Access Vikings

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Vikings reporters Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer are bringing all you football enthusiasts another way to stay connected to the purple. Consider this podcast to be similar to any Vikings season: full of ups and downs, but never boring.

Star Tribune


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 559 EPISODES

    4.2 from 221 ratings Listeners of Access Vikings that love the show mention: goessling, favre, best vikings podcast, please hire, skol, ben, volume, andrew, pass, fix, fellas, update, line, currently, audio, team, believe, one of the best, guys, keep up the good work.


    Ivy Insights

    The Access Vikings podcast is a must-listen for any Minnesota Vikings fan. Hosted by Andrew Krammer, Ben Goessling, and Mike Rand, this podcast provides in-depth analysis and insights into the team's performance. The trio of hosts bring years of experience covering the Vikings, allowing them to share entertaining stories from past seasons. One of the best aspects of this podcast is that the hosts remain neutral and objective, avoiding the overly emotional reactions that some fans may have. They provide realistic and accurate opinions, keeping listeners well-informed.

    However, one potential drawback of The Access Vikings podcast is its tendency to have a somewhat contrarian view towards the team's success. While it's important to stay realistic and not get too carried away with optimism, some listeners may find it tiresome when every week there seems to be a "yeah they are winning but..." narrative. This constant skepticism about the team's success can become repetitive and may deter some listeners from continuing to tune in.

    Overall, The Access Vikings podcast is an incredibly insightful and interesting source for Vikings fans. The hosts provide valuable analysis and opinions on various aspects of the team's performance. Despite its occasional contrarian angle, it remains one of the best podcasts available for Minnesota Vikings coverage. Whether you're looking for game recaps or discussions on offseason moves, this podcast has you covered with engaging content worth your time.



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    Latest episodes from Access Vikings

    The J.J. McCarthy to Justin Jefferson connection, Vikings' D-line 'waves,' and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 36:31


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from receiver Justin Jefferson, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, new cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and more following Monday's OTA session in Eagan.

    Vikings OTAs begin with focus on QB J.J. McCarthy and a retooled defense

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 40:06


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker return from the first spring practice open to reporters and discuss QB J.J. McCarthy's development, where the new guys are fitting in, and what position battles should be getting the most attention this summer.

    Would Justin Jefferson really play flag football for Team USA?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 41:36


    Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest from NFL league meetings in Eagan, Minn., where the "Tush Push" was defended, Justin Jefferson was allowed to play flag football (will he?), and a halftime show was teased for a Christmas game (the Vikings play on Christmas).

    Vikings' 2025 schedule offers big challenges on main stages

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 42:09


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the twists and turns of the Vikings' 2025 schedule that includes a frequent spotlight on quarterback J.J. McCarthy's team through seven nationally-televised games. What are the schedule quirks to know? They also open a listener mailbag and answer your questions about always playing in Seattle, biggest games, and more.

    Which Vikings rookies have clearest paths to contribute?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 30:49


    Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from the first day of a three-day Vikings rookie minicamp this weekend. That begs the question: which rookies from a small five-man class have the clearest paths to contribute right away?

    J.J. McCarthy talks about being QB1, Andrew Van Ginkel signs extension

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 55:06


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during his first local media appearance since last season. What did he have to say about taking over a 14-win team? What did his teammates say? They also delve into Andrew Van Ginkel's new contract, Josh Metellus' case for a new deal, and more.

    Vikings' 2025 draft class included five picks, a new QB, and a clear priority

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 39:42


    Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' 2025 draft class from first-round guard Donovan Jackson through sixth-round tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Oh, and they do not forget new Vikings QB Sam Howell, who arrives as the most experienced option on the roster. But this offseason has been all about QB J.J. McCarthy anyway.

    Vikings stick and pick guard Donovan Jackson in NFL Draft's first round

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 22:39


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from Vikings headquarters in Eagan, where they drafted the franchise's first opening-round guard since 1988. Just don't ask Emily who that Hall of Famer was nearly 40 years ago.

    The NFC North mock draft you didn't know you needed

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 49:49


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker put on their general manager caps and each take over a team in the NFC North for a division-wide mock draft. What can only be described as perfection ensues. Make sure you check out the Star Tribune's YouTube channel for the video.

    Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talks impact over need in the NFL Draft, plus our final position previews

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 40:14


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker react to Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's annual pre-draft press conference, in which he discussed his draft philosophies, impact vs. need, and their current four-pick allotment that would be the smallest class in franchise history. They also wrap up their position previews with groups that might be surprise areas to add.

    Will the Vikings keep prioritizing the offensive and defensive lines? Pre-Draft Position Preview Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 41:10


    On this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the many intriguing options available in the trenches during this year's NFL Draft. What are some of the best fits in the first round on each side? What about in later rounds? And what does the current depth chart tell us about what direction they'll go?

    Which do the Vikings need more, a cornerback or safety? Pre-Draft Position Preview Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 34:37


    Emily Leiker and Ben Goessling discuss a handful of defensive back prospects in this year's NFL Draft who'd be good fits for the Vikings, including potential first rounders and those who might still be on the board further in the draft. Plus, they briefly go down tangents on the Vikings' comp pick outlook for 2026 and who could replace Cam Bynum's role as Josh Metellus' co-dance captain next year Prospects discussed: Texas' Jahdae Barron, Georgia's Malaki Starks, Notre Dame's Xavier Watts, East Carolina's Shavon Revel Jr., Virginia's Jonas Sanker and more.

    Kevin O'Connell respects Aaron Rodgers but affirms his belief in J.J. McCarthy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 24:39


    In his first public comments to local reporters about the Vikings' QB situation, O'Connell on Monday addressed the team's interest in Rodgers and his communication with McCarthy about it. Star Tribune Vikings writers Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker break it all down.

    Indianapolis Star's Joel Erickson talks Will Fries, Ryan Kelly, Cam Bynum and Daniel Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 23:23


    The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer is joined by Indianapolis Star reporter Joel Erickson to discuss the Vikings and Colts swapping players this offseason. Why was new Vikings center Ryan Kelly available after nine years with the Colts? How did new Vikings guard Will Fries go from seventh-round pick to $17 million per year starter? And how do Cam Bynum and Daniel Jones fit into a new team?

    Takeaways from Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's free agency chat

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 59:35


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during his post-free agency news conference with local reporters. What did he have to say about J.J. McCarthy? Aaron Rodgers? His own contract situation? They also discuss the annual NFL rule proposals and take listener questions.

    Vikings and Aaron Rodgers drama, free agent intros, listener questions and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 48:08


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' non-pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, their backup quarterback situation, new coaches, and new players getting introduced to local reporters. They also open the mailbag to answer some of your questions.

    Ed Ingram, Garrett Bradbury on the move as Vikings remain in QB market

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 54:55


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings trading away guard Ed Ingram, trying to trade center Garrett Bradbury, and the state of their current search for a veteran quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy.

    Vikings re-sign Byron Murphy and double down on O-line, D-line adds

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 33:11


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the flurry of Vikings moves from Monday night into Tuesday morning, including the re-signing of cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and the addition of new linemen in guard Will Fries and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (and potentially Javon Hargrave). Daniel Jones left for the Colts. What does that mean for the Vikings' plans at quarterback?

    Sam Darnold leaves for Seattle as Vikings add Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 40:59


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the first day of NFL free agency from a Vikings perspective. What do they make of Sam Darnold's fit and contract with the Seahawks? What does that mean at QB in Minnesota? There appears to be a new starting center despite Garrett Bradbury remaining on the roster. And what about safety Camryn Bynum leaving for the Colts?

    Vikings opt against tagging Sam Darnold, but contract talks are ongoing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 43:21


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' decision not to franchise tag Sam Darnold, who is cleared to become a free agent on March 12. That is unless he agrees to a new deal with the Vikings beforehand. What are the Vikings' options otherwise? What does that mean for J.J. McCarthy? And what will the team prioritize in free agency this month?

    Vikings takeaways from the NFL Scouting Combine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 46:08


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from a random corner of the Indiana Convention Center where they and hundreds of other media members fight to stake out corners of the building to record content for the modern age. What's going to happen with Sam Darnold? What about Byron Murphy Jr.? What are the positions of need from this NFL Draft class? Why is their new assistant O-line coach an intriguing hire?

    Will the Vikings use the franchise tag on Sam Darnold?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 53:31


    Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider's Matthew Coller to discuss the two-week franchise tag window and whether the Vikings will use it on quarterback Sam Darnold or cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (Editor's note: After recording, news broke that the Vikings agreed to push back Murphy's void date, making him ineligible for the franchise tag). Plus, the Vikings made an agreement with running back Aaron Jones. It's not a new contract, but it could precede one.

    What happened at the Super Bowl ... and what comes next for the Vikings?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 43:38


    Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker have you covered on the latest edition of the podcast.

    From O'Connell to Jared Allen, how the Vikings' busy night unfolded at NFL Honors

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 37:48


    Star Tribune writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame selector Mark Craig joins Andrew Krammer from New Orleans, where the Vikings had a busy night at the annual NFL Honors ceremony prior to the Super Bowl. Craig discusses his voting for all NFL awards, including O'Connell's winning case and an interesting Defensive Player of the Year ballot, as well as O'Connell's comments about Sam Darnold and former Vikings pass rusher Jared Allen making it through a changing Hall of Fame process.

    It's Super Bowl week! Let's talk Vikings quarterbacks and trade targets

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 42:32


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker begin Super Bowl week by talking about Vikings quarterbacks, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's contract, and more. They also open the mailbag to answer your questions about trade targets like Myles Garrett and Cooper Kupp, as well as a what-if with Kirk Cousins.

    Brian Flores' HC options run dry, plus Super Bowl and Vikings free agency thoughts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 49:49


    Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker discuss defensive coordinator Brian Flores not being hired in this head coaching cycle, his relatively older depth chart on defense, plus takeaways from this year's playoffs and thoughts on pending Vikings free agents. There are a few among their many free agents who could be coveted elsewhere.

    Vikings, Kevin O'Connell agree to contract extension: GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah next?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 40:16


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings extending head coach Kevin O'Connell, the chances of defensive coordinator Brian Flores sticking around, the dominant(?) NFC North going 0-3 in the playoffs, the fallout for both the Lions and Bears after Chicago hired Ben Johnson, and more.

    Vikings mailbag: Coaching changes? Distance from a Super Bowl? Darnold's end?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 32:41


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about coaching changes, how far the Vikings are from being contenders, how game planning factored into Sam Darnold's disappointing end, safety Cam Bynum's free agency, positions that are better off entering 2025, and more.

    Vikings' Adofo-Mensah, O'Connell say they're keeping 'good options' open at quarterback

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 37:10


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker discuss the season-ending press conferences by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell. Quarterbacks dominated the roughly 40 combined minutes with both. What's their plan with Sam Darnold? Where's J.J. McCarthy in his recovery? Are they committed to either at this point?

    Vikings' 14-win season ends with another dud from Sam Darnold

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 23:43


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 27-9 loss to the L.A. Rams in the NFC's wild-card round on Monday night, when quarterback Sam Darnold didn't give them much of a chance in another big game. How does this affect the Vikings outlook at quarterback this offseason? How far away is this team from being a real contender? What do we make of an aging secondary that could be retooled? And what about that O-line?

    Vikings mailbag: Brian Flores' HC interviews? Daniel Jones as QB2? Silver linings?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 33:25


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about defensive coordinator Brian Flores' head coaching interviews, quarterback Sam Darnold, the offensive line, quarterback Daniel Jones as QB2, whether the loss could be good for them, and more.

    Vikings, Sam Darnold could both use this playoff win on résumé

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 26:14


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand preview Monday night's playoff game against the Rams, including quarterback Sam Darnold's confidence and consistency, L.A.'s young defense, receiver Puka Nacua's impact, and what this game means in the bigger picture of judging the 2024 season.

    Vikings, Sam Darnold lay an egg in biggest game of regular season at Detroit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 23:15


    DETROIT -- Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 31-9 loss to the Lions at Ford Field, where their hopes of clinching a division title, a first-round bye, and establishing their dominance in the NFC were left in tatters. What do we make of Sam Darnold's no-show? The lack of consistent protection? What about the approach on offense? Or how they have to take a 14-win team on the road back to the Rams?

