Vikings vs. Cardinals Live Score Updates — NFL Regular Season, Week 8
After a week off, it's once again time for Minnesota Vikings football.
The Vikings, well-rested and confident with a 5-1 record, are set to take on the 3-4 Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. It'll be a special day in Minneapolis, as legendary defensive end Jared Allen will officially be inducted into the Vikings' Ring of Honor. Kevin O'Connell's team, which has won four consecutive one-possession games, will try to stretch its winning streak to five.
When the Vikings have the ball, interior pass protection will be important against a Cardinals defensive line led by J.J. Watt and Zach Allen. If Kirk Cousins has time, he should be able to hit Justin Jefferson and his other weapons against a poor Arizona secondary.
When the Cardinals have the ball, the Vikings will need to find ways to keep Kyler Murray from scrambling all over the place. They also need to be very aware of Cardinals No. 1 receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who will be Murray's first read much of the time.
The Vikings have a clean bill of health entering this game, with DL Jonathan Bullard (illness) as the lone exception. He's out, which should mean more snaps for Ross Blacklock and James Lynch. Khyiris Tonga is also active.
The Cardinals will be without their entire starting left side of the offensive line: D.J. Humphries, Max Garcia, and Rodney Hudson. They're also missing RB James Conner and LB Dennis Gardeck.
Here's how to watch, listen to, or stream the game. Follow along below for live updates, and follow me on Twitter for additional updates, analysis, and highlights from inside the stadium.
Final Score: Vikings 34, Cardinals 26
Live updates below
Fourth quarter
Vikings 34, Cardinals 26
8:36 — Cousins hits KJ Osborn for a touchdown, but Greg Joseph's extra point hits the upright with a chance to put the Vikings up two scores.
10:46 — The Vikings go three and out, but get a huge break when the Cardinals muff the punt and Troy Dye recovers.
Vikings 28, Cardinals 26
12:32 — Kyler Murray drops the shotgun snap on third down, forcing the Cardinals to settle for a short field goal.
Third quarter
0:00 — After an Isaiah Simmons strip sack, the Cardinals will go into the fourth quarter just outside of the red zone, with a chance to take the lead back.
Vikings 28, Cardinals 23
2:27 — This game has been quite eventful. The Cardinals strike back with a score of their own, as Rondale Moore escapes multiple defenders on a 38-yard catch and run touchdown. The two-point try was no good.
Vikings 28, Cardinals 17
4:07 — For whatever reason, Kyler Murray threw up a prayer while under pressure in his own end zone, and Harrison Smith picked it off. That set up the Vikings with a short field and they capitalized, with Dalvin Cook getting in for a touchdown. This game has taken a major turn.
Vikings 21, Cardinals 17
5:47 — Big-time response by the Vikings' offense. They go 75 yards in eight plays to retake the lead on an Alexander Mattison touchdown run. Justin Jefferson made an incredible catch on third down to keep the drive alive.
Cardinals 17, Vikings 14
9:01 — The Cardinals take advantage of good field position following a Vikings three and out, striking quickly for a go-ahead touchdown. Kyler Murray hit tight end Zach Ertz, who broke a tackle and got in. Arizona has its first lead.
12:09 — Patrick Peterson gets his second PBU of the day against his old team to force a Cardinals punt.
Second quarter
0:00 — Greg Joseph's 56-yard field goal attempt was blocked to end the half.
Vikings 14, Cardinals 10
0:47 — DeAndre Hopkins is still amazing. His one-handed touchdown catch gets the Cardinals right back into the game.
5:45 — Za'Darius Smith has two sacks in the first half, giving him 7.5 on the season. What an incredible free agent pickup for the Vikings this offseason.
Vikings 14, Cardinals 3
9:54 — The Vikings are rolling on offense. This time, they go 83 yards on nine plays to take a 14-3 lead with a touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Johnny Mundt.
First quarter
0:00 — The Vikings turned it over on downs on their previous offensive possession, but their defense stepped up. Za'Darius Smith is up to 6.5 sacks in 7 games after taking down Kyler Murray on third down to force a punt.
Vikings 7, Cardinals 3
6:04 — The Cardinals respond with a solid opening drive of their own, but a Patrick Peterson pass breakup in the end zone forces Arizona to settle for a field goal.
Vikings 7, Cardinals 0
10:09 — Kirk Cousins, dual threat? The Vikings QB just took off and ran for a 17-yard touchdown on third and 4, diving to the pylon to finish it. What a play to get the Vikings off to a strong start.
