The Minnesota Vikings are rocking a 4-0 record heading into Week 5, and honestly, it is wild considering what they have battled. These guys have overcome injuries to Kyler Murray at quarterback and Justin Jefferson at wide receiver in two of those wins. Now, Murray is back under center, and Jefferson says he plans to play in what is a homecoming game for him in New Orleans, even though both he and fellow wideout Jordan Addison are listed as questionable.
Minnesota’s Undefeated Streak Hinges on Historic Defense
How are the Vikings 4-0 with their biggest offensive stars banged up earlier in the season? It all comes down to their defense. This unit might just end up being one of the league’s historically great groups by the time the season wraps up. Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores has kept them aggressive, and the results speak for themselves: Minnesota is first in the league in points allowed per game, giving up a ridiculously low 12.8 points. They have also snagged seven takeaways, which sets up their offense in some sweet spots. If Murray and Jefferson are truly back and feeling good, that Vikings offense should be able to move the ball all over a Saints defense that just gave up 45 points to Atlanta.
Saints Looking to Rebound After Monday Night Massacre
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are limping into Week 5 after getting absolutely embarrassed on Monday Night Football. On the 20th anniversary of their return to the Superdome, their rivals, the Atlanta Falcons, rolled all over them. New Orleans has had some flashes this season, like their comeback win against the Lions in Week 1 and topping the Ravens late in Week 2. But things have definitely started to unravel over the last couple of weeks. They coughed up 13 fourth-quarter points to the Raiders in a Week 3 loss and then got blown out by the Falcons in primetime last week. Can they actually turn things around? The odds from DraftKings don’t exactly scream confidence: the Vikings are favored at -142 on the money line and -2.5 on the spread, with the over/under set at 41.5 points.
Kickoff from the Superdome in New Orleans is set for 1 p.m. ET. The Saints have to find a way to tighten things up, especially on defense, if they want to avoid another blow out and stop the Vikings from staying undefeated.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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