How the Undefeated Minnesota Vikings Are Winning Without Touchdowns

A Historic Start Without Touchdowns

The Minnesota Vikings are 4-0, making them one of just three undefeated teams left in the NFL. Yet they are winning in a way football fans have not seen in over a century. Sunday's 15-10 win against the Miami Dolphins was Minnesota's second game this year without scoring a touchdown. They also beat the Chicago Bears 9-3 in Week 2 without finding the end zone. The last team to start a season 4-0 with multiple touchdown-free games was the Chicago Cardinals back in 1923.

This success is built on defense and special teams. Minnesota's defense leads the league by allowing only 12.8 points per game. Over the past three weeks, the special teams unit has scored 42 points, while the offense has managed just seven points. Coach Kevin O'Connell has found a way to stack wins in unusual ways, continuing a trend from 2022 when the team went 11-0 in one-score games.

Offensive Hurdles and Fan Frustration

Injuries have disrupted the offense. Quarterback Kyler Murray suffered a concussion on the eleventh play of the season. Receiver Justin Jefferson sprained his ankle shortly after Murray returned in Week 3. The two stars have played only 18 snaps together. On Sunday, the team also lost linemen Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson to injuries for nearly half the game.

The offense struggled against Miami, committing five pre-snap penalties. Fans at U.S. Bank Stadium booed the unit after Murray was sacked three times in the first half. Still, Murray found rhythm in the fourth quarter, completing 12 of 13 passes. Tight end T.J. Hockenson caught 13 passes, even sliding at the two-yard line on the final drive to run out the clock rather than score. Kicker Will Reichard kept the team ahead by making all five of his field goals, improving to 12-for-12 this season. Pass rusher Dallas Turner also shined, recording two sacks to bring his season total to 5.5.

What it means for the next game

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): New Orleans Saints win 45%, Minnesota Vikings win 55%; projected score New Orleans Saints 20, Minnesota Vikings 21. Our safest pick: Under 49.5 points.