Vikings overcome Saints to remain unbeaten

The Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints entered Sunday’s clash at the Caesars Superdome with contrasting objectives, as Minnesota looked to preserve its perfect start to the 2026 NFL season while New Orleans sought to end a difficult run of results. The Vikings had surprisingly established themselves as an early contender in the NFC, winning their opening month of games and aiming to maintain momentum.

Meanwhile the Saints were desperate for a response after a disappointing start to the campaign, particularly in the run game on both sides of the ball, having had no answers for Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. at home against the Atlanta Falcons last week.

The Vikings opened the scoring in the first quarter, with kicker Will Reichard converting a 40-yard field goal to give the visitors an early advantage. However, that drive came at a cost when Minnesota suffered an early setback in tight end T.J. Hockenson being forced out of the game with a concussion, leaving Murray without one of his most reliable receiving options.

New Orleans capitalised on a costly Minnesota mistake in the second quarter. Defensive tackle Khristian Boyd forced a fumble from running back Aaron Jones Sr. late in the first, with the Saints recovering possession and moving into promising territory. The home side made the most of the opportunity, with Kendre Miller powering into the end zone from 2 yards out to put New Orleans ahead.

After the teams each had multiple possessions without either picking up a first down, the Vikings eventually responded on the scoreboard before halftime, as Reichard converted a 54-yard field goal to cut the deficit to a point. Despite finally moving the ball with some effectiveness, Minnesota struggled to turn its opportunities into touchdowns, potentially looking destined for another week without a touchdown and allowing the Saints to head into the break with a narrow advantage.

The visitors finally found their breakthrough in the third quarter. After a fumble on the opening kickoff by New Orleans, Murray connected with Justin Jefferson for a 15-yard touchdown, with the receiver producing a textbook catch that has become a routine for him in the back of the end zone to put Minnesota back in front at 13-7.

As it has done in every game to date this season, the Vikings defense made a strong mark on the game when Byron Murphy Jr. picked off Tyler Shough. However, when things looked to be heading south, the Saints found a way to respond almost immediately in dramatic fashion. A Minnesota fumble by Myles Price resulted in a loose ball that Jonas Sanker recovered and returned 87 yards for a touchdown. New Orleans did fail to convert the extra point, leaving the scores tied and setting up a tense final quarter.

Minnesota regained control in the last term, with Jones Sr. making amends for his earlier fumble by rushing for an 8-yard touchdown on his team’s best drive of the afternoon to restore their lead. Reichard then extended the advantage with a 55-yard field goal, giving the visitors some breathing room as the Saints struggled to mount another response from a couple of scores behind.

Murphy Jr. added the finishing touches on a 23-13 win, claiming his second interception of the day to seal victory with Shough having no choice but to force risky throws, as the Vikings defense ensured New Orleans remained scoreless throughout the entire last quarter.

The win keeps Minnesota’s perfect season intact, with Murray delivering an important performance and remaining in control of the game for the most part, despite the team’s red zone mistakes. For New Orleans, the defeat marks another frustrating and inconsistent afternoon, as the Saints were unable to sustain their momentum after briefly drawing level in the third quarter.

Touchdowns
Minnesota: Jefferson, Jones Sr.
New Orleans: Sanker, Miller

Top Performers
Minnesota: Jefferson, Jones Sr., Murray, Reichard, Murphy Jr.
New Orleans: Sanker, Young, Granderson

Injuries
Minnesota: Hockenson (concussion)
New Orleans: N/A

Crowd: TBC @ Caesars’ Superdome