CHICAGO —Although Minnesota has struggled recently at Soldier Field, history could be on the Vikings side in tonight's matchup against the Bears.
Oct. 9 is celebrated annually as Leif Erikson Day in honor of the Icelandic explorer who some believe was the first Nordic person to visit North America.
The Vikings have never lost on this particular day, going a perfect 7-0 in franchise history on Oct. 9.
Minnesota has won six games at home, including one over the Bears. The Vikings also have a win on Monday Night Football, as they earned a 30-23 win over Tampa Bay in 2000 at the Metrodome.
The Vikings have outscored opponents 186 to 94 on Leif Erikson Day.
Here's a list of Minnesota's wins on Oct. 9:
1965
40-14 over the Giants
Fran Tarkenton threw for two touchdowns, and Bill Brown ran for two scores of his own. Ed Sharockman had an interception on defense.
1977
14-7 over the Lions
Tarkenton and Sammy White connected for a pair of passing touchdowns, and Minnesota's defense stymied Detroit.
1983
23-14 over the Bears (in Chicago)
Walter Payton had two rushing touchdowns for the Bears, but Darrin Nelson (56 yards) and Tony Galbreath (52 yards) had long scores for the Vikings. Benny Ricardo's three field goals proved to be the difference in the NFC Central showdown.
1988
14-13 over the Buccaneers
Minnesota rallied from a three-point halftime deficit and saw time run out as Tampa Bay tried to line up for the game-winning field goal in the final seconds.
2000
30-23 over the Buccaneers (Monday Night Football)
Daunte Culpepper threw for two scores and ran for another, Randy Moss had 118 receiving yards and a touchdown, and the Vikings improved to 5-0 with a fourth-quarter rally.
2011
34-10 over the Cardinals
The Vikings got their first win of the season by racing out to a 28-0 halftime lead behind a trio of rushing touchdowns by Adrian Peterson. The running back finished with 122 yards on the ground, and Jamarca Sanford had two picks on defense.
2016
31-13 over the Texans
Minnesota improved to 5-0 behind a balanced effort in all three phases. Sam Bradford threw two touchdowns, including a 36-yarder to Adam Thielen. Marcus Sherels had a 79-yard punt return for a score. The Vikings defense allowed just 214 total yards and sacked Brock Osweiler four times. Andrew Sendejo had an interception.
