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By: Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

Vikings reporters Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker of the Star Tribune are bringing all you football enthusiasts another way to stay connected to the purple. Consider this podcast to be similar to any Vikings season: full of ups and downs, but never boring.

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Vikings-Bears preview: Brian Flores' and Ben Johnson's units go head-to-head
Vikings-Bears preview: Brian Flores' and Ben Johnson's units go head-to-head episode artwork
Yesterday at 11:00 AM

Everyone's talking about the matchup between Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Bears head coach Ben Johnson, an offensive guru. Who will prevail? Minnesota Star Tribune reporters Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Week 2's Vikings-Bears matchup at Soldier Field. The Vikings will start Carson Wentz at quarterback with Kyler Murray ruled out as he continues working through concussion protocol.


Ben Johnson's Bears offense put up 59 points Week 1. How might they fare vs. Vikings?
Ben Johnson's Bears offense put up 59 points Week 1. How might they fare vs. Vikings? episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 11:00 AM

Ben Johnson's second season with the Chicago Bears started with a bang: A 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers. Will they be as productive against the Minnesota Vikings? Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Emily Leiker is joined by ESPN's Courtney Cronin to discuss what was learned from the Bears' Week 1 victory, and what's expected to be different in the Week 2 NFC North matchup.


How the Vikings defense sealed the win after busting coverages vs. the Packers
How the Vikings defense sealed the win after busting coverages vs. the Packers episode artwork
Last Tuesday at 11:00 AM

Emily Leiker is joined by Minnesota Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer to discuss six defensive plays from the Vikings' 39-22 win over the Packers. What went wrong on the 82-yard touchdown to Packers receiver Christian Watson? How did quarterback Jordan Love complete another 32-yard pass to Watson just before halftime? And what impact did safety Harrison Smith have on the strip sack by Andrew Van Ginkel? How was a second half run stop emblematic of the back and forth with Love? And which two young defenders deserve shoutouts? Watch the film at the Minnesota Star Tribune's YouTube channel! <...


Carson Wentz, Vikings defense cap furious comeback in win over Packers
Carson Wentz, Vikings defense cap furious comeback in win over Packers episode artwork
Last Monday at 2:50 AM

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker return from the locker room to recap the Vikings' 39-22 comeback win over the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. What's the status of quarterback Kyler Murray? What did they think about Carson Wentz's performance? And what about a Jekyll & Hyde defense that turned things on in the clutch? The Vikings needed to catch some breaks and they capitalized.


Vikings-Packers preview: How can Harrison Smith and Brian Flores limit Jordan Love?
Vikings-Packers preview: How can Harrison Smith and Brian Flores limit Jordan Love? episode artwork
09/12/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's season opener against the Packers. What are their individual storylines to watch? What's the most interesting thing we each heard this week? Who ends up 1-0 on Sunday? They discuss Harrison Smith's return, Kyler Murray to Jordan Love, and everything in between.


How will absences of Micah Parsons, Josh Jacobs affect Vikings-Packers Week 1 matchup?
How will absences of Micah Parsons, Josh Jacobs affect Vikings-Packers Week 1 matchup? episode artwork
09/09/2026

The Minnesota Vikings host the Green Bay Packers -- an NFC North rival -- for their season-opener. With the Packers currently without star players in edge rusher Micah Parsons and running back Josh Jacobs, how could the matchup look different from last year's two meetings? Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Emily Leiker is joined by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein for an inside look at the Vikings' Week 1 opponent.


How the Vikings offense could evolve with quarterback Kyler Murray
How the Vikings offense could evolve with quarterback Kyler Murray episode artwork
09/08/2026

Emily Leiker is joined by Minnesota Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer to discuss what changes could be coming to the Vikings offense with quarterback Kyler Murray. Follow along at the Star Tribune's YouTube page for the video!


Minnesota Vikings 2026 season preview: Projected MVPs, impact rookies and more
Minnesota Vikings 2026 season preview: Projected MVPs, impact rookies and more episode artwork
09/03/2026

Minnesota Star Tribune reporters Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker make their picks as they preview the season ahead for the Vikings, talking win totals and impact rookies, too. Plus, Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley's comments on quarterback J.J. McCarthy's future with the Vikings.



