Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats from Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the year.
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland — marking the first-ever NFL regular season game played on Irish soil.
Aaron Rodgers connected with DK Metcalf for an 80-yard touchdown, Kenneth Gainwell rushed for 99 yards and two scores, and T.J. Watt picked off Carson Wentz to seal a memorable Steelers win in front of 74,512 fans.
Match Overview: Vikings vs Steelers Week 4 2025
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025 Venue: Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland Attendance: 74,512 Kickoff: 9:30 AM ET Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 24 – Minnesota Vikings 21 Records After Game: Steelers 3-1 | Vikings 2-2
| Category | Pittsburgh Steelers | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 24 | 21 |
| Total Offense | ~310 yards | ~430 yards |
| Passing Yards | ~200 yards | 350 yards |
| Rushing Yards | ~110 yards | ~80 yards |
| Sacks Taken | 0 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Third Down Conv. | — | 4/14 (28.6%) |
| Time of Game | 3:15 | 3:15 |
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Summary
Pittsburgh controlled the first three quarters and built a commanding 24-6 lead before Minnesota stormed back in the fourth quarter to make things extremely close.
| Quarter | Steelers | Vikings | Scoring Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 7 | 3 | Gainwell 1-yd TD run; Reichard 41-yd FG |
| Q2 | 14 | 6 | Rodgers-Metcalf 80-yd TD; Reichard 28-yd FG |
| Q3 | 21 | 6 | Gainwell 4-yd TD run (set up by Watt INT) |
| Q4 | 24 | 21 | Boswell 33-yd FG; Wentz-Scott 16-yd TD + 2pt; Wentz-Nailor 2-yd TD |
| Final | 24 | 21 | — |
Aaron Rodgers Player Stats – Pittsburgh Steelers QB
Aaron Rodgers was the most efficient quarterback on the field despite the low yardage total. The 41-year-old veteran was sharp and decisive, distributing the ball quickly to neutralize Minnesota’s pass rush.
Rodgers completed 18 of 22 pass attempts for 200 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions. His completion rate of 81.8% was among the best recorded by a Steelers quarterback in an international game.
His 80-yard touchdown connection with DK Metcalf in the second quarter was the play that broke the game open. Rodgers found Metcalf on a crossing route and the big receiver outran Minnesota’s safety Theo Jackson to the end zone.
Rodgers also scrambled effectively in the pocket and even fumbled late in the first half, but luckily the ball bounced directly to offensive lineman Broderick Jones, preventing a turnover.
| Stat | Aaron Rodgers (PIT QB) |
|---|---|
| Completions / Attempts | 18 / 22 |
| Passing Yards | 200 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Completion % | 81.8% |
| Long Pass | 80 yards (TD to Metcalf) |
| Passer Rating | ~124.5 |
DK Metcalf Player Stats – Pittsburgh Steelers WR
DK Metcalf had one of his best individual performances of the 2025 season in Dublin. His combination of route running and raw speed made him nearly impossible to contain for Minnesota’s cornerbacks.
Metcalf finished with five receptions for 126 receiving yards, with 122 of those yards coming on just two catches. His 80-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter was the signature play of the entire match.
He consistently won his one-on-one matchups against Minnesota’s corners and created immediate separation after the catch. Metcalf was the clear offensive MVP from a Pittsburgh perspective.
| Stat | DK Metcalf (PIT WR) |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 5 |
| Receiving Yards | 126 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Long Reception | 80 yards (TD) |
| Targets | 6 |
| Yards After Catch | ~55 |
Kenneth Gainwell Player Stats – Pittsburgh Steelers RB
Kenneth Gainwell was the unsung hero of this game. He carried the Steelers’ ground attack with authority and finished just one yard short of the century mark.
Gainwell rushed for 99 yards on the ground and scored two rushing touchdowns. His 1-yard plunge in the first quarter got Pittsburgh on the board first, and his 4-yard scoring run in the third quarter — set up by T.J. Watt’s interception — extended the lead to an apparently insurmountable 21-6.
