Minnesota Vikings Receive Harsh Verdict on Perfect Start to 2026 Season

The Minnesota Vikings (5-0) are one of the NFL's best teams. For starters, they are one of three NFL teams with an undefeated record. The other two are the San Francisco 49ers (5-0) and Kansas City Chiefs (4-0).

To many, it doesn't feel like the Vikings are a Top 3 NFL team. The way they are winning games is perhaps the biggest reason why some are doubting Minnesota through five games.

Minnesota ranks No. 27 in the NFL in total yards. They rose from No. 31 to No. 27 in Week 5 after facing a Saints team that allowed 35 points to the Las Vegas Raiders and 45 points to the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings won 23-13.

Vin Santoro of The Big Lead opines that the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos "prove it is better to be lucky than good." Santoro contends that neither team is doing anything special on offense and both are lucky to be in the position they are at currently.

Here's some of what Santoro had to say about the Vikings.

"The Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos are two very opposite NFL teams, yet they are both finding ways to win games that most teams don’t. ... The (Vikings) offense is in a similar situation to Denver, as they can’t win games cleanly and their defense has been one of the best in all of football. Brian Flores deserves more credit than he already gets.

This team is number one in EPA/Play on defense, and their offense ranks 28th offensively per EPA/Play. Why is this team struggling? Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones are their only two notable offensive weapons. Jones is getting a heavy workload, but you would think his numbers would be higher with how much volume they’re feeding him. Jones ranks 22nd in EPA/Rush. Despite receiving the majority of carries, he is only marginally improving their scoring chances.

If the Vikings want to be a true contender, their offensive numbers are going to need a major boost, or this team will continue to fall under the category of a 'pretender.'"

The consternation over the Vikings start certainly is not unique to Santoro. It's clear that the Vikings have played great defense through five games. Still, though Minnesota's defense has been consistently good it hasn't been all-time dominant. Then you realize the Vikings held the Chicago Bears to three points in Week 2 and limited Saints quarterback Tyler Shough to 96 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions last week.

The Vikings may not be the best team in the NFL. They may not be the fifth best team. They are certainly a legitimate playoff contender and threat to make the NFC championship game. And the offense may only continue to make significant strides.

Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. But the Vikings are not lucky. The Vikings are winning because they are good.