Adrian Peterson

Cross-checked Vikings performance rankings, official game retrospectives, league rushing records, MVP-season history, and verified archive box scores. The list centers the single-game record and the two decisive peaks of Peterson's 2,097-yard comeback season, then adds the best all-around production of his later Minnesota career and the 200-yard performance that confirmed his 2015 return.

1. #1. In only his eighth NFL game, Peterson ran 30 times for a league-record 296 yards and three touchdowns, including 253 yards after halftime, to turn a deficit into a 35–17 victory. Vikings: Peterson's record 296-yard game
2. #2. Peterson ran for 199 yards and a touchdown, added a receiving score, and supplied the final drive's decisive gain as Minnesota beat Green Bay to reach the playoffs and he finished with 2,097 yards. Vikings: 2012 playoff-clinching finale
3. #3. Peterson broke an 82-yard touchdown and finished with 212 rushing yards in St. Louis, moving past 1,800 during the late surge that made him the rare running back to win league MVP. Vikings: 2012 playoff-clinching finale
4. #4. Peterson carried 35 times for 211 yards in an overtime win over Chicago, crossing 10,000 career rushing yards and becoming the third-fastest player to reach the milestone. Vikings: Peterson's record 296-yard game
5. #5. Peterson ran for 203 yards, sealing the win with an 80-yard touchdown as Minnesota moved into first place and his comeback season ended with a third rushing title. Vikings: Peterson's record 296-yard game

Reviewed through 2026-08-11