Just the Numbers: Vikings Defensive Rankings after Week 13

Eric Kendricks & Anthony Barr
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.

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