The minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats from the September 28, 2025 NFL game tell the story of a close 24 to 21 Pittsburgh Steelers victory. While the final score was tight, the individual performances reveal why Pittsburgh controlled key moments and survived Minnesota’s late comeback attempt.

In this detailed analysis, we will break down the passing, rushing, receiving, defensive, and special teams numbers from the game. Rather than simply listing the box score, this article explains what each performance meant and how it affected the outcome.

Game overview

Category	Result
Date	September 28, 2025
Final score	Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Minnesota Vikings 21
Winning team	Pittsburgh Steelers
Minnesota record	2 to 2
Pittsburgh record	3 to 1
Venue data source	Official box score

Quarter by quarter scoring

Quarter	Vikings	Steelers
Q1	3	7
Q2	3	7
Q3	0	7
Q4	15	3
Total	21	24

The Steelers led 21 to 6 after three quarters. Minnesota scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, but the comeback fell short by a field goal.

Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats

This matchup featured strong individual performances on both sides. The Vikings generated more passing production, while the Steelers were more efficient and protected the football.

Passing leaders

Player	Comp/Att	Yards	TD	INT	Rating
Carson Wentz	30/46	350	2	2	84.5
Aaron Rodgers	18/22	200	1	0	119.7

Carson Wentz performance

Carson Wentz produced a high volume passing game for Minnesota.

• 30 completions on 46 attempts
• 350 passing yards
• 7.6 yards per attempt
• 2 touchdown passes
• 2 interceptions
• 6 sacks taken for 48 lost yards
• 84.5 passer rating

Wentz moved the ball effectively, especially in the fourth quarter. His 350 passing yards were the highest total in the game. However, the two interceptions and six sacks significantly reduced the value of that production.

From an analytical perspective, this was a mixed performance. The yardage was impressive, but the negative plays came at critical moments.

Aaron Rodgers performance

Aaron Rodgers delivered one of the most efficient quarterback performances of the week.

• 18 completions on 22 attempts
• 200 passing yards
• 9.1 yards per attempt
• 1 touchdown
• 0 interceptions
• 2 sacks for 18 lost yards
• 119.7 passer rating

Rodgers did not need to throw often because Pittsburgh controlled the game with its rushing attack. His completion percentage of 81.8 percent and zero turnovers were major reasons the Steelers won.

Quarterback comparison

Stat	Wentz	Rodgers
Passing yards	350	200
Completion %	65.2%	81.8%
Yards per attempt	7.6	9.1
Touchdowns	2	1
Interceptions	2	0
Sacks taken	6	2
Passer rating	84.5	119.7

Wentz won the yardage battle, but Rodgers won the efficiency battle. In a three point game, efficiency mattered more.

Rushing leaders

Player	Carries	Yards	Average	TD
Jordan Mason	16	57	3.6	0
Kenny Gainwell	19	99	5.2	2

Kenny Gainwell leads the ground game

Kenny Gainwell was arguably the most important offensive player in the game.

• 19 carries
• 99 rushing yards
• 5.2 yards per carry
• 2 rushing touchdowns
• Longest run of 15 yards

Gainwell consistently moved the chains and finished drives in the red zone. His two touchdowns accounted for most of Pittsburgh’s offensive scoring.

Jordan Mason and the Vikings rushing attack

Jordan Mason led Minnesota with 57 rushing yards on 16 carries.

• 16 carries
• 57 yards
• 3.6 yards per carry
• No rushing touchdowns
• Longest run of 9 yards

Minnesota’s running game was not productive enough to balance the offense. The Vikings finished with only 70 team rushing yards.

Team rushing comparison

Stat	Vikings	Steelers
Carries	20	29
Rushing yards	70	131
Average	3.5	4.5
Touchdowns	0	2

Pittsburgh outgained Minnesota by 61 rushing yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. That was one of the biggest differences in the game.

Receiving leaders

Player	Rec	Yards	Average	TD
Justin Jefferson	10	126	12.6	0
DK Metcalf	5	126	25.2	1

Justin Jefferson dominates volume

Justin Jefferson was Minnesota’s primary offensive weapon.

• 10 receptions
• 126 receiving yards
• 12.6 yards per catch
• No touchdowns

Jefferson accounted for more than one third of the Vikings’ passing yards. He consistently created separation and gave Wentz a reliable target.

