When Jordan Addison, wide receiver for the Vikings caught a 12‑yard touchdown pass from quarterback Carson Wentz with just 25 seconds left on the clock, the crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London erupted into a roar that echoed across the Thames.
Background: A Two‑Week European Stretch
The victory came on October 5, 2025, during the Week 5 NFL contest: Vikings vs. BrownsTottenham Hotspur Stadium. Minnesota had arrived in Europe a week earlier, dropping a nail‑biting 24‑21 game to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin. That loss left the team 0‑2 on the trip and desperate for a win before heading home.
Coach Kevin O'Connell had already been juggling discipline and morale. Addison, who missed a mandatory team walk‑through, was benched for the entire first quarter as a teaching moment. The penalty sparked a media swirl, but O'Connell kept his cool, telling reporters that Addison had "spoken with the team to let them know that whenever I gave him the opportunity to go in the game, they could count on him."
Game Summary: A Nail‑Biter from Start to Finish
The Browns opened strong, taking a 7‑0 lead early thanks to a 32‑yard pass from rookie quarterback Dylan Gabriel. Minnesota answered with a field goal, but the back‑and‑forth continued, and the score sat at 14‑10 in favor of Cleveland at halftime.
In the second half, both defenses tightened. The Vikings, coordinated by former head coach Brian Flores, forced a crucial three‑and‑out on the Browns’ third drive. A turning point arrived when running back Jerome Ford broke through for a 15‑yard gain, setting up a field‑goal attempt that missed the uprights by a whisker.
With 2:13 left, the Vikings found themselves on their own 20‑yard line. Wentz launched a flawless 10‑play march, completing every pass—nine on the drive, all targeting Addison and fellow receivers. The climax: a quick slant to Addison, who juked a defender and dove into the end zone as the clock ticked down. The extra point made it 21‑17.
Key Performances
- Jordan Addison – 1 reception, 12 yards, 1 touchdown; his only snap of the game proved decisive.
- Carson Wentz – 9‑of‑9 on the final drive, 84 yards total; his poise reminded fans of his 2022 playoff run.
- Justin Jefferson – 5 catches for 63 yards; his post‑game comment highlighted the mental boost of breaking a two‑game overseas losing streak.
- Dylan Gabriel – 2 touchdowns for the Browns, but also two costly turnovers that stalled Cleveland’s momentum.
- Jeff Okudah – A sack‑like tackle on the Browns’ final fourth‑down attempt forced the clock to run out.
Statistically, the Vikings out‑gained the Browns 317‑295 in total yards, but the margin was razor‑thin. The point spread had favored Minnesota by 4.5 points, and the over/under sat at 36.5—a season low up to that point.
Coaching Decisions That Shaped the Outcome
O'Connell’s early‑quarter benching of Addison was a gamble. It paid off when the veteran wideout delivered the game‑winner, turning a disciplinary move into a morale‑boosting story. Meanwhile, Flores’ defensive scheme managed to force the Browns into two fourth‑down conversions, but a missed tackle on a critical play allowed the Vikings to stay on the field.
The Browns’ coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, was praised for its aggressiveness—going for it on fourth down twice, a rarity in NFL play‑calling. Unfortunately for Cleveland, neither gamble produced points.
Impact and Outlook
The win nudged Minnesota to a 3‑2 record, keeping them in the NFC North chase. More importantly, it preserved a perfect 5‑0 record in London, a streak that now eclipses the franchise’s historic performances in the UK.
For the Browns, the loss drops them to 2‑3 and intensifies pressure on Gabriel, whose rookie season still feels like a roller‑coaster. The team will head back to the States next week, hoping to rebound in a crucial divisional battle.
Historical Context: Vikings in the UK
Since the NFL’s first London game in 2007, the Vikings have been a staple, winning four of those outings before 2025. Their flawless record this year makes them the only team to go 5‑0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a venue that also hosts Premier League fixtures and occasional rugby matches.
London fans have grown to love the Viking brand, not just for the on‑field product but also for the community outreach programs the team runs during its stays. The victory will likely fuel even larger turnouts when the Vikings return for the 2026 season.
Key Facts
- Final score: Vikings 21, Browns 17
- Game‑winning TD: Jordan Addison, 12 yards, 25 seconds left
- Vikings record: 3‑2; London record: 5‑0
- Carson Wentz: 9‑of‑9 on the decisive drive
- Point spread: Vikings –4.5; Over/under: 36.5
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Vikings' playoff chances?
The victory lifts Minnesota to 3‑2, keeping them within a game of the NFC North lead. If they maintain a .500 record in the remaining games, they’ll likely secure a wild‑card berth, especially with a strong finish in the remaining division matchups.
What was the significance of Jordan Addison's benching and return?
Addison missed a team walk‑through and was benched for the first quarter as a disciplinary action. His late‑game heroics turned the punishment into a narrative of redemption, boosting locker‑room morale and validating Coach O'Connell’s strict approach.
Why did the Browns choose Dylan Gabriel over their usual starter?
Cleveland was dealing with an injury to their starting quarterback, prompting the rookie Gabriel to take the helm. The coaching staff hoped his mobility would counter the Vikings’ pass rush, but turnovers ultimately hampered the effort.
How does the Vikings' London streak compare historically?
At 5‑0, Minnesota now boasts the best unbeaten record of any team at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The previous high was a 4‑0 run by the New England Patriots between 2018‑2019.
What are the next steps for both teams?
The Vikings return to the U.S. for a home game against the Detroit Lions next Sunday, looking to keep momentum alive. The Browns travel to face the New York Giants, where they’ll need to tighten ball security if they hope to stay afloat in the AFC East.