tragic+Franchise+Losses+Again

Thomas Olenchek, Contributor

The Minnesota Vikings are one of the most historic and successful teams in the NFL, but even the best teams have their fair share of heartbreaking losses. Here are the top 10 most heartbreaking Minnesota Vikings losses.

1. Super Bowl IV: In 1970, the Vikings were heavily favored to win their first Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, but ended up losing 23-7. This loss is considered one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history and is still remembered as one of the most heartbreaking moments in Vikings history.

2. Super Bowl VIII: In 1974, the Vikings were again in the Super Bowl, but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-6. This was a disappointing loss for the team and its fans, as they had high hopes of winning their first Super Bowl.

3. Super Bowl IX: In 1975, the Vikings were in their third Super Bowl in a row, but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-6. This was a devastating loss for the team and its fans, as they had a chance to win back-to-back Super Bowls but came up short.

4. Super Bowl XI: In 1977, the Vikings were in their fourth Super Bowl, but lost to the Oakland Raiders 32-14. This was a heartbreaking loss for the team and its fans, as they had a chance to win their first Super Bowl but came up short once again.

5. NFC Championship Game 1998: In 1998, the Vikings had one of the best teams in the NFL with a 15-1 record, but they lost to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game, 30-27 in overtime. This was a crushing blow for the team and its fans, as they had high hopes of winning the Super Bowl that year.

6. NFC Championship Game 2009: In 2009, the Vikings were again in the NFC Championship Game, but lost to the New Orleans Saints in overtime, 31-28. This loss was particularly painful because the Vikings had a chance to win the game in the final seconds of regulation, but Brett Favre threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

7. Week 16, 2011: In 2011, the Vikings were in the playoff hunt, but a loss to the Washington Redskins in Week 16 eliminated them from the playoffs. This was a heartbreaking loss for the team and its fans, as they had a chance to make the playoffs but came up short.

8. Week 17, 2016: In 2016, the Vikings were in the playoff hunt, but a loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 eliminated them from the playoffs. This was another tough loss for the team and its fans, as they had a chance to make the playoffs but fell short once again.

9. Week 3, 2018: In 2018, the Vikings were considered a Super Bowl contender, but a loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 was a major setback. This was a surprising loss, as the Bills were not considered a strong team at the time and it was a major disappointment for the team and its fans.

10. Week 8, 2018: In Week 8 of 2018, the Vikings lost to the New Orleans Saints 30-20. This was a disappointment for the team and its fans, as the Vikings had a chance to keep pace with the Chicago Bears in the NFC North, but came up short.

These losses were all heart-wrenching for the team and its fans, but they serve as a reminder that even the best teams have their fair share of disappointments. The Minnesota Vikings will always be remembered for their successes, but these losses will always be a part of their history. Despite a history riddled with failure, the fans of the franchise have stayed loyal and excited for the future. On the other hand Packer fans continue to enjoy the misery of those who support the franchise. One Packer fan, George Merkt states ” I rejoice in their tragic defeat every year while I continue to enjoy one of the most decorated franchises of all time with their 7 Superbowl victories. The Minnesota Vikings are trash.”