 celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/jeffjones.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=633,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/jeffjones.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button”><figcaption> Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Minnesota Vikings <a href=)
own a 3-0 record heading into “Packer Week,” an unexpected development for the purple team.
The 8 Reasons Why You Should Take the Undefeated Vikings Seriously
The Vikings are straight cruising through three games, shocking the NFL masses and even the team’s fans.
And here’s why that’s happening. The reasons are ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most important).
8. Nothing Is Accidental or Fluky
warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/smithsf.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=629,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/smithsf.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/smithsf-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Minnesota has solidly defeated three opponents, especially last week with a win over the Super Bowl-contending Houston Texans. Unlike the 2022 season, the Vikings’ wins aren’t fluky or suspense-filled.</p>
<p>Typically, lopsided wins — sheer dominance — are the mark of an elite football team. Kevin O’Connell’s team has almost led cover to cover in three games this season. </p>
<h2>7. The Beatdowns </h2>
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per DVOA. All facets of the defense are cooking; there are no deficiencies.
Of course, Flores’ defense ranked tops in the NFL between Weeks 4 and 14 last season before cooling off in December and January. Folks will now hope a serious regression doesn’t set in.
2. Balance of Offense
 runs the ball against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ajtex.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=708,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ajtex.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ajtex-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>During O’Connell’s first two seasons, he called plays like a former quarterback, dropping back to pass well over 60% of the time. That’s great — while playing <em>Madden</em>. </p>
<p>Heading into Week 4, the Vikings rank 19th in pass playcall percentage and 14th via rushing plays. Finally, after several requests by the team’s onlookers, Minnesota is running the ball and doing it effectively. No more are the pass-happy games where Kirk Cousins or Sam Darnold throw 45+ times.</p>
<p>It’s paid off. Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler’s efforts enabled the Vikings to have one of the sport’s most fluid offenses.</p>
<h2>1. Roster Depth</h2>
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
