The Minnesota Vikings improved to 5-0 after defeating the New Orleans Saints 23-13 at the Superdome on Sunday. For the first time this season, Minnesota's offense moved the ball consistently. However, uncharacteristic turnovers allowed New Orleans to stay in the game.
But the Vikings' defense has been fantastic all season. Aside from a 15-play, 66-yard touchdown drive after an Aaron Jones fumble, the Saints managed only 76 yards on their other eight drives. It was another masterclass by Brian Flores, who has the defense playing as well as any unit on either side of the ball in the league.
Fortunately, Kyler Murray and the offense built on a strong fourth-quarter finish against the Miami Dolphins last week. That's where we begin our studs and duds
from Sunday's win.
Studs and duds from the Vikings' Week 5 win over the Saints
Stud: Kyler Murray
Murray completed his first 12 passes of the day, finishing 24/30 for 229 yards and a beautiful touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson, where he lofted the ball over three defenders. That came one week after completing 13/14 passes in Minnesota's final two drives against the Dolphins last week. Murray also scrambled seven times for 54 yards and picked up three first downs. There were still a few plays he'd like to have back, but Murray has seemed to settle into the offense and is at least providing competent quarterback play.
Dud: Ryan Van Demark
It was a tough day for Ryan Van Demark, who started at left tackle for Christian Darrisaw. As of Sunday night, PFF credited Van Demark with three pressures allowed. He also drew two penalties, putting the Vikings' offense behind the sticks on several drives. It was a tough spot for Van Demark, and all eyes will be on Darrisaw clearing the concussion protocol before Minnesota returns from its bye week.
Stud: Justin Jefferson
The Vikings' offense returned to the end zone on Sunday when Murray found Jefferson for a spectacular 15-yard touchdown connection. Murray threw a perfect pass, but Jefferson made an equally fantastic catch, helping Minnesota capitalize on a short field after a forced fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half. Jefferson caught six passes for 79 yards, easing concerns regarding the ankle injury that had sidelined him since the first drive of Week 3.
OH MY JETTAS ✈️@MINvsNO on FOX/FOX One
— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2026
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Dud: Jauan Jennings
Sunday was another no-show for Jennings, who failed to catch a pass for the second time this season. Jennings has only two receptions for nine yards in four games this year, and he showed his frustration on the sideline after a missed touchdown opportunity when Murray passed up a chance to throw him the ball and then overthrew him on the next play. With Jordan Addison out with a hamstring injury, Jennings was the only active receiver who didn't register a reception.
Stud: Byron Murphy Jr.
As usual, Flores' defense was stifling. Murphy stood out with two interceptions, setting up Minnesota's offense with a short field, but a Myles Price fumble wasted it. But Murphy's second pick ended any chance of a comeback, as Tyler Shough threw a desperate pass that Murphy caught on 3rd-and-12 with 2:49 remaining. Murphy's 13 interceptions since joining the Vikings in 2023 is the second-highest total in the league.
Dud: Untimely turnovers
I don't want to list Aaron Jones or Myles Price as duds, given their overall contributions. Jones ran 25 times for 113 yards and a touchdown, while Price had two punt returns for 57 yards, including a 43-yarder. However, their fumbles came in scoring position, allowing New Orleans to stay in the game. Jones fumbled inside the 10-yard line on the Vikings' second offensive drive. The Saints responded with a 15-play, 66-yard touchdown drive to take a 7-3 lead instead of potentially being down by two scores. In the third quarter, Price fumbled at New Orleans' 12-yard line, and safety Jonas Sanker returned it 87 yards to tie the game 13-13 instead of the Vikings potentially kicking a field goal to take a 16-7 lead with a little more than 17 minutes to play.
Fumble 🗣️ Jonas Sanker recovers and takes it to the end zone to tie it up!@MINvsNO on FOX/FOX One
— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2026
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Stud: Will Reichard
I won't forget the best kicker in the league. Reichard made all three field goals from 40, 54, and 55 yards. He has now made 34 consecutive field goals, the second-longest streak in franchise history.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Studs and duds from the Vikings' Week 5 win over the Saints
