1978 Minnesota Vikings season
The 1978 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 18th in the National Football League. The Vikings finished with an 8–7–1 record, and finished in first place in the NFC Central division, despite having a regular season point differential of −12. The team appeared in the playoffs for the 10th time in 11 years; as in each of their previous playoff seasons, this one ended with a loss. Following the season, longtime quarterback Fran Tarkenton retired.Offseason
1978 Draft
Roster
Preseason
Regular season
Standings
Playoffs
In 2004, Football Outsiders named the 1978 Vikings as one of the "worst playoff teams ever":Awards and records
| Category | Total yards | Yards per game | NFL rank
|
| Passing offense | 3,243 | 202.7 | 2nd |
| Rushing offense | 1,536 | 96.0 | 28th |
| Total offense | 4,779 | 298.7 | 17th |
| Passing defense | 2,690 | 168.1 | 19th |
| Rushing defense | 2,116 | 132.3 | 10th |
| Total defense | 4,806 | 300.4 | 14th |