DK Metcalf delivers explosive plays

DK Metcalf matched Jefferson’s yardage total with only five catches.

• 5 receptions
• 126 receiving yards
• 25.2 yards per catch
• 1 touchdown

Metcalf’s production was more explosive. His touchdown reception was one of the biggest plays of the game.

Receiver comparison

Stat	Jefferson	Metcalf
Receptions	10	5
Yards	126	126
Average	12.6	25.2
Touchdowns	0	1

Jefferson was the volume leader. Metcalf was the impact leader.

Team receiving production

Stat	Vikings	Steelers
Receptions	30	18
Receiving yards	350	200
Average	11.7	11.1
Receiving TDs	2	1

Minnesota clearly won the passing yardage battle. However, Pittsburgh’s offense was more balanced because it combined efficient passing with a strong running game.

Defensive statistics

Defensive stat	Vikings	Steelers
Total tackles	69	75
Solo tackles	37	47
Sacks	2	6
Tackles for loss	4	10
QB hits	3	14
Passes defended	Not listed	8

Pittsburgh defensive dominance

The Steelers defense was outstanding, especially in the pass rush.

• 6 sacks
• 10 tackles for loss
• 14 quarterback hits
• 8 passes defended
• 2 interceptions

These numbers explain why Wentz was under constant pressure despite throwing for 350 yards.

Turnovers shaped the outcome

One of the clearest lessons from this matchup is that total offensive yards do not always determine the winner. Ball security often has a greater impact, and this game is a perfect example.

Minnesota moved the football effectively through the air, but two costly interceptions changed the momentum. Pittsburgh protected possession throughout the game and never gave the Vikings a takeaway opportunity through the passing game.

Turnover comparison

Category	Minnesota Vikings	Pittsburgh Steelers
Interceptions thrown	2	0
Interceptions made	0	2
Fumbles	2	1
Fumbles lost	0	0

Although neither team lost a fumble, the two interceptions thrown by Carson Wentz became the biggest difference in possession value. Extra opportunities allowed Pittsburgh to control the tempo and maintain its lead.

Defensive stars for Pittsburgh

The Steelers defense consistently disrupted Minnesota’s offense. Pressure arrived from multiple defenders, making it difficult for Carson Wentz to settle into a rhythm despite producing 350 passing yards.

T.J. Watt

T.J. Watt recorded one interception that he returned for 13 yards. Beyond the interception, his presence forced Minnesota to account for him on nearly every passing situation.

His ability to pressure the quarterback helped contribute to Pittsburgh’s six sacks and numerous quarterback hits.

DeShon Elliott

DeShon Elliott also intercepted Wentz, returning the ball for negative four yards. While the return itself was minimal, the takeaway ended another Minnesota scoring opportunity.

Together, Watt and Elliott created the only turnovers of the game.

Why six sacks mattered

Statistics sometimes hide the true impact of defensive pressure. Six sacks represent far more than six negative plays.

Each sack can affect:

• Down and distance
• Field position
• Clock management
• Quarterback confidence
• Offensive play calling

Minnesota lost 48 yards on sacks alone. Those lost yards repeatedly forced longer third down situations and prevented sustained drives.

By comparison, Aaron Rodgers was sacked only twice for a loss of 18 yards, allowing Pittsburgh’s offense to stay on schedule.

Offensive efficiency comparison

Looking beyond raw yardage provides a better understanding of why Pittsburgh won.

Offensive Category	Vikings	Steelers
Passing yards	350	200
Rushing yards	70	131
Total offensive balance	Pass heavy	Balanced
Passing touchdowns	2	1
Rushing touchdowns	0	2
Turnovers	2	0

Minnesota relied heavily on Carson Wentz and the passing attack.

Pittsburgh divided production between Aaron Rodgers, Kenny Gainwell, and DK Metcalf. That balance made the offense less predictable and more effective in key situations.

Red zone performance

One of the hidden differences in this contest was finishing drives.

Minnesota generated plenty of yards but struggled to consistently convert possessions into maximum points.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, capitalized on rushing opportunities near the goal line.

Kenny Gainwell’s two rushing touchdowns highlighted Pittsburgh’s ability to finish drives efficiently.

That difference proved decisive in a game decided by only three points.

Special teams analysis

Special teams rarely receive the same attention as offense or defense, but they quietly influenced field position throughout this matchup.