His run blocking also opened lanes for Pittsburgh’s play-action game, which gave Rodgers clean looks downfield. Gainwell was named a key performer by multiple outlets covering the game.
| Stat | Kenneth Gainwell (PIT RB) |
|---|---|
| Rushing Attempts | ~22 |
| Rushing Yards | 99 |
| Rushing TDs | 2 |
| Yards Per Carry | ~4.5 |
| Long Rush | ~18 yards |
| Receptions | 2 |
Carson Wentz Player Stats – Minnesota Vikings QB
Carson Wentz was starting in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy and had a difficult afternoon against Pittsburgh’s relentless pass rush. He was sacked six times and threw two costly interceptions that ended promising drives.
Despite the pressure, Wentz posted impressive raw passing numbers — completing 30 of 46 attempts for 350 yards and two touchdown passes. His fourth-quarter performance was particularly noteworthy as he nearly engineered a remarkable comeback.
Wentz led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives and cut the deficit from 24-6 down to 24-21 with under five minutes remaining. His late incompletion on fourth-and-17 from the Vikings’ 32-yard line ended the final comeback attempt.
| Stat | Carson Wentz (MIN QB) |
|---|---|
| Completions / Attempts | 30 / 46 |
| Passing Yards | 350 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Completion % | 65.2% |
| Sacks Taken | 6 |
| Long Pass | 81 yards (to Addison) |
| Passer Rating | ~72.4 |
Justin Jefferson Player Stats – Minnesota Vikings WR
Justin Jefferson was the standout receiver for Minnesota and broke a franchise milestone during the game. He hauled in 10 receptions for 126 receiving yards, surpassing Anthony Carter for third place on the Vikings all-time receiving yards list with 7,729 career yards.
Jefferson created separation consistently but was let down by the offensive line giving Wentz so little time. He set a new season high with 10 catches in this single game, erasing his previous 2025 season high of just five receptions.
His reliability and route precision made him Wentz’s go-to target throughout the contest, and he delivered under pressure every time he was targeted.
| Stat | Justin Jefferson (MIN WR) |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 10 |
| Receiving Yards | 126 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Targets | ~13 |
| Long Reception | ~22 yards |
| Season High Receptions | 10 (new season high) |
| Career Receiving Yards | 7,729 (3rd all-time Vikings) |
Jordan Addison Player Stats – Minnesota Vikings WR
Jordan Addison made his 2025 season debut in this game after serving a three-game suspension. He made an immediate impact and showed exactly what Minnesota had been missing during his absence.
Addison caught four passes for 114 receiving yards, including an enormous 81-yard gain late in the fourth quarter that brought the Vikings to Pittsburgh’s 1-yard line. That reception nearly set up the tying score.
His ability to get open deep was clearly something Minnesota’s offense had been lacking in the first three weeks. Addison’s return transformed the Vikings’ explosive play potential overnight.
| Stat | Jordan Addison (MIN WR) |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 4 |
| Receiving Yards | 114 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Long Reception | 81 yards |
| Targets | ~6 |
Jalen Nailor Player Stats – Minnesota Vikings WR
Jalen Nailor played a crucial role in Minnesota’s fourth-quarter comeback. He scored the game’s final touchdown on a 2-yard reception from Wentz that cut the deficit to just three points.
Nailor also converted a critical two-point attempt earlier in the quarter, making the score 24-14 and keeping the comeback alive. His contributions in the final period were central to Minnesota’s near-miraculous recovery.
He finished with four catches on the afternoon including his short-yardage touchdown reception in the dying stages of the game.
| Stat | Jalen Nailor (MIN WR) |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 4 |
| Receiving Yards | ~38 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| 2-Pt Conversions | 1 |
Zavier Scott Player Stats – Minnesota Vikings WR/RB
Zavier Scott caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Wentz in the fourth quarter that started Minnesota’s comeback. He also ran the successful 2-point conversion, cutting the score to 24-14 and giving the Vikings genuine hope.
Scott finished with a modest receiving line but his impact in the critical fourth quarter was disproportionate to his box score numbers. His involvement in back-to-back scoring plays energized both the Minnesota sideline and the neutral observers in the Croke Park crowd.
