With the seventh worst record in the 2006 NFL season, the Vikings selected prized running back Adrian Peterson out of the University of Oklahoma, who led the Sooners to the 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.
After a three-game skid, the Vikings then stormed back by winning against fellow division rival Chicago Bears at Soldier Field 34-31, but then dropped their next two games against the powerful Dallas Cowboys (14-10) and Philadelphia Eagles (23-16).