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The Minnesota Vikings remain undefeated. Here’s what history says about NFL teams that start 5-0.

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The Minnesota Vikings remain undefeated. Here’s what history says about NFL teams that start 5-0.


MINNEAPOLIS — There are only two undefeated teams left after Week 5 of the NFL season: the Minnesota Vikings and the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Both fan bases might be setting their sights on the playoffs already, but how successful are NFL teams that start 5-0? Good Question. 

Here’s why Vikings fans should be both excited and cautious given the team’s history.

NFL: OCT 06 Jets at Vikings
Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) is excited before the professional NFL football game between the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings on October 6, 2024 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.

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Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images


Sit back and relax, Vikings fans, for the sweet taste of victory is all you know right now. Fans told WCCO they feel optimistic and good about the team so far. Fans of opposing teams are surprised to see the purple and gold at the top of the NFC North Division.

When asked if it’s fair to start thinking about the post-season, Vikings fan Mike Applequist said, “I’m not quite there yet. I’d say about 3-4 more games and I will be.”

From 1990, when the NFL expanded the playoffs, to the 2023-24 season, 64 teams have started the season 5-0.

The Vikings did it five times during that stretch, in 1998, 2000, 2003, 2009 and 2016.

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What percentage of teams that start with a 5-0 record get to the playoffs? Fans guessed between 75-85%. 

Of the 64 teams mentioned, 58 of them made it to the playoffs, or 91%. 

Only six teams missed the playoffs. Unfortunately, two of them were the Vikings. First in 2003 after a heartbreaking loss to the Cardinals in the last game of the season. Their final record that year was 9-7. 

Tempe Arizona, Sun Devil Stadium 12/28/03 Minnesota Vikings vs Arizona Cardinals---- A dejected Chris Hovan neels on the turf after the Vikings loss 18-17 in the last seconds of the game during Sunday afternoon game at Sun Devil Stadium.
A dejected Chris Hovan neels on the turf after the Vikings loss 18-17 in the last seconds of the game during Sunday afternoon game at Sun Devil Stadium.

JERRY HOLT/Star Tribune via Getty Images

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The second time happened in the 2016 season. 

“All of a sudden they went to Philadelphia one day, got beat up, didn’t look like the same team,” said Mike Max, WCCO sports director. The Vikings finished with an 8-8 record that year.

What separates the 2024 team from the two teams that failed to make the playoffs? Max said not much at all. All three teams are winning, and losing, by razor-thin margins and have an equal amount of talent on the roster.

“The last two games, one drive could have cost them the game against Green Bay (Packers) and the (New York) Jets,” he said. If there’s one thing that stands out positively about the current team, Max said it’s the defense. “The defense looks like they can keep you in every game.”

Since 1990, nine teams that started 5-0 have gone on to win the Super Bowl. The last team to do it was the Denver Broncos in 2016.

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In 1998, the Vikings started the season with seven straight wins while scoring 29 points or more in each of those games, giving fans Super Bowl aspirations. The team finished the regular season, 15-1 but lost in the NFC Championship. Fans will remember kicker Gary Anderson missing a key field goal that game, especially since he didn’t miss a kick all season.

History would repeat itself a few years later. After a 7-0 start in 2000, the team finished with an 11-5 record and again lost in the NFC Championship. The New York Giants shut them out 41-0.

2000 NFC Championship Game - Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants - January 14, 2001
New York Giants linebacker Jessie Armstead (98) chases down Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper (11) during the NFC Championship Game, a 41-0 Giants victory on January 14, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

Ralph Waclawicz/Getty Images


Quarterback Brett Favre guided the 2009 team to a 6-0 start and a 12-4 record. The team infamously lost after Favre threw an interception in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship.

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U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities

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U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities


Iranians in the Twin Cities gathered in downtown Minneapolis Sunday to celebrate major developments in the Middle East. Anti-war protesters also took the streets of Minneapolis Saturday.

Plus, Jewish communities say they are on high alert over concerns of potential retaliatory acts in major cities across the U.S.

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‘Massive moment’

What we know:

Following a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation in Iran, Khamenei was killed in an attack, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday.

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What they’re saying:

Iranian community groups rallied at Nicollet Mall and 11th Street on Sunday to express hope for regime change.

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Dozens of Iranian-Americans said they are celebrating the news.

“We are here to support Iranian people. Today, everybody is happy, very happy,” said Beheshteh Zargaran, an Iranian-American.

“Killed Khamenei, which was the supreme leader, and hopefully they will continue this action and help Iranians finally topple the Islamic regime,” said Faraz Samavat, an Iranian-American.

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“That means a lot. We are fighting for almost half a century to destroy this cruel regime against people of Iran,” said Ali Mohammad, an Iranian-American.

The other side:

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Protesters also took to the streets in the Twin Cities over the weekend condemning the strikes.

Some people are criticizing the military operation including members of Minnesota’s DFL delegation. Congresswoman Betty McCollum called the strikes “unlawful” and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called the war “illegal and unjustified.”

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Heightened security:

Jewish communities in Minnesota say they are also on high alert following security guidance across the country to prevent potential retaliatory violence.

“A heightened sense of vigilance making sure that everybody is aware of their surroundings and that all of the protective measures are in place,” said Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.

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There are currently no known specific threats against local Jewish communities.

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Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28

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Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28


Storm reports in from Minnesota on Saturday, Feb. 28. 

Impressive snow totals were reported in parts of Minnesota after a narrow band of heavy snowfall worked its way across the state. 

Minnesota snow totals for the last day of February 2026 

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Snow totals for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.  (FOX 9)

By the numbers:

Many areas saw more snow than was expected before temperatures warm up in the coming days.

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The following snow totals were reported across Minnesota:

  • Lanesboro: 10 inches
  • Preston: 10 inches
  • St. Peter: 7 inches
  • Stewartville: 7 inches
  • Caledonia: 6 inches
  • Nicollet: 6 inches
  • New Ulm: 5.5 inches
  • Rochester: 4.9 inches
  • Mankato: 4.5 inches

The Source: This story uses information from the FOX 9 weather forecast and the National Weather Service. 

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East Range Police Department officer passes away

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East Range Police Department officer passes away


A police officer in northern Minnesota unexpectedly passed away earlier this week.

The East Range Police Department said that Sgt. Cody Siebert passed away on Friday, less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection.

The department said that Siebert was known for his happy-go-lucky personality and that “if you couldn’t get along with Cody, it was your fault.”

Siebert started at the K9 program in Babbitt with K9 Taconite (Tac) before going to the East Range Police Department.

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“The hole left by Sgt. Siebert’s passing will be impossible to fill,” East Range police said. “We at ERPD love you and will miss you always. We have it from here.”

Mesabi East Schools also stated that the district was “truly blessed to have him walking our halls, greeting students, encouraging staff, and building relationships that went far beyond the badge.”

Click here for a GoFundMe to support Siebert’s family.



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