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The Minnesota Vikings headed to London this weekend for part two of their western Europe tour, taking on the Cleveland Browns.
Both teams went into the weekend in desperate need of a win as Cleveland came into the week with a 1-3 record, and the Vikings were 2-2. In the end, it was a bit of slugfest as both defenses fought to gain leverage.
In the end, the Vikings were able to claw their way to a win despite being without four of their five starting offensive linemen by the end of the game, winning by a score of 21-17.
Here are five takeaways from the win as the Vikings now head into a much-needed bye week before they host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7.
1. A Perfectly Executed Two-Minute Drill
Jordan Addison talked in the locker room. Said he wasn’t certain how long he would be held out, and it initially had crossed his mind that he wouldn’t play at all. He vowed to be ready when he did get on the field. https://t.co/LrJ8jxlfXo
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 5, 2025
Addison certainly made up for any mistakes made throughout the week with five catches for 41 yards and the game-winning touchdown reception.
5. The Bye Week Couldn’t Come at a Better Time
down because of injuries, and there were more scares on Sunday when Jordan Mason was slow to get up after taking a big hit. Then, Christian Darrisaw exited the game, but it was revealed that it was due to him reaching his snap limit as part of his ACL recovery.
No injury for Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw, per the Vikings. Part of his plan as he rounds back into shape from his ACL/MCL tear. At his snap limit.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 5, 2025
While that part is semi-good news, it also meant the Vikings finished the game with four out of five spots on the offensive line being filled by backups, including multiple third-stringers. Will Fries was the only starter to remain on the field.
When Week 7 arrives, the Vikings could have names like J.J. McCarthy, Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel, Aaron Jones, and Donovan Jackson back in the lineup. Minnesota will need all of them as they begin a four-week stretch that includes facing the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via ESPN and Pro Football Reference.
Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey
