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


    • Aug 31, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 667 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

    A decade since Teddy Bridgewater's injury and a bonkers Vikings season

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2026 44:47


    Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer are joined by former Vikings offensive lineman (and current NFL agent) Jeremiah Sirles to discuss quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's dislocated knee during an Aug. 30 practice and the ripple effects throughout a tumultuous 2016 season.

    Vikings keep four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2026 26:26


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' initial 53-man roster formed Sunday, when they kept Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer. Will it stay that way? What other noteworthy moves were made? What positions could use some outside help?

    Position battles, J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings' preseason finale in Denver

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2026 31:19


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the final practices of Vikings training camp and preview Friday night's preseason finale in Denver, where players like safety Jacob Thomas can try to cap their cases for a 53-man roster spot ahead of Sunday's deadline. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is expected to start if he's healthy enough to play.

    J.J. McCarthy gets banged up, Vikings rookies make noise in preseason loss to Ravens

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2026 21:07


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 13-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium. J.J. McCarthy's ongoing struggles likely won't solidify his spot as backup quarterback. Rookie defenders made plenty of noise, including a 322-pound man in coverage and Caleb Banks' splashy run stop.

    Takeaways from two joint practices between the Vikings and Ravens

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2026 32:16


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap back-to-back joint practices between the Vikings and Ravens. They recap a strong finish for the Vikings in a situational drill, discuss the high point of quarterback Kyler Murray's performance, and pinpoint where there is room to grow.

    J.J. McCarthy is the Vikings backup QB, but could that change to Carson Wentz?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2026 35:46


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Saturday's preseason opener, how quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz played, and what to make of a quiet debut from a talented rookie class?

    Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy to both play in Vikings preseason opener vs. Giants

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 23:09


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Saturday's preseason opener at the New York Giants. Quarterback Kyler Murray should start with most of the first-team offense (sans Justin Jefferson) in New York, providing the first glimpse of what he can do in purple. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy and other young players will also get plenty of run. The crew runs through what they're watching for in preseason Week 1.

    Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s bittersweet Hall of Fame induction

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 19:48


    Minnesota's own and Arizona Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald Jr. joined the NFL Hall of Fame over the weekend just months after the passing of his father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr. How did Fitzgerald remember his father throughout the bittersweet affair? Emily Leiker is joined by Minnesota Star Tribune football enterprise reporter Mark Craig to discuss Fitzgerald's induction over the weekend, plus an exclusive story with current Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw.

    Kyler Murray named Vikings starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 24:04


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker react to the breaking news that Kyler Murray has been named the Vikings' starting QB over J.J. McCarthy. What did Kevin O'Connell have to say about the decision? What does this mean for McCarthy? How will the Vikings proceed with Murray as the guy? What changes are in store for the offense?

    Which Vikings rookies can make an impact right away?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026 26:50


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss a busy training camp for the Vikings' nine drafted rookies. Which picks have been most involved so far? Who has a clear lane to contribute? They also size up an ongoing QB battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy that appears to be leaning one direction.

    What stood out after the Vikings' first padded practice of camp?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 27:26


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from Monday's first padded practice of training camp. How has Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy unfolded so far? Was it a concerning start for the offensive line? Or the typical ebbs and flows of camp? What about top pick Caleb Banks? They also discuss hydration, slip and slides, and safety Harrison Smith.

    Which Vikings (non-QB edition) could surprise at training camp?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 22:57


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap what they've seen and heard from two days of Vikings training camp. How is the QB competition unfolding? What non-QB players are standing out? Who will surprise fans once the gates open on Saturday?

    How will Vikings split camp reps between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 31:33


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker bring you the first training camp dispatch from the team's Eagan headquarters, where DBs coach Gerald Alexander is suspended for three weeks following a DUI arrest, right tackle Brian O'Neill has a new contract and, oh yeah, there's a QB competition beginning in earnest.

    Vikings training camp preview: Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy lead position battles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 33:58


    Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker return from a summer break, and the Vikings will soon as well. They get you prepared with a Vikings training camp primer that touches on the topic du jour -- Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy -- before delving into the run game, position battles, the front office, and more.

    Where does Vikings QB competition stand at end of offseason program? Plus, listener Q&A

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 50:45


    Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell's comments about the state of the QB competition at the end of the Vikings' offseason program, and how it's expected to continue into training camp. They also discuss Christian Darrisaw's health and how the Vikings safety room is faring without Harrison Smith. Finally, they answer listeners' questions about the QBs, O-line, Jake Golday and more.

    Vikings GM Nolan Teasley is 'guided by evaluation, anchored by data'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 18:09


    Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley's introductory news conference, which featured comments from Teasley and Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf. They discuss the new Vikings leader's philosophies, background and relationship with head coach Kevin O'Connell. Plus, who reports to who with internal Vikings GM candidate Rob Brzezinski remaining on staff?

    The Vikings QB competition is underway. How do McCarthy, Murray view it?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 26:56


    Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw during their first day at Vikings OTAs, and what they heard after from quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. How did McCarthy describe his relationship with Murray, and vice versa? How does he view the competition? Plus, who was absent from OTAs and the Vikings five GM finalists.

    The NFL draft is coming to Minnesota, plus updates on Vikings GM search

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 25:47


    Emily Leiker is joined by Minnesota Star Tribune Daily Delivery host Mike Rand to discuss news from the NFL's spring meeting in Orlando, including that owners approved the 2028 NFL draft being held in Minnesota. Plus, the Vikings GM search is moving into its second phase after the conclusion of what co-owner Mark Wilf called "exploratory interviews."

    Vikings sign ex-49ers receiver Jauan Jennings; rookie minicamp takeaways

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 30:52


    Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from TCO Performance Center in Eagan, where the Vikings held a shortened, one-day rookie minicamp that did not feature top pick Caleb Banks. The team does expect receiver Jauan Jennings in town by next week, when veterans will hit the field for the first time. What are the Vikings getting in Jennings? How is the move emblematic of their shift this offseason?

    Vikings' GM search underway; roster in need of veteran help?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 47:22


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' GM search that began in earnest after the NFL Draft: What are they looking for in a candidate? How much of a candidate is interim GM Rob Brzezinski? They also discuss the recent free-agent visit with WR Jauan Jennings and the reported likelihood that the 2028 NFL Draft is headed to Minneapolis.

    Vikings cap 2026 draft with a speedy RB and J.J. McCarthy's fullback friend

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2026 34:13


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap Day 3 of the Vikings' 2026 draft that saw them make four picks, including the only expected skill position player in sixth-round running back Demond Claiborne. What did they learn about the new Vikings, including J.J. McCarthy's former Michigan teammate: FB Max Bredeson? What does the collective age of their rookies say about their approach and college football? And how soon can these defensive picks make a difference?

    Vikings trade Jonathan Greenard to Eagles for two third-round picks

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2026 27:20


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap Day 2 of the NFL Draft, leading off with the Vikings finalizing a long-rumored trade that sent Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles. Why did the Vikings trade away one of their best defenders? What does this mean for Dallas Turner? And what do we know about the four draft picks they made in Rounds 2-3?

    Vikings surprise by drafting first-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 27:44


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker react to the Vikings' first-round selection of Florida DT Caleb Banks from the team's headquarters in Eagan. What were their reactions? What did Kevin O'Connell and Rob Brzezinski have to say about the pick? And what did they learn about the newest Viking?

    Justin Jefferson sees Kyler Murray as a "spark," and news from start of Vikings' offseason program

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 29:36


    Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap what they heard on Day 1 of the Vikings' offseason program from wide receiver Justin Jefferson, head coach Kevin O'Connell and interim general manager Rob Brzezinski. How did Jefferson react to Kyler Murray's signing? What has his offseason training with J.J. McCarthy looked like? Plus, Jonathan Greenard not present for offseason program opening, and Ivan Pace Jr. re-signs.

    Vikings mailbag: Draft needs? First-round WR or TE? GM job?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 46:13


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the upcoming NFL Draft. Trading up for top running back Jeremiyah Love? What position could see multiple draft picks? What about a first-round pass catcher like Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq? They also discuss the general manager job and the Vikings' search following the draft.

    Dillon Thieneman? Jadarian Price? A center? How Vikings could use four Top 100 picks

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 44:40


    Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker kick off NFL draft month by discussing some options the Vikings could explore at each of their four currently slated Top 100 pick positions. Why is Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman a near-unanimous mock draft at No. 18? Would the Vikings consider Notre Dame's Jadarian Price in Round 2? Where does the need for a long-term center come in to the equation?

    How does Vikings brass feel about their QB room? Debriefing NFL owner's meetings

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 49:35


    Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss Emily's time at the NFL Annual Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore, where Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, co-owner Mark Wilf and interim general manager Rob Brzezinski all spoke with media. How do the Vikings feel about their quarterback room after the Murray acquisition? Where are they at in their search for a GM? Plus, answers to a few listener questions.

    Vikings bidding to host NFL Draft, plus how Wentz fits with Murray and McCarthy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 50:47


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss various Vikings-related topics, including the team's involvement in pushing to host an upcoming NFL Draft, free-agent signings from QB Carson Wentz to P Johnny Hekker, and last week's retirement event for Adam Thielen and C.J. Ham.

    What exactly are the Vikings getting in Kyler Murray? ESPN's Josh Weinfuss lets us know

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 48:30


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker welcome Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss from ESPN to discuss new Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray's seven seasons in Arizona. What is fair or not fair about the book on Murray to this point? What exactly are the Vikings getting as a quarterback? As a leader? As a worker? What will be among the more fascinating parts of this experiment?

    Vikings sign Kyler Murray, who says he's ready to compete with J.J. McCarthy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 29:18


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker return from a video call with new Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray and coach Kevin O'Connell to discuss Murray joining Minnesota. What does this mean for the Vikings offense? What about the stated competition with J.J. McCarthy? Murray has already met Justin Jefferson at Pro Bowls and thrown for 20,000 yards and over 120 touchdown passes in the league, setting up a steep climb for McCarthy, who had the NFL's worst interception rate and third-worst sack rate in 10 starts.

    Vikings free agency: Aaron Jones returns, Harrison Smith released

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 42:11


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the coming and goings on the Vikings roster during the start of NFL free agency. They first discuss running back Aaron Jones' return amid a lackluster RB market. Tight end T.J. Hockenson agreed to a more than $5 million pay cut to stay. Linebacker Eric Wilson's return makes sense. Safety Harrison Smith is released but may still return. The early outside addition is ex-Steelers corner James Pierre; what does he bring? Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is joining the Packers. The Vikings need a punter. Oh, yeah, they need a new quarterback, too, while edge rusher Jonathan Greenard wants a new contract.

    Vikings mailbag: Quarterbacks, J.J. McCarthy, and competitively rebuilding

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 59:29


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions ahead of NFL free agency. How did the team's former GM earn an "A" grade in the NFLPA's latest team report cards? What are the QB plans? Would they part ways with J.J. McCarthy? Could they make a run at the top center on the market? What about replacing Harrison Smith?

    Vikings takeaways from the NFL Scouting Combine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 42:25


    Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker join Andrew Krammer from Indianapolis, where the annual NFL Scouting Combine features not just Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, but also members of the Vikings' ownership group. What did interim GM Rob Brzezinski and head coach Kevin O'Connell say about J.J. McCarthy and the ongoing search for QB help? What about the GM search? They also discuss the team's 2026 coaching staff, Rondale Moore's tragic death, and how Brzezinski will approach this NFL Draft.

    Vikings tidbits and NFL combine preview with CBS Sports' Richard Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 43:16


    Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss a few Vikings' tidbits, including coaching moves, Brian Flores' lawsuit vs. the NFL, and Kevin O'Connell's addition to the competition committee. Then CBS Sports college football analyst Richard Johnson joins to preview next week's NFL Scouting Combine.

    Sam Darnold is a Super Bowl champ. Who might the Vikings bring as competition for J.J. McCarthy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 54:48


    Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss Sam Darnold and the Seahawks' 29-13 win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, including how the narrative around Darnold shifted in the lead up to and aftermath of the game. Then, they open the mailbag to answer listener questions about the Vikings' GM search, competition for J.J. McCarthy and some up-and-coming players the team could look to for bigger roles in 2026.

    Justin Jefferson calls it like he sees it, and Vikings' C.J. Ham retires

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 46:48


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss a handful of Vikings topics, including a hire in the front office, another coaching loss, Justin Jefferson's observational talent, and fullback C.J. Ham's retirement. They also talk about Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. You might have heard he's got a game on Sunday.

    Vikings add three coaches, Seahawks QBs coach Andrew Janocko joins

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 55:55


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' recent coaching additions for the 2026 season and chat with Seahawks quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, who coached with the Vikings for seven years (2015-2021), about his experience this year with Sam Darnold, fellow former Vikings assistant Klint Kubiak, and the Super Bowl-bound Seahawks.

    Vikings fire general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after four seasons

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 29:06


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss co-owner Mark Wilf's comments upon firing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah nearly four weeks after their 2025 season ended. Wilf cited Adofo-Mensah's body of work that included a poor draft record and last year's quarterback room, as well as this "critical" offseason that includes eight draft picks (plus any compensatory selections). Will this clear a path for Kevin O'Connell and Brian Flores to have even more influence in personnel decisions?

    Shield your eyes, Vikings fans... it's a Darnold vs. Maye Super Bowl

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 38:27


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings likely losing a key coach on defense, assistant Daronte Jones, to a promotion with the Washington Commanders. They also discuss coordinator Brian Flores staying in Minnesota, the Sam Darnold-Drake Maye matchup in the Super Bowl, and one expected need along the offensive line.

    Vikings mailbag: Roster needs? Potential cuts? Coaching carousel?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 48:38


    Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss receiver Jordan Addison being cleared of charges in a recent arrest. They also open the mailbag to answer your Vikings questions about roster needs, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., potential cuts, and more. And will Vikings fans be subjected to a Super Bowl between Sam Darnold and Drake Maye?

    Cody Alexander joins to talk Brian Flores, Vikings defenders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 46:48


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker are joined by MatchQuarter's Cody Alexander (a former cornerback and graduate assistant coach at Baylor) to discuss Vikings coordinator Brian Flores' unique and effective approach, his head coaching prospects, and the Vikings' defensive roster. They also look ahead to this weekend's NFC Divisional playoff games.

    Jordan Addison arrested, Vikings' brass talks quarterbacks and Flores

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 40:29


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss receiver Jordan Addison's arrest this week in Florida. They also recap what reporters heard from general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O'Connell at Tuesday's season-ending press conferences. They discussed "insurance" and "competition" at quarterback for young J.J. McCarthy as well as the future of defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

    Vikings' locker room cleanout, Brian Flores' future and Packers-Bears

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 31:07


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss takeaways from Vikings' locker room cleanout, defensive coordinator Brian Flores getting at least one head coach interview, and the two teams still playing in the NFC North.

    Vikings celebrate Harrison Smith, C.J. Ham in finale win over Packers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2026 28:15


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 16-3 win over the Green Bay Packers to end the regular season. The game was really about celebrating the franchise's two longest-tenured players, safety Harrison Smith and fullback C.J. Ham, in what could be their final moments with the team. They discuss what happened inside U.S. Bank Stadium before, during and after the game, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy exiting early with an aggravation of his hand injury.

    J.J. McCarthy cleared to start final game of Vikings season

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 44:30


    Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's return for his final start of a roller coaster 2025 season. They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about the future of the offensive line and quarterback positions. This week's Flashback Friday segment goes back to a ridiculous 2016 game in Chicago that included familiar refrains about struggling offenses and strong defenses.

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