Off the Bye, Undefeated Viking Look for More of the Same

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Off the Bye, Undefeated Viking Look for More of the Same

Joe Oberle · Vikings Territory

Wed, Oct 21, 2026 ·

2 min read

Vikings Territory Breakdown Podcast

The Minnesota Vikings return from their bye week in pretty good shape. At 5-0 and atop the NFC North Division, they have some players returning from injury and, last we checked, were starting to get some decent play from the offense and the leader of that offense, quarterback Kyler Murray . As Murray will be a key to the rest of the season, the continued stellar play of the defense and special teams will be also be vital.

The Vikings defense leads the league in points allowed (12.8 per game) and is second in yards allowed at 259.8 per game (they are 3rd against the pass and 5th against the run). The unit is also the league leader in take/give differential (+6) and is T-5 with 17 sacks on the year ( Dallas Turner leads the team with 5.5).

Meanwhile, the Vikings place kicker Will Reichard has not missed a kick this season, including making all five kicks of 50 yards or longer. Plus, Myles Price has the only punt return for a touchdown in the league this season. Together the defense and the special teams has carried this team to its undefeated mark, tied atop the NFC.

As previously stated, it will have to continue. If the Vikings continue their ascending trajectory (and the team stays healthy) the sky is the limit for the Purple. The schedule certainly stiffens moving forward, and the bye came fairly early in the season, but the Vikings are in position for a memorable run in 2026. And the fellas at the Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast—Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory.com and purplePTSD.com, and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com are here to talk about it all. Tune in and check it out. Skol!

Listen to Vikings Territory Breakdown Podcast here or on your favorite podcast network.

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