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The Minnesota Vikings defense remained the centerpiece in New Orleans, but for the first time in 2026, the offense matched their brilliance. Minnesota departed the Big Easy with a 23-13 triumph, advancing to 5-0 as they head into their bye week. It was the most complete effort of the season despite some significant mistakes, prompting a breakdown of grades for each position group.
Quarterback: A This was the Kyler Murray the Vikings envisioned when they acquired him. He appeared decisive and protected the football. Murray began the game completing his first 12 passes and was an astounding 25-for-26 dating back to the fourth quarter of Week 4 against Miami. An additional 51 rushing yards capped what was his finest game to date, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what might lie ahead as he continues to develop.
Running Back: B This grade would have been an 'A' if Aaron Jones had not fumbled in the red zone during the first half. Apart from that miscue, Jones once again demonstrated his toughness and proved he is the only running back on the roster the Vikings trust. The 31-year-old injured veteran carried the ball 25 times and did not surrender a single carry to another back. He will finally receive a well-deserved rest during the bye week after averaging 25 touches per game over the past four weeks.
Wide Receiver: B Welcome back, Justin Jefferson. The Louisiana native reminded everyone that, even with a bad ankle, he is the best on the planet at catching a football. He secured the Vikings' first offensive touchdown since the second quarter of Week 3, but was a lone bright spot in the Vikings receiver room. After another week without a catch, Jauan Jennings has just two catches this season; it is more than fair to wonder whether his time in Minnesota is winding down as an expensive WR3 who does not add special teams value.
Tight End: B Losing T.J. Hockenson on the second play of the game after his 13-catch outing last week was certainly frustrating. Even so, Murray still looked for the tight ends, finding them seven times for 50 yards. In fact, had Gavin Bartholomew and Murray connected on what could have been a long touchdown, the offense would have had an even better day.
Offensive Line: C The offensive line entered the game pretty banged up, missing both starters Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson, but held up decently overall. Murray was sacked twice, and various holding calls marred a somewhat sloppy day, but the group also got good push in the run game, paving the way for 153 yards on the ground.
Defensive Line: B The Vikings' defensive front was strong, allowing just 55 total rushing yards. It was a nice rebound after the unit allowed 121 rushing yards against Miami. Rookie Caleb Banks notched two tackles in just seven snaps, and ideally his role continues to grow throughout the season.
Linebackers: B The sacks were not there in this one, although it is hard to criticize a defense that allowed just seven points and 142 total yards. Dallas Turner had his quietest game this season with just one tackle, but Blake Cashman continued his franchise-record 16 straight games with at least seven tackles after notching nine in New Orleans.
Secondary: A Have a day, Byron Murphy Jr. The Vikings cornerback picked off Tyler Shough twice, bringing his interception total to three for the year. The Vikings secondary held Shough to just 96 passing yards and has now kept opposing quarterbacks under 100 passing yards in back-to-back weeks. Brian Flores really is a genius.
Special Teams: A Will Reichard needed to be in the Ring of Honor yesterday. He went 3-for-3, including two from over 50 yards, and is now a perfect 15-for-15 this season. Rookie Jake Golday made his first splash play of the year, punching out a fumble on a Saints kick return. Meanwhile, Myles Price continues to do Myles Price things, adding a 43-yard punt return. The Vikings arguably have the best defense and the best special teams unit in the NFL.
Get Vikings On SI straight to your inbox: sign up for our free newsletter here. Trevor Ripley has covered the NFL since 2021 and is a contributing writer for Vikings On SI. He's also written for Zone Coverage as a lead writer and as a breaking news writer for Heavy On Sports. Born and raised in Wisconsin, he gets to answer 'Why are you a Vikings fan?' everyday of his life. Follow RipleyNFL.