The Minnesota Vikings stand alone as the NFL’s last undefeated team following Week 7, securing a 6-0 start for the first time since 2009 after grinding out a 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. DAZN reported that defensive coordinator Brian Flores has engineered a suffocating blitz-heavy scheme that currently allows a league-low 12.3 points per game, anchoring a franchise run that has relied on defensive takeaways and special teams while weathering early offensive adjustments.
Defensive Pressure Sets the Tone
Flores’ aggressive defensive front has overwhelmed opposing offenses through the first six games of the 2026 season. Edge rusher Dallas Turner has emerged as a primary disruption, collecting six sacks to rank tied for third in the league, while veterans Blake Cashman and Byron Murphy Jr. anchor the middle and secondary levels. DAZN noted that the unit limited the Indianapolis passing attack to four sacks and a game-sealing interception by Harrison Smith from quarterback Daniel Jones as time wound down.
HARRISON SMITH GETS THE INT! VIKINGS ARE 6-0 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/stul8J8hWe
The defensive blueprint took shape immediately in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. When quarterback Kyler Murray exited early due to a first-quarter concussion, Carson Wentz stepped in to guide a 22-point fourth-quarter rally for a 39-22 win. A week later at Soldier Field, the defense ground out a 9-3 win over the Chicago Bears, featuring a goal-line fumble recovery by Isaiah Rodgers and a game-ending sack by Turner on Tyson Bagent.
Special Teams and Roster Depth Deliver
Beyond the defense, complementary units have repeatedly shifted momentum. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3, Myles Price returned an 86-yard punt for a touchdown while the pass rush dropped Baker Mayfield six times in a 23-16 victory. Facing his former team in Week 4, Flores watched his defense limit Malik Willis to 85 passing yards, while kicker Will Reichard accounted for all Minnesota points through five field goals in a 15-10 defensive battle against the Miami Dolphins.
Vikings blitzed Daniel Jones on 85% of his dropbacks, the highest rate for any NFL team in the past 20 seasons, per ESPN Research.
The trend continued against the New Orleans Saints, where the defense surrendered just a single offensive touchdown alongside an 87-yard fumble return in a 23-13 decision. Across these matchups, the defense has consistently erased deficits and protected narrow leads while the offense works to find consistency.
Upcoming Schedule Tests the Shield
Quarterback Kyler Murray returned to action following the Week 1 concussion protocol, but analysts note that the passing game will need to expand past the four total touchdowns produced over a five-game stretch if the team intends to contend deep into the postseason. DAZN highlighted a demanding upcoming stretch featuring two games against the Detroit Lions, a matchup with the 5-1 Buffalo Bills, and an international trip to Mexico City to face the 6-1 San Francisco 49ers.
