Sports · American Football · 6 hrs ago
Undefeated Vikings face questions over weak offense
The Minnesota Vikings are the NFL’s last unbeaten team at 6-0.
Their defense and special teams have been among the league’s best, while their offense has struggled to score.
That imbalance has raised doubts about whether Minnesota can contend for a championship.
A historical comparison found that the 2000 Baltimore Ravens also had a strong defense and special teams with a weak offense, and they won the Super Bowl.
But the Vikings’ current run does not guarantee they will match that outcome, and the analysis says their defense would need to keep playing at a historic level.
A tough run of games is next, with Minnesota set to face the Lions, Bills, Packers and 49ers.
The Minnesota Vikings are 6-0 and the NFL’s last unbeaten team, with their defense and special teams carrying an offense that has struggled to score.
Their 10 offensive touchdowns are the fewest by any 6-0 team since the 1934 Detroit Lions, according to CBS Sports.
CBS Sports says the Vikings have the largest defense-and-special-teams-to-offense gap in expected points added per play among teams since 2000.
Their special teams rank first in the league, with Myles Price leading in total return yards and Will Reichard making 18 of 19 field goals.
The articles differ in emphasis: CBS Sports says this unusual balance could make Minnesota dangerous, while Fox Sports warns the team could falter without better offense.
- Who
- The Minnesota Vikings, who are 6-0 and the NFL’s last unbeaten team.
- What
- Their defense and special teams are driving their success while their offense struggles.
- When
- During the 2026 NFL season; the articles were published on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- Minnesota; the articles do not state a specific game location for the season record.
- Why
- The defense and special teams have performed at a high level, while the offense has scored few touchdowns and points.
CBS Sports
Fox Sports
Outlook
CBS Sports
CBS Sports says the Vikings’ historic defense and special teams could make them dangerous if the level continues.
Fox Sports
Fox Sports says the Vikings are likely to have a major drop-off if their offense continues to struggle.
Championship potential
CBS Sports
CBS Sports points to the 2000 Ravens as an example of a team that won a Super Bowl with a strong defense and special teams and a weaker offense.
Fox Sports
Fox Sports says Minnesota cannot be a true Super Bowl contender without offensive competence.
Minnesota started the season 6-0 and became the NFL’s last unbeaten team.
Vikings kicker Will Reichard broke Gary Anderson's franchise record for consecutive field goals made, reaching 36.
Fox Sports and CBS Sports published articles assessing the Vikings’ unbeaten start and the imbalance between their offense and defense and special teams.
- Record
- 6-0
- Offensive touchdowns
- 10, the fewest by any 6-0 team since the 1934 Lions
- EPA per-play gap
- 0.356 between defense and special teams and offense, according to CBS Sports
- Myles Price
- 802 total return yards; leads the NFL
- Will Reichard
- Made 18 of 19 field goals; franchise-record streak of 36 consecutive made field goals
3 sources
What people are saying
The defense and special teams, meanwhile, are the best in football.
This is also the best special teams we've seen this century (0.24 EPA per play).
Minnesota can’t be a true Super Bowl contender without offensive competence.