Minnesota kicking

Will Reichard delivered a dependable performance.

• Field goals made: 2 of 2
• Longest field goal: 41 yards
• Extra points: 1 of 1
• Total points: 7

Reichard converted every scoring opportunity presented to him.

Pittsburgh kicking

Chris Boswell finished with:

• Field goals: 1 of 2
• Longest field goal: 33 yards
• Extra points: 3 of 3
• Total points: 6

Although Boswell missed one field goal, his extra point accuracy helped preserve Pittsburgh’s lead.

Punting comparison

Field position often begins with the punter.

Minnesota

Ryan Wright

• 3 punts
• 136 total yards
• 45.3 yard average
• Longest punt: 49 yards

Pittsburgh

Corliss Waitman

• 3 punts
• 146 total yards
• 48.7 yard average
• Longest punt: 54 yards

Waitman produced slightly better average field position, giving Pittsburgh another small but meaningful advantage.

Return game comparison

Kick returns

Team	Returns	Yards	Average
Minnesota	5	124	24.8
Pittsburgh	4	100	25.0

Both teams generated similar production on kick returns.

Punt returns

Team	Returns	Yards	Average
Minnesota	2	13	6.5
Pittsburgh	2	9	4.5

Neither club created a major momentum changing return.

Statistical leaders by category

Category	Player	Total
Passing yards	Carson Wentz	350
Highest passer rating	Aaron Rodgers	119.7
Rushing yards	Kenny Gainwell	99
Rushing touchdowns	Kenny Gainwell	2
Receiving yards	Justin Jefferson	126
Receiving yards	DK Metcalf	126
Most receptions	Justin Jefferson	10
Interceptions	T.J. Watt	1
Interceptions	DeShon Elliott	1

These performances defined the game from start to finish.

The biggest moments that changed the game

Several sequences shifted momentum toward Pittsburgh.

Efficient quarterback play

Aaron Rodgers avoided mistakes, completed over 81 percent of his passes, and consistently moved the offense.

Dominant rushing attack

Kenny Gainwell’s 99 rushing yards and two touchdowns kept Minnesota’s defense under pressure.

Defensive pressure

Six sacks and fourteen quarterback hits prevented Minnesota from establishing offensive consistency.

Two interceptions

Both takeaways ended promising Vikings drives and gave Pittsburgh valuable extra possessions.

Fourth quarter resilience

Minnesota scored 15 points in the final quarter and nearly completed an impressive comeback, but Pittsburgh’s earlier execution created enough of a cushion to secure the victory.

Advanced game takeaway

When reviewing the complete minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats, one conclusion stands out.

Minnesota generated more passing production and finished with the game’s leading passer and one of its leading receivers.

Pittsburgh, however, excelled in the areas that most often determine NFL outcomes.

Those included:

• Better rushing efficiency
• Better quarterback efficiency
• Zero interceptions thrown
• Six sacks
• Two takeaways
• Stronger defensive consistency
• Better balance between passing and rushing

Football games are rarely decided by one statistic alone. Instead, victories usually come from winning several important categories simultaneously, which is exactly what Pittsburgh accomplished.

Player grades

Assigning grades helps summarize each player’s overall impact beyond the raw statistics. These evaluations consider efficiency, decision making, consistency, and influence on the final result.

Minnesota Vikings

Carson Wentz

Grade: B

Throwing for 350 yards and two touchdowns is an impressive achievement, but the two interceptions and six sacks prevented this from becoming an outstanding performance. Wentz showed resilience during Minnesota’s fourth quarter comeback attempt, yet the earlier mistakes proved costly.

Jordan Mason

Grade: C

Mason worked hard between the tackles but found little running room throughout the afternoon. Averaging 3.6 yards per carry, he was unable to establish the balanced offense Minnesota needed.

Justin Jefferson

Grade: A

Jefferson was outstanding once again. His 10 receptions for 126 yards demonstrated why he remains one of the league’s premier wide receivers. Even without scoring a touchdown, he consistently created separation and extended drives.

Minnesota offensive line

Grade: D

Allowing six sacks placed constant pressure on the quarterback. Protection issues disrupted timing and forced the offense into difficult passing situations.