A decade since Teddy Bridgewater's injury and a bonkers Vikings season
A decade since Teddy Bridgewater's injury and a bonkers Vikings season episode artwork
08/31/2026

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer are joined by former Vikings offensive lineman (and current NFL agent) Jeremiah Sirles to discuss quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's dislocated knee during an Aug. 30 practice and the ripple effects throughout a tumultuous 2016 season.


Vikings keep four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster
Vikings keep four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster episode artwork
08/30/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' initial 53-man roster formed Sunday, when they kept Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer. Will it stay that way? What other noteworthy moves were made? What positions could use some outside help?


Position battles, J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings' preseason finale in Denver
Position battles, J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings' preseason finale in Denver episode artwork
08/27/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the final practices of Vikings training camp and preview Friday night's preseason finale in Denver, where players like safety Jacob Thomas can try to cap their cases for a 53-man roster spot ahead of Sunday's deadline. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is expected to start if he's healthy enough to play.


J.J. McCarthy gets banged up, Vikings rookies make noise in preseason loss to Ravens
J.J. McCarthy gets banged up, Vikings rookies make noise in preseason loss to Ravens episode artwork
08/22/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 13-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium. J.J. McCarthy's ongoing struggles likely won't solidify his spot as backup quarterback. Rookie defenders made plenty of noise, including a 322-pound man in coverage and Caleb Banks' splashy run stop.


Takeaways from two joint practices between the Vikings and Ravens
Takeaways from two joint practices between the Vikings and Ravens episode artwork
08/21/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap back-to-back joint practices between the Vikings and Ravens. They recap a strong finish for the Vikings in a situational drill, discuss the high point of quarterback Kyler Murray's performance, and pinpoint where there is room to grow.


J.J. McCarthy is the Vikings backup QB, but could that change to Carson Wentz?
J.J. McCarthy is the Vikings backup QB, but could that change to Carson Wentz? episode artwork
08/18/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Saturday's preseason opener, how quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz played, and what to make of a quiet debut from a talented rookie class?


Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy to both play in Vikings preseason opener vs. Giants
Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy to both play in Vikings preseason opener vs. Giants episode artwork
08/14/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Saturday's preseason opener at the New York Giants. Quarterback Kyler Murray should start with most of the first-team offense (sans Justin Jefferson) in New York, providing the first glimpse of what he can do in purple. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy and other young players will also get plenty of run. The crew runs through what they're watching for in preseason Week 1.


Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s bittersweet Hall of Fame induction
Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s bittersweet Hall of Fame induction episode artwork
08/12/2026

Minnesota's own and Arizona Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald Jr. joined the NFL Hall of Fame over the weekend just months after the passing of his father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr. How did Fitzgerald remember his father throughout the bittersweet affair? Emily Leiker is joined by Minnesota Star Tribune football enterprise reporter Mark Craig to discuss Fitzgerald's induction over the weekend, plus an exclusive story with current Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw.


Kyler Murray named Vikings starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy
Kyler Murray named Vikings starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy episode artwork
08/11/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker react to the breaking news that Kyler Murray has been named the Vikings' starting QB over J.J. McCarthy. What did Kevin O'Connell have to say about the decision? What does this mean for McCarthy? How will the Vikings proceed with Murray as the guy? What changes are in store for the offense?


Which Vikings rookies can make an impact right away?
Which Vikings rookies can make an impact right away? episode artwork
08/08/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss a busy training camp for the Vikings' nine drafted rookies. Which picks have been most involved so far? Who has a clear lane to contribute? They also size up an ongoing QB battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy that appears to be leaning one direction.


What stood out after the Vikings' first padded practice of camp?
What stood out after the Vikings' first padded practice of camp? episode artwork
08/04/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from Monday's first padded practice of training camp. How has Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy unfolded so far? Was it a concerning start for the offensive line? Or the typical ebbs and flows of camp? What about top pick Caleb Banks? They also discuss hydration, slip and slides, and safety Harrison Smith.


Which Vikings (non-QB edition) could surprise at training camp?
Which Vikings (non-QB edition) could surprise at training camp? episode artwork
07/31/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap what they've seen and heard from two days of Vikings training camp. How is the QB competition unfolding? What non-QB players are standing out? Who will surprise fans once the gates open on Saturday?


