si
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minnesota Vikings are 4-0 for the first time in the 2026 season, but their latest win—a 15-10 escape against the Miami Dolphins—was far from pretty. Despite offensive struggles and key injuries, the Vikings found a way to protect their home turf and keep their perfect record intact.
If fans were hoping for a blowout against a winless Dolphins squad, they were sorely disappointed. Yet, as the saying goes, a win is a win, and the Vikings will gladly take it. Here’s a breakdown of what unfolded at U.S. Bank Stadium and what lies ahead.
Offensive Growing Pains
The big question entering Sunday was whether Kyler Murray would finally look comfortable in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system. The answer was mixed. The first half was a slog, with Murray and the passing game managing just 89 net passing yards. The offense was also missing star receiver Justin Jefferson, and lost left guard Donovan Jackson to a season-ending knee injury. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw exited temporarily with a neck injury but later displayed concussion-like symptoms, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
As the game wore on, though, Murray began to find a rhythm. O’Connell dialed up more movement, rolling the pocket and simplifying reads, often targeting tight end T.J. Hockenson. The former Iowa standout racked up 119 receiving yards and nearly scored a touchdown but intentionally went down short of the goal line to allow the Vikings to kneel out the clock. Murray also showed flashes of his ability to fit throws into tight windows, a promising sign for the weeks ahead.
Running back Aaron Jones Sr. continued his gritty play, rumbling for 94 yards on 20 carries (4.7 yards per attempt).
Defensive Dominance
While the offense sputtered, the Vikings’ defense suffocated Miami, limiting the Dolphins to just 198 total yards. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores, facing his former team, didn’t need to dial up anything exotic—the Dolphins simply couldn’t sustain drives. Holding any NFL team under 200 yards is a remarkable feat, and this performance was no exception.
Second-year edge rusher Dallas Turner continued his breakout campaign with two sacks and a forced fumble. At just 23 years old, Turner is quickly becoming a defensive cornerstone for Minnesota.
Then there’s kicker Will Reichard, aptly nicknamed “Will The Thrill.” Reichard was perfect on Sunday, converting all five of his field-goal attempts and accounting for all 15 of the Vikings’ points. Through four games, Reichard has scored more points by himself than the entire Vikings offense combined.
Lessons from Week 4
The Vikings’ undefeated start is impressive, but it’s unsustainable if the offense doesn’t start finding the end zone. The issues are multifaceted: Murray often looks uneasy in O’Connell’s base offense, and it’s on the head coach to tailor the scheme to his quarterback’s strengths. Shotgun formations, rollouts, and play-action concepts seem to suit Murray better than traditional under-center dropbacks.
With the defense and special teams performing at such a high level, the offense must catch up—and fast.
The Road Ahead
The Vikings remain alone atop the NFC North. The Bears, who have won two games with backup quarterbacks in the past week, sit at 3-1; their only loss came against Minnesota. The eventual return of Caleb Williams will likely energize Chicago’s Ben Johnson-led offense.
The Packers improved to 2-2 with a narrow 17-14 win over the Buccaneers, but offensive inconsistency and defensive injuries could hinder them. The Lions dropped to 2-2 after a loss to Bryce Young and the Panthers, allowing 445 total yards.
Minnesota is one of three remaining undefeated teams after the Chiefs knocked off the previously unbeaten Raiders 30-27 in Las Vegas. The 49ers are the only other undefeated team in the NFC after beating the Broncos 24-14. Their Week 12 matchup with the Vikings in Mexico City on Nov. 22 is shaping up to be a marquee game.
While the Vikings’ record says they’re elite, the on-field product often suggests otherwise. They’ll need to clean things up to stay in the NFL’s upper echelon.
Week 5 Opponent: New Orleans Saints
Next up, the Vikings travel to New Orleans to face the Saints at Caesars Superdome. Historically, Minnesota has never lost on that field—though fans still shudder at the memory of the 2009 NFC Championship Game.
The 1-2 Saints will first host the Falcons on Monday Night Football. New Orleans’ offense has been underrated, ranking ninth in yards per game (281.3 passing yards per game, fourth-best in the league). Their pass defense has been middling, which could give Kyler Murray and his weapons a chance to break out—especially if Justin Jefferson’s ankle injury clears him to play against his hometown team.
The Saints won’t go down easily at home, but the Vikings should remain undefeated if the offense can finally move the ball consistently.
For more Vikings coverage, sign up for our free newsletter. Jason Harmon has been covering the Vikings since 2023 and is the Vikings Content Curator for Sleeper. He co-hosts Purple Daily’s in-season podcast, Before I Die. Follow him on Twitter at jasonharmonnfl.