Just the Numbers: Vikings Defensive Rankings after Week 13

Dustin Baker |

Dec 8, 2021

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have 12 games in the books in 2021, losing last weekend at the Detroit Lions, 29-27.

Minnesota hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14. The Steelers are in the thick of a playoff hunt, whereas the Vikings are teetering on practical elimination.

These are the Vikings defensive rankings before Week 14.

Please note: Bye weeks are in effect, so all stats are ranked on a per-game basis.

2^nd in Sacks
7^th in Completion % Allowed
7^th in Defensive 3^rd Down %
13^th in Passing Defense DVOA
16^th in Defensive EPA/play
16^th in Takeaways
16^th in Rushing TDs Allowed
17^th in Overall Defensive DVOA
17^th in Interceptions
20^th in Passer Rating Allowed
21^st in TDs Allowed
23^rd in Defensive 4^th Down %
23^rd in Yards per Pass Allowed
23^rd in Passing Yards Allowed
23^rd in 2^nd Half Points Allowed
24^th in Defensive Penalties
24^th in Points per Play Allowed
24^th in Passing TDs Allowed
25^th in Points Allowed
25^th in Redzone TD % Allowed
25^th in 1^st Half Points Allowed
26^th in Yards per Play Allowed
27^th in Defensive Penalty Yards
28^th in First Downs Allowed
29^th in Rushing Yards Allowed
29^th in Rushing Defense DVOA
30^th in Yards Allowed
31^st in Yards per Rush Allowed

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

Also Read: After Brutal Loss to Previously Winless Lions, Mike Zimmer Needs To Go