Breaking: Latest Vikings Roster Move Turn Heads

The Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 schedule has officially been released, kicking off the excitement and speculation around the upcoming matchups. Notable games include a Christmas Day home showdown against the Detroit Lions and a Monday Night Football season opener on the road against the Chicago Bears on September 8.

Despite losing quarterback J.J. McCarthy for the entire 2024 season, the Vikings still managed an impressive 14-3 record. However, there were clear areas in need of improvement. Fortunately, the team put in serious work during the offseason, making key additions to strengthen the roster—especially on defense. Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, as NFL analysts are praising the moves and the direction the team is heading.

 

 

Expert Ranks Minnesota Vikings Among Top Defenses in the League

In a May 6 article for Bleacher Report, Gary Davenport breaks down the NFL’s top and bottom defenses, placing the Buffalo Bills in a favorable position. Davenport emphasizes that “defense still wins championships”—a timeless truth, even though a strong offense certainly helps. He humorously references Patrick Mahomes still “having nightmares” about the beating he took from the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

Davenport goes on to note how the NFL increasingly caters to offense, with rule changes each season aimed at boosting offensive output.

 

 

Turning to the Minnesota Vikings, Davenport ranks their defense an impressive seventh overall. He highlights the team’s aggressive offseason, particularly the additions of standout defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, which should elevate their pass rush significantly.

Despite those upgrades, Davenport points out a glaring weakness: Minnesota’s pass defense. In 2024, they gave up the fifth-most passing yards per game and made minimal improvements at cornerback beyond retaining Byron Murphy Jr.

Davenport concludes that the Vikings could field one of the league’s best defenses—if they shore up the secondary. But if their pass defense struggles again, another disappointing season may be in store.

The NFL’s Best Defense Revealed

 

 

In the same article, Davenport ranks the Denver Broncos as having the top defense in the NFL, with the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles coming in second.

“The Broncos are stacked on defense,” Davenport wrote. “Zach Allen has quietly emerged as one of the league’s top interior pass-rushers. Edge defenders Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper accounted for 24 of Denver’s NFL-best 63 sacks last season.” He added, “If this unit lives up to expectations, the Orange Crush will make a comeback.”