What Makes Vikings’ Defense So Special?

The Minnesota Vikings are off their bye week and face the Indianapolis Colts and former Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones on Sunday. With a 5-0 record, Minnesota is primed for a shot at the number one seed in the NFC and a bye week. While the Vikings offense has some making up to do, the defense is rolling and doing the heavy lifting. The returning offensive pieces only stand to benefit the offense and Kyler Murray.

But just how good is the Vikings defense so far? Let's take a deeper dive into the hot start for Brian Flores and the defense.

In terms of EPA/play allowed, the Vikings (-0.23) are number one with a narrow lead over the Seattle Seahawks (-0.18). The roles flip in total EPA, as Seattle is first (-65.40) and Minnesota is right behind with a total EPA of -63.83. The two teams flip again as the success rate % allowed is Minnesota first at 33.45% and the Seahawks at 36.94%. 

There's a common thread between the two teams, and it will continue for the foreseeable future. EPA/pass is the same, with Minnesota at -0.27 and Seattle second at -0.19. Where the Vikings slip a bit is against the run. With an EPA/rush of -0.16, Minnesota slides to eighth in the NFL. Yes, it's not top two, but it's still a stingy run defense. 

The Vikings find themselves third in the NFL with an interception % of 3.85%. Seattle comes in second with Green Bay ahead of the league at number one. In the red zone, Minnesota ramps up the production with a -0.57 EPA/play, the best in the NFL. The Jaguars are number one in total EPA (-29.12) in the red zone, but Minnesota is right behind them at -21.11. 

Put the Vikings back at the top in success rate allowed in the red zone at 27.03%. The Jaguars lead the league in EPA/pass allowed in the red zone at -0.68, but the Vikings are right behind them at -0.62. As far as EPA/rush in the red zone, Minnesota is the best in the league at -0.50. 

The Vikings have allowed exactly 38 rushing (third behind Kansas City and Pittsburgh) and passing (second behind Pittsburgh with 34) yards in the red zone and have allowed one passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns. 

The defense is carrying the Vikings. One should shutter to think about the Vikings offense finding its groove in 2026.