The Minnesota Vikings are 5-0, only one of three undefeated teams after Week 5. Their offense accumulated 364 yards in Sunday's win over the New Orleans Saints, but Minnesota still ranks 27th in yards. Two Vikings fumbles in the red zone kept the Saints in the game longer than they should have, but Minnesota still prevailed 23-13.
Although the Vikings' offense was good, the defense was even better, as it has been all season. Brian Flores dialed up pressure on Tyler Shough all day, limiting New Orleans to 142 yards in the win. It was the second straight week Minnesota held its opponent under 200 total yards, and they haven't allowed over 300 yards in a game since Week 1.
Three field goals by Will Reichard helped the Vikings build a two-score lead,
with kicks from 40, 54, and 55 yards. That combination gives ESPN's Kevin Seifert reason to believe this team can outperform expectations from analytic models, which don't rate Minnesota as highly as their 5-0 record would suggest.
Few projected the Vikings to spend much time atop the NFC North, and even after starting the season with four consecutive wins, they still ranked No. 14 in ESPN's Football Power Index. But they have a formula that is working and has given them a two-game lead in the division -- which includes two NFC North wins and four in the conference. Their offense continues to mystify, losing two red-zone fumbles Sunday. But their defense has locked down opponents all season; the Saints managed just 142 total yards. Kicker Will Reichard brought his season conversion total to 15-for-15 with three more field goals, including one from 55 and another from 54.
The Vikings have a bye in Week 6, giving Kevin O'Connell a chance to self-scout and improve on an offense that is improving but is still inconsistent. If Kyler Murray and the offense keep making strides after their bye week, Minnesota has a chance to be a true contender.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Beat writer discusses 'formula' the Vikings have found to win in 2026