T.J. Watt Player Stats – Pittsburgh Steelers LB
T.J. Watt was the defining defensive player of the entire game. His interception in the third quarter — tipped at the line by Cam Heyward — directly set up Pittsburgh’s go-ahead score and made the deficit 21-6.
That interception was the eighth of Watt’s career, making him the all-time leader in interceptions among outside linebackers in the Mike Tomlin era. It also moved him to 111 career sacks, tying him with Aaron Donald for 29th on the NFL’s all-time sack list.
Watt was disruptive on virtually every snap he played. His ability to win from the edge against Minnesota’s depleted offensive line — which lost both starting center Ryan Kelly and tackle Brian O’Neill to injuries — was relentless throughout.
| Stat | T.J. Watt (PIT LB) |
|---|---|
| Sacks | 1+ |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Tackles | ~6 |
| Career Sacks (Through Week 4) | 111 |
| Career INTs | 8 (most by any OLB in Tomlin era) |
| Game Impact | Set up Gainwell’s go-ahead TD |
Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen – Pittsburgh Steelers Linebackers
Both of Pittsburgh’s starting linebackers recorded double-digit tackles in this game — a feat that had not been accomplished by two Steelers linebackers in the same game since Myles Jack and Devin Bush in Week 3 of the 2022 season.
Payton Wilson led the team with 13 total tackles and was an absolute force in the middle of the field. Patrick Queen was close behind with 11 total tackles and added a sack that pinned the Vikings’ offense back in the first quarter.
Queen’s sack in the first quarter directly forced the Vikings into a field goal attempt, keeping the score manageable at 7-3 early on.
| Stat | Payton Wilson (PIT LB) | Patrick Queen (PIT LB) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 13 | 11 |
| Sacks | 0 | 1 |
| Tackles For Loss | 1 | 1 |
Cam Heyward and Pittsburgh’s Defensive Line Stats
The Steelers’ defensive front dominated Minnesota’s offensive line all afternoon, totaling six sacks of Carson Wentz. This was a historically dominant defensive performance from a Pittsburgh unit built around veteran leadership.
Cam Heyward was credited with tipping the pass that led to T.J. Watt’s third-quarter interception, a play that completely changed the game’s momentum. Heyward himself contributed 1.5 sacks and multiple quarterback hurries.
Nick Herbig added multiple sacks from the edge and Keeanu Benton registered 1.5 sacks — an extraordinary total for a defensive tackle who had only managed two career sacks in his first 37 regular-season games.
| Player | Position | Sacks | QBH | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Heyward | DT | 1.5 | 3 | 2 |
| Keeanu Benton | DT | 1.5 | 2 | 2 |
| Nick Herbig | OLB | 1.5 | 2 | 1 |
| T.J. Watt | OLB | 1+ | 2 | 1 |
| Patrick Queen | ILB | 1 | 1 | 1 |
DeShon Elliott Player Stats – Pittsburgh Steelers Safety
DeShon Elliott recorded the second Steelers interception of the game, adding to the defensive dominance that characterized Pittsburgh’s performance in the first three quarters.
Elliott also contributed tackles in run support and was active against the deep ball throughout the afternoon. His interception combined with Watt’s pick gave Pittsburgh two takeaways, extending their league-leading turnover differential through the first four weeks.
Pittsburgh’s defense had now recorded five or more sacks and two or more takeaways in back-to-back games — a feat that had not occurred since Weeks 13 and 14 of the 2019 season.
Chris Boswell and Will Reichard – Kicker Stats
Both kickers played important roles in the game. Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell converted a 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 24-6 — a critical insurance score that proved decisive.
An earlier Boswell attempt of 30 yards in the second half was blocked by Minnesota’s Isaiah Rodgers, denying Pittsburgh what could have been a three-score lead at halftime.
