Just the Numbers: Vikings Defensive Rankings after Week 15

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The Minnesota Vikings have 14 games in the books in 2021, winning last week against the Chicago Bears, 17-9, in a disheveled game.

Minnesota hosts the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16. The Rams are 10-4 with sights still locked on the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West, whereas Minnesota is searching for a wildcard berth.

These are the Vikings defensive rankings before Week 16.


  • 1st in Sacks
  • 3rd in Defensive 3rd Down %
  • 10th in Completion % Allowed
  • 13th in Rushing TDs Allowed
  • 13th in 1st Half Points Allowed
  • 14th in Takeaways
  • 14th in Yards per Point Allowed
  • 15th in Defensive EPA/play
  • 16th in Interceptions
  • 16th in Defensive DVOA
  • 18th in Passing Defense DVOA
  • 20th in Points per Play Allowed
  • 21st in TDs Allowed
  • 21st in Passer Rating Allowed
  • 21st in Rushing Defense DVOA
  • 22nd in Defensive 4th Down %
  • 22nd in Redzone TD % Allowed
  • 23rd in Points Allowed
  • 26th in Yards per Play Allowed
  • 26th in 2nd Half Points Allowed
  • 26th in Yards per Pass Allowed
  • 26th in Passing TDs Allowed
  • 27th in Rushing Yards Allowed
  • 28th in Defensive Penalty Yards
  • 29th in Passing Yards Allowed
  • 30th in Yards Allowed
  • 30th in Yards per Rush Allowed
  • 30th in First Downs Allowed
  • 30th in Defensive Penalties

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).