Steelers Edge Vikings in Thriller, 31-27, Behind Wilson’s Four Touchdowns

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) bounced back from last week’s loss in dramatic fashion, defeating the Minnesota Vikings (3-2) in a 31-27 thriller. Russell Wilson threw for 290 yards and four touchdowns, including the game-winning score to Pat Freiermuth with just 28 seconds left on the clock. The Vikings, who held the lead for most of the game, couldn’t hold off Pittsburgh’s late rally and now drop their second straight contest.

Game Recap

Minnesota got on the board first with a Will Reichard 53-yard field goal, but the Steelers responded quickly. Wilson connected with Najee Harris for a 7-yard touchdown to put Pittsburgh ahead 7-3. The Vikings struck back in the second quarter as J.J. McCarthy hit T.J. Hockenson for a 7-yard touchdown. Wilson and Harris answered with another scoring connection, while a C.J. Ham 1-yard touchdown run helped Minnesota carry a 17-13 lead into halftime. McCarthy opened the third quarter with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Josh Oliver, extending the Vikings’ lead to 24-13. However, Wilson led Pittsburgh on another quick scoring drive, finding Roman Wilson for a 9-yard touchdown. The Vikings’ final points came early in the fourth quarter when Reichard drilled a 30-yard field goal to make it 27-24.

With just over two minutes left, Wilson and the Steelers’ offense took control. The veteran quarterback methodically marched Pittsburgh down the field, converting a key third down before finding Freiermuth in the back of the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown, giving Pittsburgh the lead for good. The Vikings had one last chance but failed to advance past midfield as time expired.

Key Stats

Russell Wilson completed 26 of 32 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns, delivering a nearly flawless performance. J.J. McCarthy also had a strong outing, completing 24 of 34 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Najee Harris contributed both on the ground and through the air, rushing for 46 yards on eight carries while also catching four passes for 12 yards and two touchdowns. Roman Wilson led all receivers with five receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown, while Pat Freiermuth hauled in seven catches for 63 yards and the game-winning score. On the Vikings’ side, Justin Jefferson recorded five receptions for 86 yards, and T.J. Hockenson added five receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown.

Up Next

The Steelers head into their bye week before returning in Week 7 for a home matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The Vikings will return home in Week 6 to take on the Los Angeles Chargers, looking to snap their two-game losing streak.