    Vikings mailbag: Health in the playoffs, takeaways, Flores, scout teams, and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 24:13


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about health in the playoffs, takeaways, the future of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, big game emotions, and more.

    Vikings head to Detroit to take back the NFC North, earn No. 1 seed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 31:03


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (14-2) and Lions (14-2) at Ford Field, where the NFC's No. 1 seed and NFC North champion will be decided. They discuss how they're proceeding with quarterback Sam Darnold, who has just one regular season game left under contract, and how well this Vikings defense is playing before facing the NFL's No. 1 offense in Detroit. They also make their final predictions of the regular season.

    Vikings dismantle Packers, set up a win-for-the-No. 1-seed game at Detroit

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 24:59


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 27-25 win over the Packers from U.S. Bank Stadium, where they talked to players and coaches afterward about what exactly happened between the 20-3 lead to another fourth-quarter rally by Packers quarterback Jordan Love. But it fell short again. And the Vikings were victorious... again. They're 14-2 with a chance to take the "little hats" back from the Lions, although they'd get their own NFC North hats with a win next week.

    Vikings mailbag: Which playoff foe do you want? Ivan Pace's return? Future at running back?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2024 21:03


    Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the playoffs, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., running back Aaron Jones and 2025, the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and youth vs. experience in the postseason.

    This Vikings-Packers game may be the most significant in recent memory

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 32:25


    Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview the latest chapter between the Vikings and Packers on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium, where this may be the most significant matchup in recent memory. They've played for division titles before, but the Vikings' pursuit of the No. 1 overall seed (and division title) can hinge on this game, and the Packers (11-4) are rolling off back-to-back decisive wins. Green Bay also needs this win for playoff positioning -- or risk falling to the No. 7 seed and a first-round trip to potential No. 2 seed Philadelphia.

    Vikings improve to 13-2 with win in Seattle; NFC's No. 1 seed in sight

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 22:44


    Ben Goessling, JIm Souhan, and Emily Leiker join Andrew Krammer from Seattle, where they emerged from the visitor's locker room to share what they saw and heard during and after Sunday's 27-24 win over the Seahawks. They're now set up to win out for the No. 1 seed. Are there any NFC quarterbacks playing better than Sam Darnold right now? How good is this Vikings defense after yet another closing takeaway? How tough of a test was a road game against this Seahawks team?

    Vikings mailbag: What's a successful season? Pass-run balance? All-bubble wrap team?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 15:41


    Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag for a shortened episode on a short week to answer your Vikings-adjacent questions. What should be considered a successful season? Is a pass-heavy approach concerning at all come playoff time? And which players need to stay healthy as all NFL teams try to win the attrition battle?

    Vikings' degree of difficulty starts to increase on Sunday in Seattle

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 33:14


    Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview Sunday's game in Seattle, where the Vikings haven't won in a long time. But this isn't the same Seahawks team nor is it the same Vikings team as past losers on the west coast. What does Sam Darnold's development arc say about where this season is headed? What do they think happens in the final three games?

    Vikings take care of business against Bears, set sights on NFC North crown

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 20:46


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan emerge from the locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium to discuss what they saw and heard during and after the Vikings' 30-12 win over the Bears on Monday night. What does this win say about the state of the Bears? How are the Vikings set up for the stretch run? How's Brian O'Neill's right knee? What about the outlook for the division crown?

    Vikings mailbag: Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy? O'Connell contract? Defensive depth?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 31:13


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about the future at quarterback, contract extensions for leadership, what this defensive depth chart has shown so far and who could be rejoining by season's end.

    Playoff scenarios, Sam Darnold's 'MVP' candidacy, and Monday's Bears rematch

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 31:20


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss quarterback Sam Darnold's MVP candidacy, playoff scenarios, Monday night's rematch against the Chicago Bears, and more.

    Sam Darnold outduels Kirk Cousins for Vikings' 11th win of season

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 23:53


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 42-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins on Sunday. There was no question who the better quarterback was at U.S. Bank Stadium, where Sam Darnold threw for a career-high 347 yards and a career-high five touchdown passes. What does this win say about Kevin O'Connell's system? About Sam Darnold? Or about their chances in chasing the NFC North title?

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