Will Reichard made both of Minnesota’s early field goals — a 41-yarder in the first quarter and a 28-yarder just before the half — keeping the Vikings within reach until the fourth quarter comeback.
| Kicker | Team | FG Made | FG Missed | XP Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Boswell | PIT | 1/2 | 1 (blocked) | 3/3 |
| Will Reichard | MIN | 2/2 | 0 | 3/3 |
Full Team Stats Comparison: Steelers vs Vikings
| Stat Category | Pittsburgh Steelers | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| First Downs | ~18 | ~22 |
| Total Yards | ~310 | ~430 |
| Passing Yards | ~200 | 350 |
| Rushing Yards | ~110 | ~80 |
| Sacks | 6 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 2 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Penalties | ~5 | ~7 |
| Third Down Conv. | — | 4/14 (28.6%) |
| Points Scored | 24 | 21 |
| Time of Possession | ~30 min | ~30 min |
Key Injury Report from the Game
Minnesota suffered significant offensive line injuries during the game that may have influenced the outcome. Center Ryan Kelly was ruled out with a concussion, and tackle Brian O’Neill was helped off the field and later ruled out with a knee injury.
These absences directly impacted the protection Carson Wentz received, contributing to the six sacks Pittsburgh registered. Minnesota’s offensive line had been one of the stronger units in the NFC entering the season.
Pittsburgh also dealt with some concerns. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III was taken to a local hospital in Dublin to have his shoulder evaluated after a second-half collision. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey was in and out of the game due to a hamstring injury.
Historic Context: First NFL Game in Ireland
This was not just another regular season game — it was the first NFL regular season game ever played in Ireland. The Steelers were named the home team for the international matchup at Croke Park, a venue better known as the home of Gaelic football.
The Rooney family, who own the Pittsburgh Steelers, have deep roots in Ireland. The late Steelers chairman Daniel M. Rooney served as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012. Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the team the night before the game to remind his players of that legacy.
Aaron Rodgers also mentioned having some Irish heritage himself ahead of the game. The crowd of 74,512 was noticeably and vocally pro-Steelers, giving Pittsburgh an unusual home-field advantage on a neutral international stage.
Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Head-to-Head Record
The Vikings and Steelers have met 14 times in regular season NFL play. Pittsburgh holds a slight edge in the all-time series following their win in Dublin.
These are two franchises with storied histories. The Steelers have won six Super Bowl championships. The Vikings have reached four Super Bowls but are still searching for their first title.
| Metric | Steelers | Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Record | 8-6 | 6-8 |
| Super Bowl Wins | 6 | 0 |
| Super Bowl Appearances | 8 | 4 |
| Head Coach (2025) | Mike Tomlin | Kevin O’Connell |
| Stadium | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis |
Season Stat Leaders Through Week 4 (2025)
After the Dublin game, both teams had players who ranked among league leaders in their respective categories.
Justin Jefferson was on pace to challenge for the NFC receiving yards title. T.J. Watt was cementing himself as the early favorite for the 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Kenneth Gainwell emerged as a reliable dual-threat back in Pittsburgh’s revamped offense under Aaron Rodgers.
| Player | Team | Stat Category | Through Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Jefferson | MIN | Receiving Yards | ~410 yards |
| DK Metcalf | PIT | Receiving Yards | ~390 yards |
| Kenneth Gainwell | PIT | Rushing Yards | ~340 yards |
| T.J. Watt | PIT | Sacks | ~5.5 |
| Carson Wentz | MIN | Passing Yards | ~1,150 yards |
| Aaron Rodgers | PIT | QB Rating | ~112.4 |
Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Roster Highlights
The 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers built their offseason around signing Aaron Rodgers as their veteran franchise quarterback. Rodgers brought an entirely different energy to Pittsburgh’s offensive system, giving them their most accomplished signal-caller since Ben Roethlisberger’s prime years.
DK Metcalf was acquired to give Rodgers a dominant outside receiver, and their connection was immediately evident in the Dublin game. Kenneth Gainwell brought continuity from the previous season as the lead back.
The offensive line, though imperfect at times, provided Rodgers with cleaner pockets than Minnesota’s line gave Wentz, and that discrepancy in pass protection was arguably the biggest factor in the game’s outcome.
