Minnesota Vikings Remain Undefeated: Can They Win The NFC North?

The Minnesota Vikings have been the most surprising team this season. Many thought they would finish last in a tough NFC North but they find themselves 5-0 and first in the division after five weeks.

Three of the wins have been by six points or less but two of their wins have been blowouts. The offense, led by QB Sam Darnold and star WR Justin Jefferson has scored 23 or more points in each of their five games. On defense, they have allowed 17 points or less in four of five games.

The Vikings are flying high as they enter their week 6 bye week.

We break down Minnesota’s offense, defense, and if they can win the NFC North.

Minnesota Vikings Offensive Breakdown

The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the biggest surprises this season.

Many thought the offense would struggle when QB Kirk Cousins left Minnesota and went to Atlanta. However, that has not been the case. Sam Darnold has done a good job under center and is making a case to be a long-term solution for the Vikings.

The Vikings rank sixth in points per game, 18th in passing yards per game, and 16th in rushing yards per game.

While the passing and rushing yards have been average, they are scoring points, which is the most important thing.

Sam Darnold ranks tied for second among all QBs in passing TDs. One knock against Darnold is the interceptions. He has thrown one interception in four of the first five games this season. Darnold is also taking sacks. He has been sacked three or more times in three of five games and has been sacked one or fewer times just once this season. Justin Jefferson remains elite, ranking third in receiving yards and receiving TDs, and 14th in receptions.

The Minnesota Vikings have been playing well on offense.

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Breakdown

What has been the main reason for the 5-0 start for the Minnesota Vikings has been how excellent their defense has been.

They rank fourth in points allowed per game, 30th in passing yards allowed per game, second in rushing yards allowed per game, second in sacks per game, and second in takeaways per game.

The passing yards allowed per game ranking is a bit misleading as teams have been down a lot against Minnesota and are forced to throw all game.

The Vikings have done an excellent job of getting up early and forcing teams to throw early in games. This is why they rank 30th in passing yards allowed per game. They are getting pressure on the QB, which has also helped them create turnovers. Pat Jones II has five sacks, which ranks tied for third in the league. Andrew Van Ginkel and Camryn Bynyum are each tied for second in the league in interceptions, with two on the year. Brian Flores has this defense playing at a very high level this season.

The Minnesota Vikings are playing lights out defense.

Can The Vikings Win The NFC North?

The Minnesota Vikings are in a tough division. No team in the division has a losing record. The Vikings are 5-0, Detroit is 3-1, and the Bears and Packers are each 3-2.

Entering the season, the Minnesota Vikings were expected to finish last in the division. Minnesota has exceeded all expectations so far this year. They have been playing well on offense and defense.

However, turnovers are still haunting Sam Darnold and he has been getting sacked often. In games against the Lions, these turnovers will be costly. Detroit can also pressure the QB, as Aidan Hutchinson looks very good in his second year. The Lions have arguably the best offensive line in the league and can slow down the Vikings’ pass rush.

Despite a superb start to the season for the Minnesota Vikings, the Detroit Lions are still the better team and the Lions will end up winning the NFC North.