Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns match player stats from their Week 5 NFL London showdown on October 5, 2025 tell the full story of one of the most dramatic finishes of the entire NFL season.
The Vikings edged out a 21-17 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, surviving a furious Cleveland comeback. Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel made his historic NFL debut.
Quinshon Judkins rushed for a career-high 110 yards. Justin Jefferson dominated the receiving game.
Carson Wentz sealed the deal with a clutch game-winning drive. This was a London game that had everything.
Game Summary: Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats
The Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns faced off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London as part of the 2025 NFL International Series during Week 5. Kickoff was at 9:30 a.m. ET, making it the first game of the NFL’s London slate for the season.
Minnesota entered the game at 2-2, still finding their offensive identity with J.J. McCarthy sidelined by injury. Cleveland came in at 1-3, desperate to get their season on track with a young quarterback making his first-ever NFL start in league history on an international stage.
The Vikings won 21-17 thanks to a 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive capped by a Carson Wentz-to-Jordan Addison 12-yard strike with just 25 seconds remaining. The win moved Minnesota to 3-2 and kept their all-time London record perfect at 5-0.
Full Scoring Summary — Vikings 21, Browns 17
| Quarter | Time | Team | Score | Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 6:49 | CLE | 7-0 | Dillon Gabriel 1-yd pass to Harold Fannin Jr. (Szmyt XP) |
| Q1 | 2:30 | MIN | 7-7 | Cam Akers 32-yd pass to Josh Oliver (Reichard XP) |
| Q2 | 0:09 | CLE | 10-7 | Andre Szmyt 31-yd field goal |
| Q3 | 11:11 | MIN | 14-10 | Jordan Mason 3-yd rush TD (Reichard XP) |
| Q3 | 3:05 | CLE | 17-14 | Dillon Gabriel 9-yd pass to David Njoku (Szmyt XP) |
| Q4 | 0:25 | MIN | 21-17 | Carson Wentz 12-yd pass to Jordan Addison (Reichard XP) |
The game was tied after Q1 and led by Cleveland through halftime and the entire fourth quarter — until the Vikings’ final drive broke Brown hearts with 25 seconds to go.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
| Quarter | MIN | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 7 | 7 |
| Q2 | 0 | 3 |
| Q3 | 7 | 7 |
| Q4 | 7 | 0 |
| Final | 21 | 17 |
Cleveland outscored Minnesota 10-7 in the first half. Minnesota outscored Cleveland 14-7 in the second half. The game came down entirely to the final possession.
Minnesota Vikings Player Stats
Carson Wentz — Quarterback (MIN)
Wentz entered the game as a replacement for the injured J.J. McCarthy and delivered in the biggest moments. He left briefly in the second quarter with a left shoulder injury after taking a hit from LB Carson Schwesinger.
He returned after halftime wearing a shoulder harness and led two second-half scoring drives — including the game-winning 10-play, 80-yard march where he completed all 9 of his pass attempts.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Completions / Attempts | 25 / 34 |
| Completion % | 73.5% |
| Passing Yards | 268 (per box score) / 236 (per CBS) |
| Passing TDs | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 114.9 |
| Sacks Taken | 3 |
| Game-Winning Drive | 9-for-9, 80 yards, 10 plays, 2:40 |
Wentz’s composure on the winning drive — completing 9 straight passes under pressure, with multiple backup offensive linemen in the game — was the defining performance of the entire game.
Justin Jefferson — Wide Receiver (MIN)
Jefferson was the engine of the Minnesota offense throughout the contest. He wrestled a 21-yard catch from CB Denzel Ward on the winning drive to set up the go-ahead score.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 7 |
| Targets | 11 |
| Receiving Yards | 123 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Long | 38 yards |
Jefferson said after the game: “Having been in Europe for two weeks, pretty much, and losing last week in Ireland, a W was a must. We couldn’t go home on that plane 0-2.”
Jordan Addison — Wide Receiver (MIN)
The Jordan Addison story was the subplot of the entire game. Addison was benched for the first quarter by head coach Kevin O’Connell for missing a team walk-through during the week. He did not play a single snap in Q1.
Addison caught five passes for 41 yards and the game-winning score entirely in the second half.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 5 |
| Targets | — |
| Receiving Yards | 41 |
| Touchdowns | 1 (game-winner) |
| Long | 12-yd TD with 0:25 remaining |
| Quarters Played | Q2–Q4 only |
O’Connell addressed the benching after the game, saying he knew Addison would deliver when given the chance. Jefferson had his own strong words with Addison during the week about responsibility and standards.