Minnesota Vikings Offensive Roster Highlights
Minnesota entered 2025 with massive expectations behind rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. His early-season ankle injury forced the Vikings to turn to veteran Carson Wentz, who had been signed as the backup.
Despite the quarterback change, Minnesota still boasted one of the most dangerous receiving rooms in the NFL. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are as talented a one-two WR combo as any team in the NFC.
The absence of Addison for the first three games clearly hurt the offense’s explosiveness. His return in Dublin immediately showed in the 81-yard reception that nearly produced the tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Coaching Decisions That Shaped the Game
One of the most discussed moments from the Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats debate was Pittsburgh’s failed fourth-and-goal attempt. The Steelers went for it from the three-yard line with roughly four minutes remaining, leading 24-6.
Gainwell was stopped short of the goal line, giving Minnesota the ball on their own one-yard line. That decision directly led to the Vikings’ 99-yard touchdown drive — which included the Addison 81-yard gain and Nailor’s TD catch — and nearly cost Pittsburgh the game.
Mike Tomlin defended the aggressive decision after the game, calling it the right call in the moment. But the decision gave life to a comeback that very nearly succeeded.
Kevin O’Connell addressed the loss saying the Vikings simply did not do enough to overcome their own execution problems, injuries, and turnovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who won the Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers game in 2025?
The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-21 at Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland on September 28, 2025, improving to 3-1 on the season.
What were Aaron Rodgers’ stats against the Vikings?
Rodgers completed 18 of 22 passes for 200 yards and one touchdown (an 80-yard TD to DK Metcalf) with zero interceptions and a rating of approximately 124.5.
How did Carson Wentz perform in the Vikings vs Steelers game?
Wentz completed 30 of 46 passes for 350 yards and 2 touchdowns but threw 2 interceptions and was sacked six times by Pittsburgh’s defense.
What were Justin Jefferson’s stats vs the Steelers?
Jefferson caught 10 passes for 126 yards and zero touchdowns, setting a season high in receptions and passing Anthony Carter for third on the Vikings’ all-time receiving yards list.
How did T.J. Watt perform in the Steelers vs Vikings game?
Watt recorded an interception (his eighth career INT), multiple sacks, and was the most disruptive defensive player on the field, directly setting up Pittsburgh’s third-quarter go-ahead touchdown.
Who was the leading rusher in Vikings vs Steelers Week 4?
Kenneth Gainwell led all rushers with 99 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns, coming one yard short of the century mark for Pittsburgh.
What milestone did DK Metcalf hit against the Vikings?
Metcalf caught 5 passes for 126 yards with 1 touchdown, including the signature 80-yard TD catch. He continued to establish himself as Rodgers’ most dangerous downfield weapon in 2025.
Where was the Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 game played?
The game was played at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, making it the first-ever NFL regular season game played in Ireland, with an attendance of 74,512.
How many sacks did Pittsburgh record against the Vikings?
The Steelers recorded six sacks of Carson Wentz, with contributions from Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Nick Herbig, T.J. Watt, and Patrick Queen.
What is the all-time head-to-head record between the Vikings and Steelers?
Pittsburgh leads the all-time series 8-6 following their 2025 Dublin victory, with both franchises holding strong historical records across decades of NFL play.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats from Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season tell the story of a game decided by turnovers, sacks, and one unstoppable defensive performance.
Pittsburgh’s defense was the true difference-maker, recording six sacks, two interceptions, and completely overwhelming a depleted Minnesota offensive line. T.J. Watt’s interception, Cam Heyward’s tipped ball, and Keeanu Benton’s emergence as a pass-rush force made this a signature defensive outing for the Steelers.
Offensively, Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf showed the kind of instant chemistry that had Pittsburgh fans dreaming of a Super Bowl run.
Kenneth Gainwell’s two-touchdown day on the ground added balance and physicality. For the Vikings, the individual performances of Justin Jefferson and a returning Jordan Addison proved they remain a dangerous offense when healthy.
Carson Wentz’s fourth-quarter resilience was admirable, but six sacks and two turnovers were simply too much to overcome on the biggest international stage in NFL history.
