Explained: State of the Vikings thru 4 Games

The Vikings Need Kevin
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Please note: This video originally appeared on our sister-site PurplePTSD.com.


This is Episode 135 of VikesNow, a YouTube channel devoted to daily Minnesota Vikings analysis. This episode features Josh Frey, the editor of PurplePTSD, who examines the state of the Vikings through four games.

Particularly, the win over the New Orleans Saints and the stakes versus the Chicago Bears in Week 5 are discussed.

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The Vikings knocked off the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, 28-25, courtesy of special teams theatrics and a clutch game-winning drive from quarterback Kirk Cousins. Greg Joseph saved the day with five field goals, although he curiously missed one crucial extra point.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson returned to form for 10 receptions, 147 receiving yards, and a rushing touchdown as Minnesota took care of a team without its QB1, RB1, WR1, and LG.

Per PFF, the Vikings Top 2022 Players from Best to Worst: After Week 4
NFL Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports.

The Vikings are seven-point home favorites against the rival Chicago Bears, who lost in Week 4 at the New York Giants, 20-12. The Green Bay Packers also won on Sunday, beating the New England Patriots, but the Vikings stay on top of the NFC North thanks to tiebreakers. Minnesota is the NFC’s No. 2 seed as of October 5th.

Rookie defender Lewis Cine was lost to a broken leg, a disappointing development for the Vikings 1st-Rounder, who was a special teams contributor through four games. The Vikings drafted Cine as a plan for life after Harrison Smith, but the Georgia alumnus won’t see a regular season field again until 2023. Cine was placed on injured reserve this week. Minnesota will ask safeties Josh Metellus and Myles Dorn to step up in relief of Cine.




Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. 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).

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