With the help of Blair Walsh's 29-yard field goal, the Minnesota Vikings beat the NFC North champions Green Bay Packers 37-34 to secure a wildcard playoff berth.
Minnesota's Adrian Peterson became the lone running back this season to rush 2000 yards, which also made him only the seventh player to do so.
He had 199 yards and a touchdown in his team's victory, but could not break Eric Dickerson's single-season record of 2,105 yards in 1984 season. Peterson finished with 2,097 yards, eight shy of the mark.
"Ultimately we got the 'W,'" the Associated Press quoted Peterson as saying. "We said during the week, if it happens, it happens. Don't focus on it."
Walsh hit the winning field goal for the Vikings in the final minute of the fourth quarter. Peterson had a significant role in that score as he rushed 26-yards before Walsh had a chance of giving his side a victory.
"I know Eric Dickerson is feeling so good right now," Peterson said of the single-season record. "But God willing, I'll get it next year."
Peterson was outstanding on his comeback from a serious injury, and if he continues his magical form, he may very well break many records next year.
O.J. Simpson, Dickerson, Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis, Jamal Lewis and Chris Johnson also rushed for 2000 yards in a season, but no one before Peterson could do so after a knee surgery, which makes his achievement even better.
"He is without question the best running back in our game and truly, in my mind, the MVP of our league," Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said. "We don't win this game without Adrian Peterson.''
Peterson started off nicely and rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown on the first two drives to help the Vikings take a 10-0 lead.
"I don't let awards identify me," Peterson said. "I don't do it. I go out and define myself by what I do on the field.
"Whether I win it or not, and I'm not saying I don't want to, just like I wanted to break the record, either way, in my heart I'm the MVP. That's all that matters."
When Peterson entered the game with 1,898 yards, he had 400 yards more against his name then Seattle's Marshawn Lynch, who was in second place.
"Adrian so many times made plays on his own," Frazier said. "He's special in every way."
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