Jordan Mason — Running Back (MIN)
Mason was the Vikings’ starting running back and scored the touchdown that gave Minnesota its first lead in the third quarter. He was slowed by injury late in the game and eventually replaced by Zavier Scott.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Rush Attempts | 13 |
| Rush Yards | 52 |
| Rush TDs | 1 |
| Long Rush | 15 yards |
Mason’s fumble on Minnesota’s very first offensive play — punched out by Browns DE Alex Wright — set up Cleveland’s opening touchdown and immediately put the Vikings in a hole they would have to spend the rest of the day digging out of.
Cam Akers — Running Back / Trick Play (MIN)
Akers had the most creative moment of the game. On a direct snap with Wentz lined up wide at receiver, Akers rolled right and threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Josh Oliver — his first-ever pass attempt, completion, and passing touchdown in his six-year NFL career.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Rush Attempts | Part of 23-carry share |
| Receiving Yards | Part of 268 passing yards |
| Pass Attempts | 1 |
| Pass Completions | 1 |
| Passing TDs | 1 (32-yd pass to Josh Oliver) |
The trick play completely fooled Cleveland’s defense and immediately tied the game at 7-7 after the Browns had drawn first blood.
Josh Oliver — Tight End (MIN)
Oliver was the recipient of Akers’ trick-play strike in the first quarter, catching the 32-yard TD pass that leveled the game. He added more receptions on the winning drive.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Receiving Yards | Part of 268 |
| Touchdowns | 1 (32-yd trick play from Cam Akers) |
Minnesota Vikings Team Stats
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Total Yards | 349 |
| Passing Yards | 268 |
| Rushing Yards | 97 |
| First Downs | 20 |
| Turnovers | 2 (fumbles) |
| Sacks Allowed | 3 |
| Penalties | 7 (50 yards) |
| Time of Possession | 29:31 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 3 of 9 |
| Punts | 5 (avg 57.2 yards) |
Minnesota’s third-down conversion rate of 33% was poor, but the team made up for it with clutch execution on all three of their red-zone drives that ended in touchdowns.
Cleveland Browns Player Stats
Dillon Gabriel — Quarterback (CLE) — NFL Debut
Dillon Gabriel, the Browns’ rookie third-round pick out of Oregon, made history as the first quarterback ever to make his first NFL start in an international game. He handled the debut with composure and gave the Browns genuine reason for optimism despite the loss.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Completions / Attempts | 19 / 33 |
| Completion % | 57.6% |
| Passing Yards | 190 |
| Passing TDs | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 94.3 |
| Sacks Taken | 2 |
| Poor Throws | 7 |
Gabriel became the first quarterback in NFL history to have his first start come in an international game. He also became the 17th straight Browns quarterback to lose his first start with the team, a streak that dates back to 1999 and former No. 1 pick Tim Couch.
Gabriel’s two touchdown passes went to tight ends. Both scores came at key moments and kept Cleveland in front through most of the second half.
Quinshon Judkins — Running Back (CLE)
Judkins was the undeniable standout performer for Cleveland. The fellow rookie had a star-making afternoon on the international stage.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Rush Attempts | 23 |
| Rush Yards | 110 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Long Rush | 32 yards |
| Receiving Yards | 18 |
| Receiving Targets | — |
Judkins finished the game with a career-high 110 rushing yards and a career-high 23 carries. He also had a long touchdown run nullified by a holding penalty — a run that, had it stood, would have dramatically changed the complexion of the game.
Judkins’ 32-yard burst down the right sideline after the Mason fumble in Q1 was the play that set up Gabriel’s first touchdown and gave Cleveland the early momentum they rode for most of the contest.
Harold Fannin Jr. — Tight End (CLE)
Fannin caught the first touchdown of the game — a 1-yard score from Gabriel — and was a consistent target throughout. The day marked a career milestone for the young tight end.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 4 |
| Receiving Yards | 13 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Long Reception | 7 yards |
Harold Fannin Jr. caught seven passes for a career-high 81 receiving yards — though the scoring summary and multiple box score sources confirm his final line at 4 catches and 13 yards with 1 TD, indicating some discrepancy in mid-game reports vs. final stats. His touchdown was Gabriel’s second career scoring pass.
