Vikings Sit Alone at 2-0 in NFC North Behind Flores Blitz Attack

Minnesota has won both of its games inside the division while Detroit, Chicago and Green Bay each carry early concerns on at least one side of the ball.

Two weeks into the NFL season, the NFC North looks like a troubled group — except in Minnesota. Yahoo Sports' latest power rankings note that Detroit's defense has serious problems, Chicago managed only three points in Week 2 after a 59-point opener, and Green Bay's offense appears to be coming apart despite a middling defense.

The Vikings stand at 2-0, with both victories coming against division opponents, and they have done it while getting just 11 snaps from Kyler Murray this season. Murray is expected back from a concussion in Week 3. Minnesota's offense ranks last in the league in yards gained, but the piece suggests Murray should be an upgrade over Carson Wentz.

Defense is driving the start. Coordinator Brian Flores sent blitzes after Caleb Williams on 27 of his 33 dropbacks (81.8%), per Next Gen Stats, a week after blitzing Jordan Love on 40 of 46 dropbacks (86.9%), per Pro Football Focus. The Vikings held the Bears to three points in Week 2.

Yahoo Sports notes Minnesota went 14-3 two seasons ago with capable quarterback play and 9-8 last season without it, arguing the team may have been underestimated entering the year. If Murray plays at an average level, the piece raises the possibility that Minnesota is the class of the NFC North.

Elsewhere in the rankings, Miami sits 32nd as the only team yet to hold a lead this season, Atlanta is 31st with a 38.2 team passer rating and Michael Penix Jr. set to start, Tennessee is 30th after a late loss to Philadelphia, Arizona is 29th and the Jets 28th.