How will Vikings split camp reps between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy?
How will Vikings split camp reps between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy? episode artwork
07/29/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker bring you the first training camp dispatch from the team's Eagan headquarters, where DBs coach Gerald Alexander is suspended for three weeks following a DUI arrest, right tackle Brian O'Neill has a new contract and, oh yeah, there's a QB competition beginning in earnest.


Vikings training camp preview: Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy lead position battles
Vikings training camp preview: Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy lead position battles episode artwork
07/23/2026

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker return from a summer break, and the Vikings will soon as well. They get you prepared with a Vikings training camp primer that touches on the topic du jour -- Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy -- before delving into the run game, position battles, the front office, and more.


Where does Vikings QB competition stand at end of offseason program? Plus, listener Q&A
06/12/2026

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell's comments about the state of the QB competition at the end of the Vikings' offseason program, and how it's expected to continue into training camp. They also discuss Christian Darrisaw's health and how the Vikings safety room is faring without Harrison Smith. Finally, they answer listeners' questions about the QBs, O-line, Jake Golday and more.


Vikings GM Nolan Teasley is 'guided by evaluation, anchored by data'
06/03/2026

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley's introductory news conference, which featured comments from Teasley and Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf. They discuss the new Vikings leader's philosophies, background and relationship with head coach Kevin O'Connell. Plus, who reports to who with internal Vikings GM candidate Rob Brzezinski remaining on staff?


The Vikings QB competition is underway. How do McCarthy, Murray view it?
05/27/2026

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw during their first day at Vikings OTAs, and what they heard after from quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. How did McCarthy describe his relationship with Murray, and vice versa? How does he view the competition? Plus, who was absent from OTAs and the Vikings five GM finalists.


The NFL draft is coming to Minnesota, plus updates on Vikings GM search
05/20/2026

Emily Leiker is joined by Minnesota Star Tribune Daily Delivery host Mike Rand to discuss news from the NFL's spring meeting in Orlando, including that owners approved the 2028 NFL draft being held in Minnesota. Plus, the Vikings GM search is moving into its second phase after the conclusion of what co-owner Mark Wilf called "exploratory interviews."


Vikings sign ex-49ers receiver Jauan Jennings; rookie minicamp takeaways
Vikings sign ex-49ers receiver Jauan Jennings; rookie minicamp takeaways episode artwork
05/08/2026

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from TCO Performance Center in Eagan, where the Vikings held a shortened, one-day rookie minicamp that did not feature top pick Caleb Banks. The team does expect receiver Jauan Jennings in town by next week, when veterans will hit the field for the first time. What are the Vikings getting in Jennings? How is the move emblematic of their shift this offseason?


Vikings' GM search underway; roster in need of veteran help?
Vikings' GM search underway; roster in need of veteran help? episode artwork
05/01/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' GM search that began in earnest after the NFL Draft: What are they looking for in a candidate? How much of a candidate is interim GM Rob Brzezinski? They also discuss the recent free-agent visit with WR Jauan Jennings and the reported likelihood that the 2028 NFL Draft is headed to Minneapolis.


Vikings cap 2026 draft with a speedy RB and J.J. McCarthy's fullback friend
Vikings cap 2026 draft with a speedy RB  and J.J. McCarthy's fullback friend episode artwork
04/26/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap Day 3 of the Vikings' 2026 draft that saw them make four picks, including the only expected skill position player in sixth-round running back Demond Claiborne. What did they learn about the new Vikings, including J.J. McCarthy's former Michigan teammate: FB Max Bredeson? What does the collective age of their rookies say about their approach and college football? And how soon can these defensive picks make a difference?


Vikings trade Jonathan Greenard to Eagles for two third-round picks
Vikings trade Jonathan Greenard to Eagles for two third-round picks episode artwork
04/25/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap Day 2 of the NFL Draft, leading off with the Vikings finalizing a long-rumored trade that sent Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles. Why did the Vikings trade away one of their best defenders? What does this mean for Dallas Turner? And what do we know about the four draft picks they made in Rounds 2-3?


Vikings surprise by drafting first-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks
Vikings surprise by drafting first-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks episode artwork
04/24/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker react to the Vikings' first-round selection of Florida DT Caleb Banks from the team's headquarters in Eagan. What were their reactions? What did Kevin O'Connell and Rob Brzezinski have to say about the pick? And what did they learn about the newest Viking?