David Njoku — Tight End (CLE)
Njoku delivered the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter — Gabriel’s second TD of the game — on a 9-yard pass that put Cleveland up 17-14. He was Gabriel’s most reliable target all afternoon and finished as Cleveland’s top receiver.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 6 |
| Receiving Yards | 67 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Long Reception | 22 yards |
Njoku’s hurdle over a Vikings defender on a key third-quarter run-after-catch was one of the signature moments of the game.
Isaiah Bond — Wide Receiver (CLE)
Bond served as one of Gabriel’s primary outside targets after Jamari Thrash and Jerry Jeudy were limited in their contributions.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 2 |
| Receiving Yards | 29 |
| Long | — |
Cleveland Browns Team Stats
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Total Yards | 322 |
| Passing Yards | 190 |
| Rushing Yards | 140 |
| First Downs | 17 |
| Turnovers | 0 |
| Fumbles Forced | 2 |
| Sacks | 3 |
| Penalties | 10 (78 yards) |
| Time of Possession | 30:29 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 3 of 15 |
| Field Goals | 1-of-1 (Szmyt, 31 yds) |
| Punts | 8 (avg 45.0 yards) |
Cleveland actually outrushed Minnesota 140-97 and held the ball for longer. Their Achilles heel was a 3-of-15 third-down conversion rate (20%) — an absolute inability to extend drives in critical situations. Ten penalties for 78 yards also repeatedly stalled what could have been point-scoring drives.
Complete Receiving Leaders — Both Teams
| Player | Team | Rec | Yards | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Jefferson | MIN | 7 | 123 | 0 | 38 |
| David Njoku | CLE | 6 | 67 | 1 | 22 |
| Jordan Addison | MIN | 5 | 41 | 1 | 12 |
| Josh Oliver | MIN | — | 32+ | 1 (trick play) | 32 |
| Isaiah Bond | CLE | 2 | 29 | 0 | — |
| Harold Fannin Jr. | CLE | 4 | 13–81* | 1 | — |
*Note: Multiple sources report different final stat lines for Fannin; the box score data shows 4 catches, 13 yards, 1 TD.
Complete Rushing Leaders — Both Teams
| Player | Team | Carries | Yards | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinshon Judkins | CLE | 23 | 110 | 0 | 32 |
| Jordan Mason | MIN | 13 | 52 | 1 | 15 |
| Zavier Scott | MIN | — | — | 0 | — |
| Cleveland Team | CLE | 32 | 140 | 0 | 32 |
| Minnesota Team | MIN | 23 | 97 | 1 | 15 |
Passing Leaders — Both Quarterbacks Side by Side
| Stat | Carson Wentz (MIN) | Dillon Gabriel (CLE) |
|---|---|---|
| Completions | 25 | 19 |
| Attempts | 34 | 33 |
| Completion % | 73.5% | 57.6% |
| Passing Yards | 268 | 190 |
| Passing TDs | 1 | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 114.9 | 94.3 |
| Sacks Taken | 3 | 2 |
| Game-Winning Drive | Yes (9-for-9) | — |
On paper, Gabriel had better touchdown production. But Wentz’s zero turnovers and flawless clutch execution in the final two-plus minutes made him the game’s decisive factor.
The Trick Play: Cam Akers’ Touchdown Pass
The moment that swung momentum back to Minnesota in the first quarter was entirely unexpected.
With Cleveland up 7-0 after Gabriel’s opening touchdown drive, the Vikings called a direct snap to Cam Akers with Carson Wentz lined up wide as a receiver. Akers rolled right and uncorked a 32-yard strike to Josh Oliver, who was completely uncovered by a Browns defense that had zero idea the play was coming.
O’Connell dug deep into his bag of tricks for the Vikings’ first score: a 32-yard touchdown toss from running back Cam Akers to tight end Josh Oliver, who was left wide open by a Browns defense that did not expect Akers to throw.
It was Akers’ first pass attempt, completion, and touchdown pass of his entire NFL career. The play immediately tied the game and set the tone that the Vikings were not going to simply run a conventional offensive script in London.
Carson Wentz’s Injury and Return
One of the most overlooked storylines of the game was Wentz playing through a left shoulder injury.
Late in the second half, Wentz took a direct hit on his left shoulder from LB Carson Schwesinger and went to the locker room. He was listed as questionable to return. Backup UDFA rookie Max Brosmer took a knee on the final snap of the first half as the only available replacement.
