The 2002 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 42nd in the National Football League, and the first under head coach Mike Tice. Tice was the third of the Vikings' six head coaches to be promoted from within the team's coaching ranks but the first to have actually played for the team. The Vikings lost their opening game in Chicago 27–23 after surrendering a 20–10 halftime lead, and ended up going 0–4 before their bye week. Results improved after the bye, but they ultimately went 6–6 in their remaining games, including a three-game winning streak to end the season. They finished the season with a 6–10 record and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. Second-year running back Michael Bennett enjoyed a successful year, rushing for 1,296 yards, resulting in a Pro Bowl selection at the end of the season. After losing Cris Carter to retirement, Randy Moss had a career-high 106 receptions, but only had 7 touchdowns. Offseason 2002 Draft Minnesota traded their 5th round selection (141st overall) to Cleveland for QB Spergon Wynn and RB Travis Prentice. Undrafted free agents Preseason Schedule Game summaries Week 1: vs. Cleveland Browns Week 2: at Buffalo Bills Week 3: vs. Tennessee Titans Week 4: at Pittsburgh Steelers Regular season Schedule Game summaries Week 1: at Chicago Bears Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills Week 3: vs. Carolina Panthers Week 4: at Seattle Seahawks Week 6: vs. Detroit Lions Week 7: at New York Jets Week 8: vs. Chicago Bears Week 9: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 10: vs. New York Giants Week 11: vs. Green Bay Packers Week 12: at New England Patriots Week 13: vs. Atlanta Falcons Week 14: at Green Bay Packers Week 15: at New Orleans Saints Week 16: vs. Miami Dolphins Week 17: at Detroit Lions Standings Statistics Team leaders League rankings Staff Roster References External links Minnesota Vikings seasons Minnesota Minnesota