Minnesota defense

Grade: B Minus

The defense made several important stops but struggled to contain Pittsburgh’s rushing attack. Allowing two rushing touchdowns ultimately proved decisive.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers

Grade: A

Rodgers delivered exactly the type of performance expected from an experienced quarterback. Completing 18 of 22 passes with no interceptions and a passer rating of 119.7, he controlled the game without forcing unnecessary throws.

Kenny Gainwell

Grade: A Plus

Gainwell was arguably the offensive player of the game.

His statistics included:

• 19 carries
• 99 rushing yards
• 5.2 yards per carry
• Two rushing touchdowns

His ability to consistently gain positive yardage allowed Pittsburgh to control the clock and reduce pressure on the passing game.

DK Metcalf

Grade: A

Metcalf turned only five receptions into 126 receiving yards and a touchdown. His explosive plays changed field position and stretched Minnesota’s secondary.

Pittsburgh offensive line

Grade: A

The offensive line protected Rodgers well and created running lanes throughout the game. Giving up only two sacks while helping produce 131 rushing yards reflects a complete performance.

Pittsburgh defense

Grade: A Plus

Few defenses dominate every major category, but Pittsburgh came close.

Highlights included:

• Six sacks
• Two interceptions
• Fourteen quarterback hits
• Ten tackles for loss
• Eight passes defended

This defensive effort consistently disrupted Minnesota’s offensive rhythm.

Team comparison

Category	Minnesota	Pittsburgh	Better Team
Passing yards	350	200	Minnesota
Passing efficiency	Good	Excellent	Pittsburgh
Rushing yards	70	131	Pittsburgh
Rushing touchdowns	0	2	Pittsburgh
Turnovers	2	0	Pittsburgh
Sacks	2	6	Pittsburgh
Quarterback rating	84.5	119.7	Pittsburgh
Receiving leader	Justin Jefferson	DK Metcalf	Even
Defensive impact	Solid	Outstanding	Pittsburgh

Although Minnesota led several statistical categories, Pittsburgh won the areas that generally decide close NFL games.

Key lessons from the game

Reviewing the complete minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats provides several valuable football lessons.

Ball security remains essential

A team can accumulate impressive offensive numbers, but turnovers often erase that advantage.

Efficient offense beats high volume offense

Aaron Rodgers attempted fewer passes than Carson Wentz, yet his efficiency allowed Pittsburgh to maximize nearly every possession.

A strong running game supports everything else

Kenny Gainwell’s performance helped control the clock, reduced pressure on Rodgers, and opened opportunities for explosive passing plays.

Defensive pressure changes games

The Steelers generated six sacks and fourteen quarterback hits. Constant pressure forced difficult decisions and contributed directly to Minnesota’s two interceptions.

Balance wins close contests

Pittsburgh demonstrated balance across offense, defense, and special teams. Minnesota relied heavily on the passing game, making its offense easier to defend during critical moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the September 28, 2025 game between the Vikings and Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings by a final score of 24 to 21.

Who threw for the most passing yards?

Carson Wentz led all quarterbacks with 350 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and two interceptions.

Which player scored the most touchdowns?

Kenny Gainwell scored two rushing touchdowns, giving him the highest touchdown total in the game.

Who recorded the most receiving yards?

Justin Jefferson and DK Metcalf each finished with 126 receiving yards.

Why did Pittsburgh win despite fewer passing yards?

Pittsburgh protected the football, rushed for 131 yards, forced two interceptions, recorded six sacks, and finished scoring opportunities more efficiently.

Which defensive players recorded interceptions?

T.J. Watt and DeShon Elliott each intercepted Carson Wentz during the game.

Conclusion

The minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats reveal much more than the final score. Minnesota produced impressive passing numbers, highlighted by Carson Wentz’s 350 passing yards and Justin Jefferson’s outstanding receiving performance. However, football rewards efficiency as much as production.

Pittsburgh succeeded by playing disciplined football. Aaron Rodgers protected possession, Kenny Gainwell powered the rushing attack with two touchdowns, DK Metcalf delivered explosive receiving plays, and the defense overwhelmed Minnesota with six sacks and two interceptions.

Although the Vikings mounted an impressive fourth quarter comeback, Pittsburgh’s consistent execution across all phases of the game proved enough to secure a hard fought 24 to 21 victory. The statistics clearly show that efficiency, defensive pressure, and ball security outweighed total passing yardage in determining the outcome.