Wentz, who was evaluated for a left shoulder injury in the second quarter, returned and led a 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive in the closing minutes — with four backup offensive linemen in the game after left tackle Christian Darrisaw was also pulled.
He came back in the second half wearing a shoulder harness, completed long passes to Jefferson and Addison on the opening drive, and showed zero limitation going forward.
Dillon Gabriel’s Historic Debut
Dillon Gabriel’s first NFL start was genuinely impressive despite the result. He was calm, decisive, and used his supporting cast well.
His two touchdown passes both went to tight ends — Fannin and Njoku — and showed excellent red-zone touch. He never threw an interception despite facing Minnesota’s aggressive blitz-heavy coverage scheme (Minnesota blitzed 28 times in the game).
Gabriel made his first NFL start against the Vikings, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to have his first start come in an international game.
The Browns had tried to set Gabriel up for success by surrounding him with a powerful ground game in Judkins. That plan worked all afternoon — until the final 2:40, when Wentz took it apart with nine straight completions.
Jordan Addison: From Benched to Hero
The Jordan Addison arc was the emotional center of the game.
Addison came up big when his teammates needed him most. He was benched for the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns for missing a team walk-through during the week.
Coach O’Connell held him accountable but told him before the game that whenever he got his chance, his teammates needed him to deliver. Addison caught three consecutive passes in the fourth quarter — including the 12-yard game-winner with 25 seconds remaining.
Addison caught three straight passes in the fourth quarter — including a 12-yard touchdown with 0:25 seconds left — to give the Vikings their second and final lead.
Justin Jefferson, acting as team leader, said he had strong words with Addison during the week to make sure he understood the stakes and his value to the team.
Vikings’ Defense: The Stops That Mattered
Minnesota’s defensive performance was not flashy, but it was effective enough to preserve the win.
The Vikings recorded 2 sacks, 5 passes defended, and forced Cleveland into a brutal 3-of-15 performance on third down. Minnesota blitzed 28 times — a very aggressive approach against a rookie QB — which contributed to Gabriel’s difficulty staying in rhythm on extended drives.
The defensive performance in the final seconds was the most crucial. After Wentz’s game-winning TD, Gabriel got the ball back with no timeouts and drove to his own 50-yard line. A 22-yard completion to Jamari Thrash fell short of the end zone as time expired.
Cleveland’s Maliek Collins recorded a sack of Wentz during the game, bringing his season total to 2.5. Myles Garrett — one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL — applied consistent pressure throughout and helped force Wentz off his spot on multiple occasions.
Cleveland’s Defense: Forcing Fumbles, Losing the Game
The Browns’ defense actually created two turnovers — both forced fumbles — which was a legitimate bright spot.
DE Alex Wright punched the ball out of Jordan Mason’s hands on Minnesota’s opening drive in Q1, leading directly to Gabriel’s first TD. DE Isaiah McGuire forced Zavier Scott to fumble in Q4, and LB Mohamoud Diabate recovered — giving Cleveland a crucial possession while holding the 17-14 lead.
Despite both takeaways, Cleveland could not convert them into the points needed to put the game away. Their offense went three-and-out once and scored only 7 points off those two turnovers.
The final drive by Wentz further exposed Cleveland’s inability to stop a poised, veteran quarterback once the pressure was at its peak. Three backup offensive linemen could not prevent Wentz from completing all nine of his attempts on the winning march.
Vikings’ London Legacy: 5-0 All Time
This win extended Minnesota’s remarkable international record.
The Vikings’ win extended their all-time lead to 12-4 and kept their perfect London record intact at 5-0.
Minnesota had played back-to-back international games in Week 4 and Week 5 — losing in Dublin to Pittsburgh and then bouncing back in London against Cleveland. They became the first team in NFL history to play consecutive international games in different countries.
Coach Kevin O’Connell has consistently emphasized adjusting travel schedules and game-week preparation for international matchups, and the results speak for themselves. Five games, five wins in London.
Season Records After the Game
| Team | Record After Week 5 | Division Standing |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 3-2 | NFC North (Middle) |
| Cleveland Browns | 1-4 | AFC North (Bottom) |
Minnesota moved into a competitive NFC North race. Cleveland fell to 1-4 with serious concerns about their season. The Browns’ 10-game streak of scoring 17 or fewer points — stretching back to the previous season — continued to be a defining concern for the franchise.
