After defeating the Indianapolis Colts 16-10 on Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings are now 6-0 — one of just two remaining undefeated teams in the NFL along with the Kansas City Chiefs.

It hasn’t always been pretty, but the Vikings are doing enough to win, and they are led by an elite defense. Through seven weeks, the Vikings are the No. 1-ranked defense in PFN’s Defense Impact Score with a 95.3 grade. In fact, they are on pace to post the eighth-best Defense Impact Score since 1999. While they have faced a relatively easy schedule, Minnesota did hold the Chicago Bears to just three points in Week 2.

While the Vikings’ defense has been very impressive, is this team a legitimate contender? Will this hot start lead to a deep playoff run, or are Kyler Murray and Co. poised to come back down to Earth? Pro Football Network’s NFL analysts weighed in on Minnesota’s outlook and Super Bowl hopes.

Are the Vikings a Contender or Pretender? Breaking Down Minnesota’s 6-0 Start

“The offense is a far bigger concern, ranking 29th on the season, and it is not crazy to think that the Vikings could be quietly in the QB market before the trade deadline. Kyler Murray ranks 27th in PFN’s QB Impact Score on the season, but he is also doing exactly what this roster needs him to do. Saying that, could the Vikings quietly inquire about the availability of someone like Mac Jones, who might be more efficient (12th in PFN’s QB Impact Score last season)? If that is the best option available on the market, could we see them pivot to Carson Wentz if Murray struggles?

“Coming out of Week 7, the PFN NFL Playoff Meter gives the Vikings a 99% chance of making the playoffs, thanks in large part to very winnable games against the Falcons, Panthers, Commanders, and Jets. Win that group and other seven games become about placing rather than making the postseason. This defense is not one anyone will want to see in January or February.”

“Looking ahead, the Vikings play the Lions twice, the Bills, a reinvigorated Packers team, the 49ers, the Falcons, the Panthers, and the Patriots. The combined record of those teams? 31-18. Minnesota has handled business, but the real test starts now. They’ll need complete team games to run the table through that stretch.”