The Minnesota Vikings are 4-0, but their unbeaten start looks nothing like a typical NFL hot streak. They have already won two games without scoring a single offensive touchdown, relying on a combination of defense, field goals and timely special-teams plays. That makes their record one of the strangest starts of the 2026 season, especially because Minnesota has joined an extremely small group of teams to accomplish the feat. The Vikings are proving that an offense does not always need to dominate when the rest of the roster keeps finding ways to deliver points and protect leads.
The Vikings Made History Without Scoring a Touchdown in Two Games
Minnesota’s 4-0 record is unusual for a reason that goes well beyond simply remaining unbeaten. The Vikings became just the third team in NFL history to open a season 4-0 despite failing to score a touchdown in two of their first four games. The only previous teams to accomplish it were the 1922 and 1923 Chicago Cardinals, meaning Minnesota is the first team in more than a century to produce this particular combination of results. The latest example came Sunday against Miami, when the Vikings won 15-10 without reaching the end zone.
Will Reichard Has Turned Field Goals Into a Winning Formula
When Minnesota’s offense has stalled near the red zone, Will Reichard has repeatedly turned those possessions into points. The All-Pro kicker made all five of his field-goal attempts against Miami, accounting for every point in the 15-10 victory. He is now 12-for-12 on field goals this season and has made 31 consecutive field goals dating back to October 2025, giving him the longest active streak among NFL kickers. That level of reliability has become particularly valuable for a team that has struggled to finish drives with touchdowns.
The Offense Is Still Searching for Its Rhythm
Minnesota’s unbeaten record does not mean its offense has been clicking normally. Against Miami, the Vikings gained 336 yards, their highest total of the season, but still failed to score a touchdown. That extended their streak to 18 consecutive possessions without a touchdown, excluding victory formations at the end of games. Kyler Murray threw for 247 yards, while Aaron Jones contributed 128 scrimmage yards and T.J. Hockenson caught all 13 of his targets for 119 yards. Those contributions helped move the ball, but the inability to finish drives remains the biggest concern surrounding the 4-0 team.
The Defense Keeps Covering for the Offensive Problems
Minnesota’s defense has given the offense considerable room for error, and the Miami game was another example. The Dolphins managed only 198 total yards and eight first downs, while crossing into Vikings territory just twice on nine drives. Dallas Turner was especially disruptive, recording two sacks, including a strip-sack, to bring his season total to 5.5 through four games. The unit’s ability to prevent opponents from turning limited offensive production into big scoring totals has been a defining part of Minnesota’s unbeaten start.
Special Teams Have Become a Bigger Part of the Story
The Vikings are finding ways to win games without depending on offensive touchdowns, and special teams have played a meaningful role in that formula. Reichard’s perfect kicking has supplied points when drives have stalled, while Myles Price has provided valuable field-position swings, including a 47-yard kickoff return and a 36-yard punt return against Miami. The defense then turns those opportunities into pressure on opposing offenses. Put together, those phases have helped Minnesota survive offensive struggles that would usually be difficult for an undefeated team to overcome.