Key Takeaways: What Each Team Proved
Minnesota proved they can win ugly games with veteran leadership. Wentz’s performance while injured, with multiple backup linemen active, was exactly the type of grit a team needs to survive in a tight division race.
Cleveland proved their rookie quarterback has the composure and accuracy to operate the offense. Gabriel’s two touchdowns and zero interceptions in a hostile environment — albeit one heavily populated by Vikings fans — showed genuine promise for the future of the franchise.
The game ultimately came down to one statistic: Cleveland was 3-of-15 on third down. In the NFL, that conversion rate makes it nearly impossible to win. Minnesota was only 3-of-9, but their clutch fourth-quarter execution made all the difference.
What Happened to Both Teams After This Game
Minnesota entered a bye week following the London game and then returned home to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7. The Vikings went on to finish the regular season with a playoff berth, largely built on a strong December stretch highlighted by a Christmas Day 23-10 win over the Detroit Lions.
Cleveland dropped to 1-4 after the London defeat and returned home to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. The Browns’ season continued to spiral, with their ground game and Gabriel’s development representing the few genuine positives throughout a difficult year.
All-Time Series Record: Vikings vs Browns
| Category | MIN | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Regular Season Wins | 12 | 4 |
| All-Time Ties | 0 | 0 |
| London Record | 1 | 0 |
| Most Recent Meeting | Vikings 21 | Browns 17 |
| Last Browns Win vs MIN | Prior to 2025 season | — |
The Vikings win extended their all-time lead to 12-4 in the regular season series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the final score of the Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns game in 2025?
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Cleveland Browns 21-17 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 5, 2025, with the winning touchdown scored with just 25 seconds remaining.
Who scored the game-winning touchdown for the Vikings vs Browns?
Jordan Addison caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Carson Wentz with 25 seconds left in regulation, completing a 10-play, 80-yard drive to give Minnesota the win.
What were Carson Wentz’s passing stats against the Browns in 2025?
Wentz completed 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He was a perfect 9-for-9 on the game-winning final drive.
How did Dillon Gabriel perform in his NFL debut against the Vikings?
Gabriel completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns with zero interceptions and a 94.3 passer rating in his first-ever NFL start — making history as the first QB to debut in an international game.
What were Justin Jefferson’s stats in the Vikings vs Browns 2025 game?
Jefferson caught 7 passes on 11 targets for 123 yards and no touchdowns. He was the game’s leading receiver and made a crucial 21-yard grab on the game-winning drive.
Why was Jordan Addison benched in the first quarter vs the Browns?
Addison missed a team walk-through during the week, and Coach Kevin O’Connell held him out of Q1 to maintain team standards — then put him back in, and he caught the game-winning TD.
How many rushing yards did Quinshon Judkins have against the Vikings?
Judkins rushed 23 times for a career-high 110 yards in his second NFL game. A long touchdown run was also nullified by a holding penalty that would have extended Cleveland’s lead significantly.
Where was the Vikings vs Browns 2025 game played?
The game was played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, as part of the 2025 NFL International Series. It was Minnesota’s second consecutive international game and Cleveland’s designated home game abroad.
What was Cleveland’s third-down conversion rate in the Vikings vs Browns game?
Cleveland converted only 3 of 15 third-down attempts — a 20% rate — which was the primary reason they could not protect their 17-14 lead despite controlling the ball for over 30 minutes.
What is the all-time record between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns?
The Minnesota Vikings lead the all-time regular-season series 12-4. The 2025 London victory extended their series lead and kept their perfect 5-0 all-time record in London intact.
Conclusion
Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns match player stats from October 5, 2025 reveal a game defined by individual heroics, historic firsts, and clutch fourth-quarter execution.
Carson Wentz’s 9-for-9 winning drive, Jordan Addison’s comeback from benching to game-winning hero, and Dillon Gabriel’s composed NFL debut all made this one of the most memorable games of the entire 2025 NFL season.
Quinshon Judkins’ 110-yard rushing performance confirmed Cleveland has a special talent emerging at running back, even as the team stumbled to 1-4.
For Minnesota, the 21-17 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium extended their London perfection to 5-0 and kept their playoff hopes firmly alive in the NFC North race.
This was not a perfect game for either team — but it was an unforgettable one, and the full player stats prove exactly why.
