PFF a Bit Skeptical about Vikings

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The 2024 Minnesota Vikings have turned heads out of the gate, racing to an unforeseen 5-0 start and owning the NFL’s seventh-best Super Bowl odds accordingly.

PFF a Bit Skeptical about Vikings

But not everyone is buying it, at least per sustainability.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is presses by Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark (97) during the first quarter of their game Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Pro Football Focus published an article this week, ranking each division leader through five weeks by its likelihood to remain on top of its division. And for the Vikings, they placed second-to-last, only in front of the Seattle Seahawks, a team PFF — and most of the world — expects to be knocked off its perch.

“The Vikings are 5-0 and seventh in overall team PFF grade, so what gives? Part is due to sustainability, but another is an extremely daunting division,” PFF’s Bradley Locker wrote.

“Minnesota’s offense is one of the best-coached, well-designed units in the league, featuring talents like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Aaron Jones. That’s all aided Sam Darnold in producing some highlights — but broader play that isn’t necessarily as effective. Darnold’s 65.8 passing grade is just 18th, plummeting after two sub-50.0 performances in the last two weeks.”

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores addressed the media from the TCO Performance Center on July 25th, 2024. Flores was hired in February 2023 to take over for Ed Donatell after Minnesota finished 30th in points allowed.

Minnesota’s defense ranks first in the NFL per DVOA and EPA/Play through five games, while the offense has tumbled lately, settling at No. 14 per EPA/Play as of October 10th.

“The Vikings’ defense is similar in some facets. Brian Flores’ contingent has continued to confound some of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, although largely via pressure. When those extra rushers don’t get home, it can be an issue.” Locker continued.

“The Vikings have surrendered the most receiving first downs and sit 22nd in explosive pass percentage. Not only is it likely that Minnesota will come back down to earth a bit, but also for other phenomenal teams in this division to remain steadfast.”

Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

The NFC North, indeed, is brutally tough in 2024, as most fans and pundits expected. No team has a losing record at the moment.

Locker concluded, “The 3-1 Lions are third in overall grade despite their offense not humming much of the year; the 3-2 Bears field a defense that’s fourth in EPA allowed per play; and the 3-2 Packers have an explosive offense with a defense that’s yet to hit its stride. It won’t be easy for the Vikings to preserve this position.”