Justin Jefferson sees Kyler Murray as a "spark," and news from start of Vikings' offseason program
04/20/2026

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap what they heard on Day 1 of the Vikings' offseason program from wide receiver Justin Jefferson, head coach Kevin O'Connell and interim general manager Rob Brzezinski. How did Jefferson react to Kyler Murray's signing? What has his offseason training with J.J. McCarthy looked like? Plus, Jonathan Greenard not present for offseason program opening, and Ivan Pace Jr. re-signs.


Vikings mailbag: Draft needs? First-round WR or TE? GM job?
Vikings mailbag: Draft needs? First-round WR or TE? GM job? episode artwork
04/17/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the upcoming NFL Draft. Trading up for top running back Jeremiyah Love? What position could see multiple draft picks? What about a first-round pass catcher like Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq? They also discuss the general manager job and the Vikings' search following the draft.


Dillon Thieneman? Jadarian Price? A center? How Vikings could use four Top 100 picks
04/08/2026

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker kick off NFL draft month by discussing some options the Vikings could explore at each of their four currently slated Top 100 pick positions. Why is Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman a near-unanimous mock draft at No. 18? Would the Vikings consider Notre Dame's Jadarian Price in Round 2? Where does the need for a long-term center come in to the equation?


How does Vikings brass feel about their QB room? Debriefing NFL owner's meetings
04/01/2026

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss Emily's time at the NFL Annual Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore, where Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, co-owner Mark Wilf and interim general manager Rob Brzezinski all spoke with media. How do the Vikings feel about their quarterback room after the Murray acquisition? Where are they at in their search for a GM? Plus, answers to a few listener questions.


Vikings bidding to host NFL Draft, plus how Wentz fits with Murray and McCarthy
Vikings bidding to host NFL Draft, plus how Wentz fits with Murray and McCarthy episode artwork
03/27/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss various Vikings-related topics, including the team's involvement in pushing to host an upcoming NFL Draft, free-agent signings from QB Carson Wentz to P Johnny Hekker, and last week's retirement event for Adam Thielen and C.J. Ham.


What exactly are the Vikings getting in Kyler Murray? ESPN's Josh Weinfuss lets us know
What exactly are the Vikings getting in Kyler Murray? ESPN's Josh Weinfuss lets us know episode artwork
03/17/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker welcome Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss from ESPN to discuss new Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray's seven seasons in Arizona. What is fair or not fair about the book on Murray to this point? What exactly are the Vikings getting as a quarterback? As a leader? As a worker? What will be among the more fascinating parts of this experiment?


Vikings sign Kyler Murray, who says he's ready to compete with J.J. McCarthy
Vikings sign Kyler Murray, who says he's ready to compete with J.J. McCarthy episode artwork
03/13/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker return from a video call with new Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray and coach Kevin O'Connell to discuss Murray joining Minnesota. What does this mean for the Vikings offense? What about the stated competition with J.J. McCarthy? Murray has already met Justin Jefferson at Pro Bowls and thrown for 20,000 yards and over 120 touchdown passes in the league, setting up a steep climb for McCarthy, who had the NFL's worst interception rate and third-worst sack rate in 10 starts.


Vikings free agency: Aaron Jones returns, Harrison Smith released
Vikings free agency: Aaron Jones returns, Harrison Smith released episode artwork
03/11/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the coming and goings on the Vikings roster during the start of NFL free agency. They first discuss running back Aaron Jones' return amid a lackluster RB market. Tight end T.J. Hockenson agreed to a more than $5 million pay cut to stay. Linebacker Eric Wilson's return makes sense. Safety Harrison Smith is released but may still return. The early outside addition is ex-Steelers corner James Pierre; what does he bring? Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is joining the Packers. The Vikings need a punter. Oh, yeah, they need a new quarterback...


Vikings mailbag: Quarterbacks, J.J. McCarthy, and competitively rebuilding
Vikings mailbag: Quarterbacks, J.J. McCarthy, and competitively rebuilding episode artwork
03/04/2026

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions ahead of NFL free agency. How did the team's former GM earn an "A" grade in the NFLPA's latest team report cards? What are the QB plans? Would they part ways with J.J. McCarthy? Could they make a run at the top center on the market? What about replacing Harrison Smith?