Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Minnesota Vikings defense utilizes a 3-4 Amoeba / Aggressive blitz base scheme under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Minnesota Vikings Defense?

The Minnesota Vikings have been reliable on defense throughout 2025, sitting comfortably in the top half of the league at #7 in points allowed per game. In fact, they are allowing 3.4 fewer points per game than the league average, stifling opposing offenses.

In the NFC North, they are setting the standard, ranking above the Green Bay Packers (#11), Detroit Lions (#22) and Chicago Bears (#23) in points allowed per game.

Creating havoc is a strength, as they consistently find ways to penetrate the backfield. They've been opportunistic, capitalizing on opponent mistakes to generate a healthy number of takeaways.

49
Total Sacks
8
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is above average compared to the league median, while their secondary is capable (8 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Harrison Smith has been a standout performer in 2025, contributing 54 tackles, 1 sacks, and 2 interceptions to the team's efforts. It also helps that Andrew Van Ginkel is having a solid 2025, recording 54 tackles, 7 sacks, and 1 interception.

What is the Minnesota Vikings defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Brian Flores

The Minnesota Vikings defense runs a 3-4 Amoeba / Aggressive blitz under coordinator Brian Flores.

Base Defensive Front
3-4 Amoeba / Aggressive blitz
?
3-4 Front (Two-Gap)
Three down linemen, often responsible for two gaps (the player in front). They eat blocks to free up linebackers to make plays.

Tactical Philosophy

Brian Flores runs perhaps the most unique scheme in the NFL. It features heavy blitz rates, often sending 6+ rushers ('max pressure') while dropping 8 into coverage on the next snap. It relies on confusion and pre-snap disguise.

Key Principles

Max Pressure BlitzesPre-Snap DisguisePositionless VersatilityCover 0 / Cover 1

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Unpredictable blitz angles & confusing formations
  • ✓Disguises coverage responsibilities well
  • ✓Versatile against spread offenses

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Vulnerable to outside runs if edge setting fails
  • ⚠Complex gap assignments for defensive line
  • ⚠Requires specific 'two-gap' personnel (Nose Tackle)

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Minnesota Vikings Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

🔥 This unit excels at creating negative plays. Expect a high weekly floor due to their sack and turnover potential.
Havoc Rate
GOOD
10.5/g
Turnovers
GOOD
1.5/g
Aggression
ELITE
6.3/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
10.5
GOOD
They disrupt the offense 10.5 times per game. This constant pressure forces bad throws and negative plays.
Ball Production
1.5
GOOD
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.5 times per game. They are ball-hawks that give their offense extra possessions.
Front Aggression
6.3
ELITE
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 6.3 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Minnesota Vikings defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
19.6 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Minnesota Vikings defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
CB
Dwight McGlothern
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Jonathan Greenard
Linebacker
Injured ReserveDec 18
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
S
Joshua Metellus
Safety
Injured ReserveDec 18
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Jeff Okudah
Cornerback
Injured ReserveNov 9
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DE
Elijah Williams
Defensive End
Injured ReserveDec 29
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
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