The Minnesota Vikings were looking to get things back on track in Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Coming out of their bye week on a two-game losing streak, they needed to get back into the win column if they wanted to make the playoffs for a second straight season.
It certainly wasn’t pretty, but the Vikings were able to get the job done on Sunday afternoon. But, a win is a win as they all count the same, as Minnesota defeated Las Vegas in the lowest-scoring game of the season, 3-0.
Fantasy Football managers who had players in the game certainly weren’t thrilled, but the Vikings had to be happy about the outcome. Seeing their defense, which struggled mightily earlier in the season, play that well in spearheading a victory is a confidence booster.
NFL News & Rumors: Kevin O’Connell, Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings Updates
In the process, they helped the Vikings accomplish something that hadn’t been done in over 15 years. According to Janik Eckardt of Vikings Territory, NFL teams who scored three or fewer points were 0-255-2 since 2005 entering Week 14. There is now a one in the win column courtesy of Minnesota.
It has been a while since the Vikings could rely on their defense to win games, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores has helped that group turn the corner this season. They aren’t going to shut their opponents out every week, but knowing they are capable of playing up to that level takes some of the pressure off of the rest of the team.
It could not have come at a better time as the Vikings have some issues to iron out offensively. Quarterback is the No. 1 thing to figure out as Joshua Dobbs was benched in the fourth quarter in favor of backup Nick Mullens.
NFL News & Rumors: Kevin O’Connell, Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings Updates
Mullens was able to do enough to get the team the win in Week 14 and will now be the starter in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals. But, he could be leading a short-handed group as star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, offensive tackle Brian O’Neill and running back Alexander Mattison were all injured against the Raiders.
Minnesota is going to need some more heroic efforts from the defense to make up for the obstacles the offense is facing. If they can replicate their performance against the Raiders, the Vikings will be able to capitalize on their outside chance of winning the NFC North for a second straight year.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
